Analytical Diagrams of Uxmal

These drawings and diagrams of Uxmal show several analysis of the site, from the articulated edges of each program to the architectural promenade of the site. The programs of the site are demonstrated into each of the analytical diagrams. While the arrangement and the planning of these programs and circulations sustain and support the architectural promenade of Uxmal, the articulations and the symbolisms on the temple’s walls also indicate the main inhabitable spaces and paths. As such, the digital rendering of the site illustrates the relationship between the programs of Uxmal to the architectural promenade of the site. Moreover, the ink wash diagrams analyze the issue of public spaces versus private spaces through the usage of different tones. Finally, the elevation diagram of the site not only conveys the issue of the constructed landscape of Uxmal, but also specifies the functions of each of the programs.

Diagrammatic Map of the Uxmal Ruins

This is a map of the coexistence of natural land and built construction and how it informs the hierarchy of spaces within the ruin. The hilly topography of the Puuc region forms a setting for the site and requires the Mayans to construct with the landscape in mind. The topography also contributes to the spatial hierarchy found throughout the ruin. The interior spaces of the constructs are designed with varying occupants in mind. Similar to chora, the art of becoming and being, the spaces' heights are directly related to status. The higher off the ground, the closer to the gods. Mass versus void is diagrammed according to tone. The darker shades signify the overall masses created by the clusters of constructions and the white shows the open areas between. The edges define the masses within Uxmal. Even though the city wall no longer stands it forms a boundary condition for the site. The edge enclosing the masses is also not visible, but implied.

Ruin Map

This map is an exploration of the superimposed constructions that leave an imprint of a clear itinerary around the central anchoring space and the way they are cradled and shaped by the topography. The topography lines create an organic feel in the way that they structure the constructions that work themselves into the land. This is contrasted to the highly controlled and intentional space in the center that seems to anchor the constructions and path which surrounds it. The bottom three images show a progression of hierarchy. The one on the far right shows the overall large mass contrasted to its interior, compartmentalized spaces in the two to the left. The idea of memory is also present in these, particularly the middle image, since the spaces bleed into one another leaving their imprint on the preceding construction.

Itinerary, Hierarchy, and Puuc Architecture Within Uxmal

This watercolor/digital rendition of the site plan of Uxmal is a compilation of ideas about Uxmal's construction and the relation of each of the buildings within the site to one another. One main focus is the idea of movement or itinerary throughout the site. There is a certain itinerary of movement throughout Uxmal that is informed by the natural landscape as well as the placement of each construction in relation to the next. The occupant is guided through three main thresholds, or openings in the low-lying wall that surrounds the site, and these thresholds serve as gateways to the most significant areas of Uxmal's site. There are two entrances that fall in line with cardinal directions (north and south), and one which faces the east. The east-facing entrance is considered the main threshold, and the hierarchy among the three apertures is depicted in the watercolor diagram through the use of light tone. Another focus was the Puuc architecture style which is shown both in the mass vs. detail construct of the Pyramid of the Magician as well as the split between elaborate ornamentation and simple appearance of the facade of the Governor's Palace. There is, too, a hierarchy within the constructs themselves - as shown by the Nunnery Quadrangle which uses tone to specify the different layers of importance.

Theory: Geometrical Topology

Topology is the study of spatial properties that are preserved under continuous deformation of objects. More Specifically, geometrical topology which is concerned with manifolds and how they are embedded into other manifolds. It is by this definition that I derived a thesis for my diagram.

The map of Uxmal is a diagram of a study of geometrical topology based on the interaction between ground and constructed mass and how their relation creates a spatial figure ground. Because the constructed mass of the site interacts so much with the topography, it is almost enveloped by the ground to become a part of the ground itself. This interaction creates what is known as a spacial figure ground, where the eye perceives the space between the constructions as mass and the constructed mass as part of the ground. The spatial figure ground helps to emphasize the skewed axis of 14 degrees due north that the site has. In addition to this, it better emphasizes the axis of the governor's palace which sits at a different angle from the rest of the site.

Imitation of Astrological Perfection

The orientation and location of the buildings is established by orders already found in nature, specifically the firmament. All of the main constructed structures were carefully designed and located where the sun would hit the ground at twenty-eight day intervals, which placed the constructs under an astrological sign. By following the celestial plan, the Maya wished to bring down that perfect order to earth and enjoy the "beneficent influences from the stars."

Hierarchy in scale is established by the contrast of smaller private spaces created inside the constructions and larger exterior spaces enclosed by the edges of the constructed masses. The contrast between the two scales informs the occupant of their function. Smaller spaces invite the occupant into them for a more personal experience, while the open courtyards offer a panoramic view of the entire complex and its orientation, which allow the constructions, and the paths connecting them, to be put into perspective in a human scale.

Sources

Hagar, Stansbury. The Zodiacal Temples of Uxmal.

Thesis diagram

The Puuc architecture style integrated into the Uxmal site serves to create a level of hiearchial unity between the specifics of the site and its surrounding area.

Thesis Diagram

Uxmal is defined by an interplay of natural topography and layered social modifications cradling six main organizational groups of structures, one of which contains a notable Mayan design: the Governor's Palace.

Site's Influence on Layered Constructions

Uxmal’s constructions are layered in alignments relating to Jupiter’s cycle, demonstrating the Maya’s extensive study of the planets. Uxmal’s site plan was also deeply influenced by the topography of the Puuc region and the site’s isolation on the Yucatan peninsula.

WaterColor Digital Rendition of Uxmal Theories

The idea of a moving palimpsest through varying layers of constructions that establish a chronological memory of previous constructions and previous life of the Mayans resonates throughout the site.

A heavily carved into, as well as built upon, landscape creates a level of hierarchy.
The land is raised and carved into in varying layers, thus creating layer upon layer of information. The pyramids themselves are also split up into varying layers of elevation as new constructions are built over and integrated into old ones. This variance in scale sets up a moment of hierarchy not only within the building, but amongst the Mayan people as well. The king, surrounded by upper class citizens, or servants would sit atop the highest plat form and preside over his people. This is very much the same for the temple. The new construction presides over the old conserving a memory of time, as well as establishing a type of internal hierarchy that can only be guessed at from the outside.

The site itself is oriented towards the Mayan's highly revered deity Venus. The entire site resonates a certain rhythm of non-equilateral geometric shapes resembling mostly trapezoids and rhombus'. These shapes do not appear to be perfect squares as ones eye would most likely be accustomed to see, but instead are slanted by varying degrees. These varying slants are actually quite apropos, because they are oriented to line themselves up with a cosmological sign in the sky, as well as to direct the central axis of their site towards Venus.

This only adds to the layers of information that their site contains about their life and culture. The varying constructions themselves also add a challenge to the relatively horizontal movement that takes place in the site of Uxmal. When experiencing any of the varying constructions in the site the eyes are drawn towards the sky; even the path you must take to reach the end of the construction is strictly vertical. This vertical movement challenges a mostly horizontal path that is laid out as the general plan for the site.

Choreography between Structure and the topographic informative

The ruin of Uxmal is systematically adjoined to the topography that envelops it. Located in the Puuc region, the areas natural hilly composition plays on the how the structures of the ruin are incorporated into one another. "Much like the phenomenon of chora vs. topos, the land (topos) directly correlates as a localization factor for the structure (chora)". The choreography they create through a weaving of systems illustrates the Mayan necessity for a greater understanding life beyond local surrounding.

Similarly, the axial relationship between the constructs corresponds with the rise of Venus and puts emphasis on a vertical movement through the ruins. As sections of the structures register with the axial gesture, the construction is offset. the topos also informs the programs within each construct, resulting in a hierarchy of spacial relations. The ruin becomes a catalog, holding each sector to a specific use. The chora utilizes the cosmology and mythology the Mayans followed as a way of communicating importance. In addition, the ornamentation located on the roofs of the buildings suggest that the catalog creates a field for the site. Structures with similar orientation hold similar use or importance.

As the structures are ordered, they unite through the figure ground that is the plaza. Mayan plazas act as a the void to counteract the massive structures they create. It informs the spectator of the flow between each construct and in what direction the civilization intended one to enter and progress. This progression is key in providing a legitimate experience for what is Uxmal.


Bibliography

Perez-Gomez, Alberto Chora:The Space of Architectural Representation

Topographical Influence on Constructed Systems

This map is an analysis of the topographical influence that produced the constructed systems of Uxmal. The main constructions are witnesses to this influence. One can observe the ruins meeting the topography through the intersected sections. The diagram of the Pyramid of the Magician contains tonal relationships to the topography based on height. Also, the transference theory provides that many Mayan civilizations constructed pyramids to represent mountains. This shows the strong connection they shared with the topography and landscape. The citizens of Uxmal also needed to embrace the topography to utilize a water collection system. The cistern system showed their dependence on natural resources which then is reflected back onto their constructions in the form of ornamentation.

Artifact: Mayan Calendar

This Mayan calendar, called the Cuauhxicalli Eagle Bowl, is carved basalt (solidified lava) that conveys the Maya's study of the stars and their beliefs. Tonatuih, the sun god, is centered on the stone and is surrounded by detailed articulations of the different calendar cycles. The ideas of religion and astrology on the calendar, both deeply affect the Maya's design. The stars guided the Maya in the design of their cities' orientations and the most important structures in the Mayan cities were constructed to glorify their gods.

Artifact: Mayan Flask

The Mayan Flask is an interesting artifact because the name instantly gives you a mental image of what it is and its purpose. However, the Mayan Flask was not used for alcohol like the modern day flask. It is, rather, a small vessel that had many different contents. The Mayans would carve a depiction of their gods onto the flasks to demonstrate the purpose of the flask. The idea that the outside details inform the viewer to the inside purpose is a very basic and often overlooked part of architecture. The flasks were more often used for tobacco and an ancient version of chew.

Vocabulary

- Topography
- Layer
- Puuc
- Corbel arch
- Building Imprint
- Stela
- Cenote
- Cistern
- Enclosed courtyard
- Boot stone

Vocabulary List

List of words to help develop ideas from the Uxmal ruins:

-Hierarchy
-Directionality
-Orientation
-Axis
-Puuc
-Cistern
-Ceremonial Spaces
-Archaeoastronomy
-Topography
-Quadrangle
-Layers
-Proportion
-Symbolism
-Contrast
-Stepped Pyramids
-Roof Combs

Theory: Programs and Architectural Promenade

Uxmal was planned and built to hold the daily routines of the inhabitants. The planning of programs then became very important as it should be functional and efficient. These programs, such as the temples, palaces, and cemeteries, are evidence for the complex understanding that the Mayans had toward city planning and the concern of circulations of the site. Moreover, as shown in this particular diagram, the arrangement and the planning of these programs and circulations also sustain and support the architectural promenade of Uxmal.

Theory: Symbolism

Mayan architecture has proportions and details symbolic of its cultural figures. The ruins have left an imprint from what they valued during their time and how they chose to tribute it or express such an attribute.

The Magicians pyramid is significant to Uxmal because it is the grounds where the priest would perform his rituals to the Gods. Along the sides, details of Chac with his headdress are facing north and south, at opposite ends, suggesting a constant vigilance. The temple of the priest at the top of the pyramid houses a throne with the headdress of Chac adorning the top, symbolizing superiority. These elements combined along with the statue of a two-headed jaguar at the bottom of the courtyard suggest an overwhelming amount of power.

Essentially, the Maya saw its symbolism as a way of converying their prosperity. As mentioned in previous posts, they built over their city every 52 years, leaving behind what was there in some form to emulate prosperity in their civilization.

Theory: Articulations vs. Circulation

The articulations of the ruins suggest the circulations of the site. These articulations and the designs of the façades, doors, gates, and walls of the temples stand out greatly (all of which is shown on this particular plan diagram). As such, these articulations allow archeologist to have a deeper understanding of the planning and the organization of Uxmal. The articulations, stories and the symbolisms on the temple’s walls also indicate the main inhabitable spaces and paths (where inhabitants could follow, view, and appreciate these designs on a well-define edges of the edifice). Both the defined spaces and paths contribute to the finding of the site’s main circulations.

Theory: Directionality of the Uxmal Ruins

The Mayans believed in astrology and how it affected their way of life. They built according to this ideal in the region of Uxmal. The site has a defined directionality; all of the buildings are oriented in direct correlation to the rise of Venus. The site is angled fourteen degrees off due North. The Governor's Palace is situated fourteen degrees off the dominant angle. The intent that was put into this particular design sets Uxmal apart from the other ruins. A grid system is visible within the site, but not the typical orthogonal layout. They calculated planetary movement, a highly advanced technique and used it to shape they way they planned and designed.

Vocab List

Puuc
Anchor
Corbel
Juxtaposition
Archaeoastronomy
Hieroglyphic
Quadrangle
Palimpsest
Memory
Group
Axis
Topography
Superimposed

Diagram: Interaction Between Constructed Mass and Topography

Diagram: Hierarchy Among Spaces

Theory: Mass vs. Void

Uxmal is laid out in a way that contrasts, yet balances mass versus void. The large constructs within the ruin dominate the site, but coexist with the vast open spaces. Both are utilized to hold countless people, but they do so in completely different ways. The buildings have specific destinations for the occupant, while the open fields contain the groups for gatherings. The voids are oriented around the buildings, creating a contrast and directing the flow of the site.

Diagram: Exterior Space as a Figure Ground

Diagram: Geographical Location; Chultunes

Theory: Orientation

Many Mayan Ruins are oriented in a skewed manner mostly due to the interruption of the natural environment on their living space.

The Uxmal site however has a consistent pattern or slant throughout it's site. This slant is due to the alignment to the Uxmal's people highly revered deity Venus. Venus appears due south, and thus the entire site is oriented due south, regardless of an encroaching forest.

This carefully planned orientation throughout the entire layout of the site shows how heavily influenced the Maya were by their religious beliefs and practices.

Theory: Detail

Puuc architecture is connected to "decoration" as well as function for the building. Uxmal evidently is built in the Puuc region of the Yucatan. "The general concensus for the structures in the city is that the facade of all of them are generally blank and slabs of concrete put together to house a space. The roof is what separates from the concrete, creating a small overcast from the ground and adding tremendous detail to the elevation."

The ornamentation of the roofs symbolizes Maya culture and each building is different is ornament. For example, in the Nunnery, the North structure has on its elevation a serpent running along the front, where as in the Governors Palace the roof is ornamented with patterns of what look like textiles. Gods are also placed in the decor. Another building is the house of the Turtles, where the ornaments are literally turtles that have a religious significance to them in Maya culture.

The importance of the ornamentation is that is acts as a boundary in Uxmal. It holds to the idea that each building has a specific function and is allotted that space in which it is surrounded by. The Nunnery is square as too block out intruders, much like the Snake of Chac does for its enemies. Also, the decor catalogs each building and can distinguish which structures have similar function

Vocab Words

• Dovecote

• Roof Combs

• Mosaic

• Hieroglyphic

• Stelae (Tetun)

• Step Pyramid

• Urbanism

• Cenote

• Quadrangle

• Cistern

Theory: Armature from Void

The Maya emphasized in their architecture an importance in Mass and little significance in interiors. Being people of War, they sought it fit to create these vast temples in order to bring fear upon smaller villages or civilizations that did not have the means to do so. However, in Uxmal, there is a greater understanding of interior space that is not present in other Mayan cities.

Taking sections from the cities topographical map, it would seem that many buildings with similar function are in relationship through a juxtaposition of placement. For example, the Great pyramid and the Magicians pyramid are related by the level in which they stand on the ground in section. Both are in a plateau among the puuc region that encompasses it, signifying that these structure have a central importance for everyone. The voids between the structures acts as an armature in the sense that it creates a metaphysical connection between structures. this connect is further supported by the plaza that these building are located on.

Although the spaces are exterior in nature, sectionally, they act as interior spaces, forming to the outside and housing depth within. The sections also show levels on which the Maya have built and the differences in elevation in comparison to buldings.

Artifact:: Maize God Plate

The Maize God was an important God within the deities of Mayan culture. Much of its significance stems from the myth that the Maya were created from the deities of out corn, or Maize.

In Maya mythology, the Maize God, is half human/ half animal. The headdress he bears emphasizes such. His life is cyclical, just like the harvesting season for Maize, and he is most represented through the ornaments he wears; primarily feathers and jade.

I chose the plate as my artifact because it hold a ritualistic experience I feel cannot be found in other artifacts. To begin, the fact that the Maize God is centrally located on it suggest this plate is for a more ritualistic use, rather than daily utility. In addition, it gives insight into what the Mayans valued for themselves. Maize God was seen as perfect and an individual to admire. His purpose in the culture was to provide food for the Maya empire.

The depictions on the border of the plate are rival deities that come upon him, such as the God of the underworld, depicted as a Jaguar. The story depicts essentially how the world goes into seasons, and that the reason is the Jaguar makes the Maize God go into hiding as to avoid being killed.

Vocabulary

Puuc style
chultune
quadrangles
dovecote
superimposition
narthex
phases
complex
juxtaposition
orientation

Theory: Pyramid of the Magician

The Pyramid of the Magician in Uxmal that is seen today is a superimposition of four centuries and five phases of construction. The first phase began in the sixth century and it gradually increased in dimensions by adding new structure layers on top of the existing ones. The original pyramid is exposed on the west and is heavily decorated with adorations of Chaac, the god of rain. The second temple can be seen through an opening; it’s a central chamber supported by columns. The third phase was built on the second’s rear and isn’t visible. Temple four is entered from the west and is the most decorated and again represents Chaac. The fifth phase is the Pyramid of the Magician we know today, consisting of three ornate rooms.

Theory: Influence of Topography on Mayan Architecture

The entire Uxmal site is surrounded by a large and heavy forested area. The natural landscape acts as a barrier or gate around the site of Uxmal. Many of the buildings were built based on Mayan religious beliefs and practices, such as orienting towards the south where Venus is, as well as having large palaces and temples for the king and then for the Mayan people.







The issue of an encroaching landscape did not seem to hinder the Uxmal people at all in the construction of their buildings. They simply built into the landscape. Over head shots or side views of the site depict this idea of building with nature instead of having nature conform to us. This method of building when taken in aerial view makes it appear as though the Uxmal site is almost completely isolated from outside invasion or disruptions.

Theory: The Temple

“The different buildings of the succeeding quadrangles can be seen rising one above the other until the lofty temple surmounting the South Pyramid catches the eye and holds it, the last and highest member of the assemblage, and, we may well believe from the importance of its position, the sanctuary.”* The long approach to the temple, along with the ascension of the surrounding structures, and the prominence of its location, help to identify this temple as the supreme sanctuary of Uxmal.

* Sylvanus Griswold Morley, “A Group of Related Structures at Uxmal, Mexico,” American Journal of Archaeology Vol 14 No 1 (1910): 3

Theory: Hierarchy of Preservation

Mayan buildings were normally built right over each other, each previous temple presiding below the newly constructed one on top. As they built anew, the temples and buildings became larger and larger. This increase in scale sets up a moment of hierarchy not only within the building, but amongst the Mayan people as well. The king, surrounded by upper class citizens, or servants would sit atop the highest plat form and preside over his people. This is very much the same for the temple. The new construction presides over the old conserving a memory of time, as well as establishing a type of internal hierarchy that cannot be seen from the outside.