The Orientation of Temple’s Layout Plan in World Heritage Town of Luang Phrabang, Lao PDR

Abstract

The Orientation of Temple’s Layout Plan in World Heritage Town of Luang Phrabang, Lao PDR.

Nittha Bounpany
Master of Landscape Architecture Program, Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University

Chaiyasit Dankittikul
Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University

         The study of building orientation of temples in Luang Phrabang is based on Sim, the principle building of the temple. It was found that building orientation related to traditions and beliefs of vernacular houses of the locals and the tide. That is, the roof was placed along the tide. In addition, building orientation here was not based on Buddhist custom, when buildings faced the east side. It was also found that building orientation of temples in Lanna and Sukhothai had cultural and historical practices in common.

         However, in 24th Buddhist Century, building orientation of Sim was changed. That is, transportation route played important role to religious buildings; however, there were not many evidences left. Then, when Luang Phrabang faced political problems and French colony, and finally became the World Heritage city of Lao PDR, many old Sim were removed, and were not reconstructed, as a result, there was no evidence of Sim which faced the transportation route.