Analysis of Geometric Topology and How It Creates Spatial Figure Grounds

The interaction between the constructs and the ground of the site create what is known as a spatial figure ground. The embedment of the constructs in the ground cause an axial figure ground to appear where the mind perceives the spaces between the constructs as mass and the actual constructs as part of the ground. In my analysis I built and edge emphasizing the southeast corner of the nunnery quadrangle. This location is important in that it lies at the intersecting of the main vertical axis and the horizontal axis. In addition to this, a smaller scale figure ground is created within the quadrangle of the nunnery. I composed the model of a number of vertical and horizontal linear elements to represent the general shape of the figure ground and the nunnery while the angular planar elements create a contrast representative of the topography of the site.

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.

Thesis Diagram

Uxmal is defined by an interplay of natural topography and layered social modifications cradling six main organizational groups of structures, one of which contains a notable Mayan design: the Governor's Palace.

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.

Theory: Programs and Architectural Promenade

Uxmal was planned and built to hold the daily routines of the inhabitants. The planning of programs then became very important as it should be functional and efficient. These programs, such as the temples, palaces, and cemeteries, are evidence for the complex understanding that the Mayans had toward city planning and the concern of circulations of the site. Moreover, as shown in this particular diagram, the arrangement and the planning of these programs and circulations also sustain and support the architectural promenade of Uxmal.

Theory: Symbolism

Mayan architecture has proportions and details symbolic of its cultural figures. The ruins have left an imprint from what they valued during their time and how they chose to tribute it or express such an attribute.

The Magicians pyramid is significant to Uxmal because it is the grounds where the priest would perform his rituals to the Gods. Along the sides, details of Chac with his headdress are facing north and south, at opposite ends, suggesting a constant vigilance. The temple of the priest at the top of the pyramid houses a throne with the headdress of Chac adorning the top, symbolizing superiority. These elements combined along with the statue of a two-headed jaguar at the bottom of the courtyard suggest an overwhelming amount of power.

Essentially, the Maya saw its symbolism as a way of converying their prosperity. As mentioned in previous posts, they built over their city every 52 years, leaving behind what was there in some form to emulate prosperity in their civilization.

Theory: Articulations vs. Circulation

The articulations of the ruins suggest the circulations of the site. These articulations and the designs of the façades, doors, gates, and walls of the temples stand out greatly (all of which is shown on this particular plan diagram). As such, these articulations allow archeologist to have a deeper understanding of the planning and the organization of Uxmal. The articulations, stories and the symbolisms on the temple’s walls also indicate the main inhabitable spaces and paths (where inhabitants could follow, view, and appreciate these designs on a well-define edges of the edifice). Both the defined spaces and paths contribute to the finding of the site’s main circulations.

Diagram: Interaction Between Constructed Mass and Topography

Diagram: Hierarchy Among Spaces

Diagram: Exterior Space as a Figure Ground

Diagram: Geographical Location; Chultunes

Theory: Detail

Puuc architecture is connected to "decoration" as well as function for the building. Uxmal evidently is built in the Puuc region of the Yucatan. "The general concensus for the structures in the city is that the facade of all of them are generally blank and slabs of concrete put together to house a space. The roof is what separates from the concrete, creating a small overcast from the ground and adding tremendous detail to the elevation."

The ornamentation of the roofs symbolizes Maya culture and each building is different is ornament. For example, in the Nunnery, the North structure has on its elevation a serpent running along the front, where as in the Governors Palace the roof is ornamented with patterns of what look like textiles. Gods are also placed in the decor. Another building is the house of the Turtles, where the ornaments are literally turtles that have a religious significance to them in Maya culture.

The importance of the ornamentation is that is acts as a boundary in Uxmal. It holds to the idea that each building has a specific function and is allotted that space in which it is surrounded by. The Nunnery is square as too block out intruders, much like the Snake of Chac does for its enemies. Also, the decor catalogs each building and can distinguish which structures have similar function

Theory: Armature from Void

The Maya emphasized in their architecture an importance in Mass and little significance in interiors. Being people of War, they sought it fit to create these vast temples in order to bring fear upon smaller villages or civilizations that did not have the means to do so. However, in Uxmal, there is a greater understanding of interior space that is not present in other Mayan cities.

Taking sections from the cities topographical map, it would seem that many buildings with similar function are in relationship through a juxtaposition of placement. For example, the Great pyramid and the Magicians pyramid are related by the level in which they stand on the ground in section. Both are in a plateau among the puuc region that encompasses it, signifying that these structure have a central importance for everyone. The voids between the structures acts as an armature in the sense that it creates a metaphysical connection between structures. this connect is further supported by the plaza that these building are located on.

Although the spaces are exterior in nature, sectionally, they act as interior spaces, forming to the outside and housing depth within. The sections also show levels on which the Maya have built and the differences in elevation in comparison to buldings.

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.

Theory: The Constructed Landscape

Uxmal’s buildings and structures are very integrated with the landscape. For this reason, the Mayans did very minimal changes with the original landscape while constructing the site; and each of the buildings were constructed accordingly to the topography. However, this elevation diagram shows the study of constructed landscapes, and its intentions were to accompany the buildings and structures of Uxmal. From the relationship and the integration between the buildings and the constructed landscape suggests horizontal movements throughout the site, and also several verticality of the edifice of Uxmal.

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: Uxmal Ground Elevations

Cradled by the hilly Puuc region, Uxmal is "one of the sites in the Puuc region which presents a high degree of social modification of the environment" (7, Architectural Restoration at Uxmal 1986-1987, Rubio and Herrera). The Great Platform is the strongest indicator of this theory. The ground, which has been raised and layered, sits in stark contrast to flatter pieces of ground adapted to different buildings on Uxmal's site.

Theory: Uxmal Topography

Although Uxmal covers less area than important Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza, "the architectural effect of [Uxmal] is more imposing because its six largest groups are concentrated in a relatively small area and their effect is more immediate" (294, The Ancient Maya, Morley).

Theory: Relationship between layers of materiality in structure

Uxmal's formal definition is stated as "thrice built," constituting layers of information that can be excavated from the many important buildings still standing on the site. The Mayans were known to build new structures on top of older ones at regular intervals, creating an overlapping system of mass that in turn allowed for the invention of new spaces within these layers. The most noteworthy example of this practice is the Magician's Pyramid, in which there are four earlier structures that lay beneath the fifth highest construction. The layers of this step pyramid can be considered to be unique in that they take on an oval shape rather than the usual rectangular or square design. The Governor's palace, a masterpiece that is debated to rival the Magician's Pyramid due to its size and intricate stonework, is another important construction comprised of layers. The building consists of three separate structures connected by two large portal vaults. The building itself is an imposing edifice constituting three levels and a long mosaic facade. It is essentially a long, low building situated on a huge platform. Because the shape and figure/ground interaction of these buildings are quite different, their scale and constructed spaces can be recognized to serve different purposes. Furthermore, in a broader sense of the use of the term "layers," the Magician's Pyramid can be theorized as a more of a larger scale entity in contrast with the Governor's Palace, taking on an intermediate function in scaling specific site relationships. Stretching beyond site specific characteristics, the idea of layers can also be supported when speaking in the sense of general Mayan constructions. In relation to Uxmal's "thrice built" definition, the usage of the three hearthstones set in traditional Mayan homes and its relationship to the artifact of the tripod bowl, whose three feet are symbolic of this type of constructional practice, can be used to reinforce the overall definition of the site and its counterparts by serving as a smaller scale counterpart. In this way, the physicality of the above mentioned layers can be thought to occupy another kind of category, one that relates to cultural overlap.

Theory: Layers

Uxmal, meaning "thrice built," contains rich layers of information in constructions spanning the length of the site. Two strong examples of these layers include the Great Platform, on top of which the House of the Governor stands, and the Pyramid of the Magician. The Great Platform is actually three superimposed platforms created over time. The Pyramid of the Magician is a convergence of five pyramids, constructed and deconstructed throughout Uxmal's history. These stand as two instances documenting the development of Uxmal architecture and the layers of rich history contained in the ancient Mayan site.