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