Theory:Caressing the Contours of the Land

The Maya ruins of the Uxmal complex are the best example left from the Puuc style of architecture. This style demanded that a new temple be built on top of the old one every fifty two years, symbolizing rebirth for the city, and a new era of prosperity. The layering results in a complex multi-system, where each system is complete on its own but is still incorporated into the structure as a whole.
Puuc architecture was also based on the natural shape of the land. All the buildings are oriented according to the land, and placed in the most logical pathway which the land permits. The Maya used the topography of the site: hills, depressions, etc; as the armature that dictates where the important structures should go, specifically using height as an indicator.