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.

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.

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.