Designing Khmer Landscapes in Wood, with Traditional Spirits

Ref.: 148
Área temática: 02 Integridad funcional de los paisajes urbanos históricos
Fecha de recepción: 14/11/2008

AUTORES (* Autor principal)

Sokol, Hok * - (Camboya)

EVALUACIÓN FINAL DEL COMITÉ CIENTÍFICO: Pendiente

ABSTRACT

The Khmer civilization was once among the most prosperous in Asia, the result of their ancestor's imaginative endeavors, evident in many famed monumental works. The temples that have survived were dedicated to various gods, but the Khmer paid equal attention to the art of designing their private dwellings, all in harmony with the same spirits. This respect for the spirits provided guidance for Khmer society in what might be considered a grand landscape architectural master plan. Both kinds of buildings (monumental and vernacular residential) are related and interact with each other, thereby constituting a village, city and a society.

Across the landscape that is Cambodia there are thousands of villages, towns and cities. In each, there are the living traditions of the people, the current civilization. According to their religious beliefs, they still build minor palaces, temples, monasteries, shops, and houses. These building are not only limited to those meeting the daily requirements of the present population but include the residences of visible spirits.

Since ancient times, building in wood has been a major theme of Cambodia culture. The traditional wooden architecture represents a significant part of the Khmer's cultural heritage, but has been threatened by war, neglect and fashion. The change of morality of the people may eventually lead to the oblivion of Khmer civilization as it has been known, and certainly makes the conservation of traditional landscapes difficult. But today `s villagers still understand some of what Khmer culture must have been at the early 20th century, and how the house was object of social distinction, with a great diversity. Most of the traditional residential buildings are in a desperate condition, but practice of the principles and rituals strengthens Khmer identities.

To prevent such a decline, I have studied the traditional patterns and preferences. Conservation work and new construction is related to the historic landscapes of mountains, valleys and plains, and includes a consideration of the appropriate orientation, water bodies, trees, walks, and the elements that the monks want to place in various locations, to bring the spirits into the properties.

BIBLIOGRAFÍA