Tibetan architecture is an example of the importance of heritage conservation for the preservation of culture. Tibet is particularly known as an Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China and as a geographical region on the Tibetan Plateau at 4500 meters above sea level (CEC, 2022). This geographical condition means that this region registers low temperatures and strong winds. Additionally, the Tibetan Plateau is bordered by the Himalayas and the Taklamakan Desert, which not only protect from climatic conditions but also shield the region from invaders (Hamilton, 2005; Herrle, and Wozniak, 2023).
On the other hand, the religious currents of Tibet have been significantly influenced by Buddhism, which has determined cultural expressions that characterized architecture with the construction of temples, monasteries, fortresses, and stupas as homage to Buddha. This cultural manifestation has transcended centuries thanks to the promotion of Buddhism by King Songtsen Gampo since the 7th century AD and the guidance of Buddhist writings on the guidelines for designing temples, thus perpetuating religion and culture (Semple, 2005; CEC, 2022). However, Tibetan architecture has also been characterized by consolidating its identity through the region’s local materials, thanks to accessibility (Semple, 2005).
Potala Palace, the main reference of Tibetan architecture
It is fascinating when a building encapsulates all the elements of a representative architectural style, as is the case of the Potala Palace in Tibetan architecture. This landmark showcases the main elements that have solidified the identity of Tibetan architecture and culture over time. Like something out of a fairy tale, the Potala Palace is located at almost 3,700 meters above sea level on the top of Red Hill in the Lhasa Valley. The scale of the monument reflects the passage of generations of Dalai Lamas who contributed to the architectural updates of the complex during their periods, eventually turning it into a citadel within Lhasa (CEC, 2022; Arqui.Cultura, 2023).
The Potala Palace is much more than a fortress; it is also a temple and museum that tells the story of generations of Dalai Lamas in Tibet (CEC, 2022; Arqui.Cultura, 2023), and it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 (UNESCO, 1994). It is the site where around 700 frescoes and a collection of 1000 items including paintings, sculptures, carpets, sutras, historical documents, porcelain articles, gold, and silver are preserved. However, its main characteristic is its position on the hilltop 300 meters above the Lhasa Valley, with a height of 117 meters and colors of white, red, and yellow (CEC, 2022).
A palace of such magnitude on the top of a mountain requires a foundation system that not only serves as the base for the building but also for the leveling of the landscape on the hill. The Palace has an underground support network for preventing moisture from the underground supports through ventilation shafts, and although they are not visible like the other elements of the palace, they play a fundamental role in its preservation over time. Additionally, the masonry system of the Potala Palace and Tibetan architecture in general involves inward-leaning walls made of earth extracted from the north area of the palace. This excavation area served as the base for the creation of a pond at the foot of the palace. Regarding masonry, the effect of leaning walls has two structural and symbolic meanings; on one hand, it ensures greater resistance, and on the other hand, it represents the slopes of Tibet (CEC, 2022).
Similarly, Tibetan architecture is characterized by bright and vibrant colors such as red, yellow, white, and black, implemented on the exterior surfaces of walls and windows. A particularity is the material composition and elaboration of the paintings; depending on the color, the formulation and technique of the mixture vary. White paint is made from lime, white sugar, leather glue, and milk, while red paint requires red ochre, leather glue, brown sugar, and a cooking process for a duration of one night. For greater impact, the colors of the palace are preserved thanks to the annual dedication to painting maintenance throughout the complex, which requires approximately 15 days and 50 tons of paint. In addition to this, the Potala Palace is also characterized by the number of windows designed with a black frame to absorb more solar incidence during the winter seasons and provide warmth on cold days (CEC, 2022). In summary, Tibetan architecture demonstrates that vernacular architecture is the best design strategy, with resilient technologies for the foundation and support of buildings, and the application of technical knowledge of thermal properties of materials for the comfort of people in critical winter conditions.
Monasteries, temples, stupas, and other decorative elements of Tibetan architecture
Like the Potala Palace, architecture has two additional exemplars considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Jokhang Temple (UNESCO, 2000) and the Norbulingka Palace (UNESCO, 2001). All were designed under symmetrical harmony, vibrant colors, stupas, decorative elements in lintels with Buddhist symbols, and mantras, among other symbolism, and materials of earth, wood, and stone (Sun and Zhang, 2018; CEC, 2022). An aspect that has not been discussed so far is the design of voids or inner courtyards of buildings for religious purposes, as the layout generates optimal circular paths for meditations, prayers, and sutra recitations in homage to Buddha (Semple, 2005; CEC, 2022).
Fortunately for Tibetan architecture, during the 10th century, large deposits of gold were discovered, which would replace the thatched roofs that could not withstand the climatic conditions of Tibet. At the time, bronze casting techniques were highly developed, which meant the opportunity was seized for the technological development of gold casting and its implementation in the roofs of stupas and temples. In this way, the roofs began to shine in the sun through golden pinnacles and finials in monasteries, temples, and the famous Potala Palace. However, the maintenance of these elements poses a significant challenge due to the condition of strong winds on the roofs of the complexes, which hinders access to materials and restoration processes (CEC, 2022; Arqui.Cultura, 2023).
The transformation of Tibetan architecture in the contemporary world
Preserving Tibetan culture in its architecture and customs is essential for its identity and religious beliefs. Therefore, the globalization of the modern world has not permeated its essence to degrade its values. The Tibet Tour Mandala Geladandong Hotel is a pioneering reference that transforms the principles of Tibetan architecture into a cultural, economic, and tourist center in the heart of Lhasa, to promote and preserve the traditions of the culture. The main building is symmetrical with a circular base and golden decorative elements; furthermore, additional constructions form a complex of 7 hectares where the elements, colors, and structures of monasteries and temples are manifested (CEC, 2022). This cultural center is a great example of the importance of conserving the richness of cultural heritage as a sign of respect for the history of communities, ethnicities, and regions.
References:
Canal Educativo Cuba (2022). La Otra Mirada Los Misterios De La Arquitectura Tibetana. YouTube. [online]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDG26GmIbTE [Accessed 16 April 2024].
Arqui.Cultura (2023). El Palacio de POTALA. YouTube. [online]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-LdUH-RtbY [Accessed 16 April 2024].
Herrle, P. and Wozniak, A. (2023). Tibetan Houses: vernacular architecture of the himalayas and environs. Birkhäuser.
Sun, Z. and Zhang, Y. (2018). Using drones and 3D modeling to survey Tibetan architectural heritage: A case study with the multi-door stupa. Sustainability, 10(7), 2259.
Semple, W. (2005). Traditional architecture in Tibet: Linking issues of environmental and cultural sustainability. Mountain Research and Development, 15-19.
Hamilton, L. S. (2005). Traditional Architecture in Tibet: Linking Issues of Environmental and Cultural Sustainability. Mountain Research and Development, 25(4), 395-395.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO (1994). World Heritage convention: World Heritage List. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO (2001). World Heritage convention: World Heritage List. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO (2000). World Heritage convention: World Heritage List. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/
