Theory: Site Location and Adaptation

How Uxmal relates to the overall surface area of the Yucatan puts forth the fact that its buildings were challenged in adapting to the varied elevations of the hilly landscape, this being an uncommon feature to the general vicinity of the Yucatan. Where as most of the Yucatan is observed to be relatively flat, the Puuc region contrasts this landscape in that it is comprised of a range of hills, forcing the constructions at this site to be built in a compatible stance with the surrounding ground. The site plan of Uxmal is noteworthy in that its layout and building orientations appear to defy the natural topography. This effort to transcend nature emphasizes the idea of constructing a built environment conforming to the ideals and wishes of man. The site is situated at the northwestern end point of a system of causeways stretching southeast into the site of Nohpat and further arriving to its destination at Kabah. The idealology that within Mayan city planning existed some sort of tie that brought people together regardless of the dispersed social order can be acknowledged as plausible by the causeway (sacbe) linking this triad of cities.