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.

WaterColor Digital Rendition of Uxmal Theories

The idea of a moving palimpsest through varying layers of constructions that establish a chronological memory of previous constructions and previous life of the Mayans resonates throughout the site.

A heavily carved into, as well as built upon, landscape creates a level of hierarchy.
The land is raised and carved into in varying layers, thus creating layer upon layer of information. The pyramids themselves are also split up into varying layers of elevation as new constructions are built over and integrated into old ones. This variance in scale sets up a moment of hierarchy not only within the building, but amongst the Mayan people as well. The king, surrounded by upper class citizens, or servants would sit atop the highest plat form and preside over his people. This is very much the same for the temple. The new construction presides over the old conserving a memory of time, as well as establishing a type of internal hierarchy that can only be guessed at from the outside.

The site itself is oriented towards the Mayan's highly revered deity Venus. The entire site resonates a certain rhythm of non-equilateral geometric shapes resembling mostly trapezoids and rhombus'. These shapes do not appear to be perfect squares as ones eye would most likely be accustomed to see, but instead are slanted by varying degrees. These varying slants are actually quite apropos, because they are oriented to line themselves up with a cosmological sign in the sky, as well as to direct the central axis of their site towards Venus.

This only adds to the layers of information that their site contains about their life and culture. The varying constructions themselves also add a challenge to the relatively horizontal movement that takes place in the site of Uxmal. When experiencing any of the varying constructions in the site the eyes are drawn towards the sky; even the path you must take to reach the end of the construction is strictly vertical. This vertical movement challenges a mostly horizontal path that is laid out as the general plan for the site.

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.