Angkor Watt

• Style + situated

  The Khmer styled votive temple situated in Siam Reap, Cambodia
• Purpose

  Originally dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu.

  
  

  Yet now boasts a dual function as not only a microcosm of the spiritual realm, but also as a mausoleum for King Suryavarman II. = legitimise his rule. Kings in Cambodia believed they were Gods, the name means 'Protector of the sun'.

  
  

  HARMONIOUS
• Give a composition point about structure (towers/mountain/summer) + CT

  Point: Colossal building contains five vernacular stoned towers, creating a mandala shape, positioned in quincunx formation to mark central sanctuary as during Spring Equinox (to summer), sun will align with central tower. (symbol of regeneration/renewal)

  
  

  Effect: Planetarian alignment represent “the five mountain ranges of Mt. Meru” stated by Dr Rod-air Khan Academy (mythical home of gods, holy place) since concept of natural order has been obtained within architecture.
• Give composition point about structure (moat & wall)

  Point (1): Towers created into ogival shape, resembling a lotus bud formation.

  Effect: (1): Symbolise sense of regeneration, the flower opens up during day-time. - Link to spring equinox.

  
  

  Point (2): Surrounded by enormous moat and wall

  Effect (2): Emphasise sacredness since as well as mountain ranges, there are also oceans encircling and protecting the architecture, - intensify the significance as a Hindu-Buddhist temple.

  
• During Spring Equinox

  The picture

  
• Give MTP point about material

  Point: Inclusion of natural material vernacular sandstone. Contains more stone than an Egyptian pyramid. Material was carried 18 miles away & transported to the site via canals. Built in stone first, then carved to fit perfectly, with no mortar (cement).

  
  

  Reasoning/effect: Allow architecture appear more organic, giving appearance that building has developed overtime from 1100s within natural environment of north-western Cambodia.
• Give conclusion

  • Angkor Watt’s function as environmentally friendly religious temple does not seem to problematise its harmony with nature.
  • However, can be argued that due to building’s public purpose, the extent of harmony with nature could not be limited, as the artwork is exposed to all.
  • Additional: Appears on national Cambodian flag & UNESCO world heritage site = success
• Conforms to the concept of Biophilia

  Created by Edmund O Wilson.

  An innate/instinctive sense that nature is beautiful to humans.