Architecture in Bhutan
Characteristics of Bhutanese Houses, Dzongs, Goembas, and Lhakhangs
Oct 10, 2009
Since written plans are uncommon in Bhutanese architecture, It's rare for structures in the Kingdom of Bhutan to be designed identically. In addition to different designs in a particular locale, there are also regional differences in architecture in Bhutan that are influenced by topography as well as the types of materials available in the region.
Architecture of Bhutanese Fortresses Known as Dzongs
Dzongs originated in Tibet and were introduced to Bhutan as religious architecture in 1153 by a Tibetan monk named Gyelwa Lhanangpa. They are large white citadels and most contain a watchtower. Dzongs were also used to store ammunition and also served as dungeons in days gone by.
Dzongs are constructed with only one small door that opens into a narrow passage way. Two right turns must be made after entering the passage before entering into the courtyard. Dzongs were constructed in such a way to prevent the structure from being stormed by the enemy as only one person can enter a Dzong at a time.
The walls of Bhutanese dzongs are typically made out of stone or pounded mud. It is bragged that not a single nail is used in the construction of dzongs in Bhutan.
Architecture of Bhutanese Homes
Homes in Bhutan house more than people; the first floor of rural Bhutanese homes is designed as shelter for animals, cattle in particular. The second floor is for people and the attic is used to store produce.
The foundation of Bhutanese homes is made out of stone, and the walls are constructed of either stone or mud, depending on the part of the country. The construction of mud walls begins by building a wooden framework which is then filled in with mud. In order to make the mud dense and solid, the mud is pounded into place with wooden poles. This pounding is traditionally done by women, who shed their characteristic shyness during construction. In fact, during the pounding process, the women really let lose, sing and dance, and even get into making uninhibited and suggestive remarks to men. The construction of the walls usually takes at least a few weeks. After drying, the walls are generally left in their natural color or whitewashed.
Windows in homes in Bhutan are small on the first floor and larger on the second floor. Often windows are simply cut out of the mud and older homes have windows made out of sliding wooden panels rather than glass.
Roofs are traditionally made out of shingles and covered with pitch. They leak often due to inadequate pitch coverage not to mention shingles that are often poorly constructed.
The stairway between floors is made by cutting grooves into the trunk of a tree. On the back side of the tree there are groves which can be grabbed onto to provide stability .
Architecture of Bhutanese Temples Known as Goembas and Lhakhangs
There are over 2,000 religious buildings in Bhutan. Monasteries are known as goembas. Many goembas in Bhutan are built in caves, in out of the way places. This provides an ideal setting for the silence needed by monks during times of meditation.
Goembas are more than a place of worship; they are self-contained structures that serve not only as a place to worship but also as a place to sleep and conduct other aspects of every day life.
The term, "lhakhang" refers to both the religious building itself and also to rooms within the building. Most lhakhangs have an upper floor that is devoted to various gods. They are decorated with items used in worship including trumpets that are made out of thigh bones, conch shells and small drums and bells. A parasol made out of silk often hangs over the altar. While only monks enter goembas, all Bhutanese, including those who are not monks, may worship in lhakhangs.
Those who travel to Bhutan are likely to be surprised and delighted by the variety and ingenuity of Bhutanese architecture.
References:
Brown, Lindsay. Lonely Planet Bhutan 2007
 |
