| Religious architecture in Thailand reflects the influences of Hinduism and animism even though Theravada Buddhism is the official religion of Thailand. These influences on Thai temple architecture are manifested by extensive ornamentation and detailing, which may raise questions for those unfamiliar with Thai architectural style. Is there really any form, pattern, or reason in the seemingly chaotic appearance and bold "visual activity" of Thai temples? How did this eclectic architectural style develop? What role do wats, or temple complexes, play in the community? These and other questions are addressed in this thesis, first by investigating the historical and religious context of Thai architecture, and then through description of individual religious structures and selected architectural details common to Thai religious architecture. This thesis posits the idea that every element or design feature employed in Thai religious architecture has a distinct function which is either symbolic or practical in nature. |
