Description
Lanna Architecture: Temples and Houses
The morning begins with a visit to Wat Ton Kwen, one of the finest examples of classic Lanna architecture in Northern Thailand. It offers a unique example of the relationship between Buddhist cosmological concepts and the design of sacred space. Then enter the old city of Chiang Mai to visit Wat Prasart, a registered historical site since 1979. Established around 500 years ago, the temple design preserves large Buddha images in a unique example of Lanna architecture.
In recognition of their architectural conservation, both Wat Ton Kwen (Wat Intarawat) and Wat Prasart received, in 1989, the Architectural Conservation Award from the Association of Siamese Architects, Under Royal Patronage.
Lunch at a Thai Restaurant
Enjoy the afternoon with a visit to The Lanna Traditional House Museum at the Center for Promotion of Art and Culture at Chiang Mai University. Here, local houses of many styles and origins are exhibited in a beautiful natural environment for both students and the general public to explore and study vernacular architecture. Bringing together the individual donors, foundations and the university to support the project has conserved the origin and history of each house. The museum provides an essential element to the preservation Lanna cultural heritage and passes on the artisanal wisdom of the past. Return to LLL center at 5.00pm
Presenters:
The presenter, Joshua Roberts, will share a unique perspective upon Lanna architectural heritage. With a background in architecture, art history and design from Rice University, Harvard and the Art Institute of Chicago and having worked as an educator, designer and editor in Hong Kong, Macau and now in Chiang Mai, he will share how it contributes to initiatives for development in the future.