Nepal and Tibet

architecture
 Architecture of nepal

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 background
Nepali architecture or Nepalese architecture is
a unique strain of art and practicality. It is famous all over
the world. Situated in between the trade routes of India
and Tibet and China. Nepali architecture reflects
influences from both of these cultural strongholds. The
pagoda architectural tradition figures prominently among
Hindu temples in the country. The pagoda architectural
tradition as well, along with the Tibetan tradition of
Buddhist architecture and the stupa in contrast is widely
used among Buddhist temples throughout the country.
Mugal style, summit style, dome style also have great
scope in Nepal.

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 Maps

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 influences
GEOGRAPHICAL INFLUENCES
Mainly composed of high mountains,
which include Mount Everest, and is sparsely
inhabited, except in small area in the center, the
valley of Nepal. Nepal forms an irregular
parallelogram some 720 km long and 240 km in
breadth extending across the Himalayas. It contains
three old capitals the Katmandu, Patan and
Bhatgaon.

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ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER

Stupas, temples, picturesque townships, and intricate

native craftsmanship are her characteristic architectural heritage.
Two kinds of temple survive, the ‘Sikhara” and the “pagoda”,
the first reflection Indian and the second Chinese (Burmese)
influence. In either case, the temple is a shrine enclosing a cella
for the god or divine symbol. A typical formal feature of the
Nepalese town is the monumental pillar generally supporting a
metal superstructure adorned with mystic symbols, group of
divinities and specially, portrait statuary of royalties.
 “ Prominent Styles.
Nepal architecture can roughly be
divided into three groups –
the Pagoda style, the Stupa style and
the Shikhara style – together with
indigenous elements from the
Newari people.

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 Pagoda style

⬗ The pagoda features prominently

in Nepalese temples, with multi-
roofed structures and wide eaves
which are supported by beautifully
carved wooden struts. The roof is
often topped by triangular spires
which enclose an inverted bell,
while projecting windows are
either latticed or grilled.
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 Stupa style
Originating in ancient India, stupas
are Buddhist in their concept and
execution, designed as a tomb-like
structure to house sacred relics. They
have since spread across Asia and into
Nepal, evolving into different forms
and incorporating elements specific
to different regions.
The shape of a stupa is representative
of Buddha.
 Shikhara style
A tall curvilinear or pyramidal tower.
It translates from Sanskrit as
“mountain peak” and usually
exhibits a highly ornate exterior.
Shikhara were designed over the
sanctum sanctorum where the
presiding deities were enshrined and
topped by a bell-shaped “alasha”, or
sacred brass receptacle.
 materials
Basic construction materials in
all types of buildings were timber, brick,
clay mortar, tiles, stones, and metals such as
brass, copper, and iron. Strong building
materials like lime, sand, and glass were
unknown in Nepal during those times.
Hence the buildings were very weak in
structure. Many of the ancient structures
couldn’t resist the great earthquake in 1937
and they were badly damaged.

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 Wood
Wood was abundant in Nepal. Almost one
third of the country was covered by a
heavy rain forest and therefore timber was
the most popular and lavishly used building
material. It was used for all the structural
parts of the building such as the roof
frames, floor, columns, beams, lintels,
doors, and windows.

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 Brick and clay mortar
Except for some stone
temples, brick and mud mortar was
the only building material used for
the construction of the
superstructures and plinths. Sun dried
or firebricks were used. Since these
structures were load bearing, very
heavy and thick walls were required
on first floor, with progressively
decreasing wall thickness on the upper
floor.

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 Stone
Only a few temples were built entirely of
stone, however, stone was used to make
special features in all of the temples. Stones
were mostly used to make sculptures of the
deities and the guardians that are kept on
the sides of the doors and steps. Sometimes
stone was used for lintels, plinths, stairs, and
the foundation.

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Boudha Stupa
Heritage preservation in Kathmandu,
Nepal

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Pashupatinath
Temple

A famous and sacred Hindu temple

complex that is located on the banks of
the Bagmati River, approximately 5 km
north-east of Kathmandu in the eastern
part of Kathmandu Valley, the capital of
Nepal.
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 Hiranya
Varna
Mahavihar
informally called
The Golden
Temple with literal
meaning "Gold-
colored Great
Monastery" is a
historical vihara
situated in Patan,
Nepal. It is known
locally as the
"Golden Temple"
and it is famous
for feeding rats.
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 Patan’s Krishna Temple

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 Architecture of tibet

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 BACKGROUND
Tibetan architecture with its unique content
and formation has met the material and spiritual needs
of local people, which can be classified into groups,
namely, temples, palaces, and housing.
with the spread of Buddhism, Tibet monastery and
temple architecture had developed rapidly and became the
main body of Tibetan ancient architecture. As a lot of
financial and material resources were spent in the
monastery constructions, these buildings are the best
reflection of achievements of Tibetan Architecture.

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 INFLUENCE
Tibetan architecture is influenced by the
geography and climate of Tibet Plateau,
Tibetan culture and Buddhism, and traditional
architectural styles of surrounding region, like
India, Mongol, Nepal, and mainland China
(Tang Dynasty)

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 characteristics
1. Special Construction Materials
of Tibetan Architectures
⬗ Tibetan houses are usually
made out of a mixture of rocks,
wood, cement, and earth for
Tibet is very rich in these
materials. And it is easy to
distinguish from the exterior.

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 2. Specific Colors of Tibetan
Architectures
⬗ Red, white, and black are
the predominant colors in
Tibetan architecture. All three
colors are derived from the
local soil and are purely natural
pigments.

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 3.The Special Roof of
Tibetan Architecture
⬗ The roof of Tibetan
houses is flat so that it is
easier to remove frequent
snows. The flat roof is
also built to conserve heat
as little fuel is available for
heat or lighting in Tibet.
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 4. The Featured Window
Treatments in Tibetan
Architecture
⬗ Windows of Tibetan houses
are generally small because the
Tibetan plateau is very sunny
and there are large temperature
differences, so smaller windows
can be used to regulate the
lighting and temperature.

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 5. The Decoration of Tibetan
Architecture
⬗ The decoration of Tibetan
architecture is mainly related to
religious culture. Both religious
buildings and ordinary houses
in Tibet are carved and
decorated with religious motifs
and paintings on their pillars
and balustrades.

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 Architecture types
Tibet religious architectures fall into two main types:

1. Temples 2. Stupas

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 Potala palace

The Potala Palace is

considered the most important
example of Tibetan architecture.

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 JOKHANG TEMPLE

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SAMYE
MONASTERY

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JORLUNG PAGODA

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 Thank you!
Any questions?

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