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.

Theory: Private Spaces vs. Public Spaces

Because Uxmal was build accordingly to serve the civilization of the Mayans, many of the programs were integrated into the design and the planning of the site. Such programs include the Magician’s Pyramid, the Governor’s Palace, and the Cemetery, and because of this variety of programs for a single site, Uxmal is separated into the public spaces and the private spaces accordingly to the function of each program. This particular diagram shows the organization of Uxmal’s private spaces in comparison to the public spaces.

Theory: Spatial Hierarchy within Uxmal

The Mayan ruins of Uxmal define spatial hierarchy in terms of their religious beliefs and class system. The buildings they created have different spatial qualities that correlate to the occupants.
The Pyramid of the Magician rises to 117 feet in height. The Pyramid may only be used by the gods or the priests. The pedestal for the priest registers directly with the altar in the center courtyard. Their height reinforces their power, so that they look down upon the common Maya.
The Governor's Palace has the longest facade in all of Mayan architecture. Uxmal became a regional capital and the significance of the space for the governor was crucial. It is built on top of a hill, as opposed to leveling the land, they utilized their mountainous region of the Yucatan to signify importance. The higher an edifice, the closer they are to the gods.
The Nunnery Quadrangle is composed of 74 small spaces. They were believed to be used for children studying or military purposes. The spaces did not need to be large considering they were for the lower classes.
Directly adjacent to the Nunnery Quadrangle lies the ballcourt. A space for all to and watch a ceremonial sport. The locational relationship between sports and academia demonstrates the things that matter most to the commoners.
Massive spaces surround the entire area of Uxmal. They are intended for gatherings of every kind. It is said that at one point 20,000 or more people were living within the region of Uxmal. The gathering spaces needed to hold this vast amount of people while still creating a directionality, so that they know where they are headed.