Architectural Works: Histories of Architecture and Urbanism (7A1B20)
Introduction
This document serves as a curated compilation of significant architectural works spanning
ancient to early modern periods, designed to complement the course 7A1B20: Histories of
Architecture and Urbanism. Each entry is cross-referenced with specific pages from another
document: Lecture Notes: Histories of Architecture and Urbanism (7A1B20)
(https://www.stuvia.com/nl-nl/doc/7117787/lecture-notes-histories-of-architecture-and-
urbanism-7a1b20), allowing readers to contextualize the projects within the broader themes,
theories, and historical narratives discussed in the course.
The list preserves detailed descriptions of buildings while integrating critical insights from the
lectures. Entries include:
1. Main Ideas: Key architectural features and historical context.
2. Concepts: Symbolism, cultural significance, and thematic connections.
3. Page References: Direct links to relevant sections of the lecture notes for deeper
analysis (https://www.stuvia.com/nl-nl/doc/7117787/lecture-notes-histories-of-
architecture-and-urbanism-7a1b20).
The document is intended as a study aid for students to bridge case studies with theoretical
frameworks explored in the course.
Disclaimer: Lecture 1 is excluded from cross-referencing, as it was not part of the 2024/2025
academic year exam syllabus.
Olaf van der Sluijs
,Great Stupa (Sanchi, India, c. 250 BCE- Main Ideas:
250 CE) • Central features include a hemispherical
mound (stupa), harmika (square railing),
and chatra (three-tiered umbrella).
• Designed for circumambulation
rituals shaping its spatial layout.
Concepts:
• Symbolizes cosmic order, with
the chatra representing the axis connecting
earth and heavens (Page 7).
• Served as a prototype for later Buddhist
architecture, integrating indigenous traditions
(Page 7).
Cave Temple, Karli (India, c. 100 BCE–100 Main Ideas:
CE) • Rock-cut architecture imitating wooden
construction details (e.g., barrel-vaulted
ceilings).
• Vast, column-free interior for congregation
and worship.
Concepts:
• Demonstrates advanced carving techniques,
blending Buddhist motifs with indigenous
traditions (Page 7).
• Combines functionality (congregational
space) with artistic embellishment (Page 7).
Brihadeshvara Temple (Tanjore, India, c. Designer: Commissioned under Raja Raja Chola I
1000-1010) Main Ideas:
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a
towering vimana (spire) and detailed
sculptures of Hindu mythology.
Concepts:
• Represents cosmic order through
architectural symmetry and verticality (Page
7).
• Embodies Chola dynasty’s imperial power
and artistic excellence (Page 7).
Lingaraja Temple (Bhubaneshwar, India, Main Ideas:
c.1050-1150) • Combines Kalinga architectural styles,
emphasizing sanctum and spire.
Concepts:
• Aligns with cardinal points to symbolize
cosmic harmony (Page 2).
• Embodies Mount Meru, a central theme in
Hindu cosmology (Page 2).
Olaf van der Sluijs
, Angkor Wat (Angkor, Cambodia, c. 1113- Designer: Commissioned by King Suryavarman II
1150) Main Ideas:
• Temple-mountain dedicated to Vishnu,
later converted to Buddhism.
• Features massive scale, intricate bas-
reliefs, and symbolic moats.
Concepts:
• Designed as a microcosm of the
universe, emphasizing axial alignment
(Page 2).
• Blends religious devotion with Khmer
urban planning.
Great Wall of China (China, 221 BCE - 1368 Main Ideas:
CE) • Defensive fortification integrating natural
landscapes with walls, watchtowers, and
gates.
Concepts:
• Symbolized imperial unification and
strength.
• Demonstrated advanced engineering with
tamped earth, bricks, and stones
Nanchan Monastery (Shanxi, China, 782) Main Ideas:
• One of the oldest surviving wooden
buildings in China, featuring a
symmetrical layout.
Concepts:
• Reflects Buddhist principles of simplicity
and meditation .
• Highlights Tang Dynasty timber frame
techniques
Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple (Ying, Main Ideas:
China, 1056) • Tallest and oldest wooden pagoda in
China, dedicated to Sakyamuni Buddha.
Concepts:
• Central axis design reflects Buddhist
cosmology .
• Uses interlocking wooden components for
earthquake resilience .
Olaf van der Sluijs
Introduction
This document serves as a curated compilation of significant architectural works spanning
ancient to early modern periods, designed to complement the course 7A1B20: Histories of
Architecture and Urbanism. Each entry is cross-referenced with specific pages from another
document: Lecture Notes: Histories of Architecture and Urbanism (7A1B20)
(https://www.stuvia.com/nl-nl/doc/7117787/lecture-notes-histories-of-architecture-and-
urbanism-7a1b20), allowing readers to contextualize the projects within the broader themes,
theories, and historical narratives discussed in the course.
The list preserves detailed descriptions of buildings while integrating critical insights from the
lectures. Entries include:
1. Main Ideas: Key architectural features and historical context.
2. Concepts: Symbolism, cultural significance, and thematic connections.
3. Page References: Direct links to relevant sections of the lecture notes for deeper
analysis (https://www.stuvia.com/nl-nl/doc/7117787/lecture-notes-histories-of-
architecture-and-urbanism-7a1b20).
The document is intended as a study aid for students to bridge case studies with theoretical
frameworks explored in the course.
Disclaimer: Lecture 1 is excluded from cross-referencing, as it was not part of the 2024/2025
academic year exam syllabus.
Olaf van der Sluijs
,Great Stupa (Sanchi, India, c. 250 BCE- Main Ideas:
250 CE) • Central features include a hemispherical
mound (stupa), harmika (square railing),
and chatra (three-tiered umbrella).
• Designed for circumambulation
rituals shaping its spatial layout.
Concepts:
• Symbolizes cosmic order, with
the chatra representing the axis connecting
earth and heavens (Page 7).
• Served as a prototype for later Buddhist
architecture, integrating indigenous traditions
(Page 7).
Cave Temple, Karli (India, c. 100 BCE–100 Main Ideas:
CE) • Rock-cut architecture imitating wooden
construction details (e.g., barrel-vaulted
ceilings).
• Vast, column-free interior for congregation
and worship.
Concepts:
• Demonstrates advanced carving techniques,
blending Buddhist motifs with indigenous
traditions (Page 7).
• Combines functionality (congregational
space) with artistic embellishment (Page 7).
Brihadeshvara Temple (Tanjore, India, c. Designer: Commissioned under Raja Raja Chola I
1000-1010) Main Ideas:
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a
towering vimana (spire) and detailed
sculptures of Hindu mythology.
Concepts:
• Represents cosmic order through
architectural symmetry and verticality (Page
7).
• Embodies Chola dynasty’s imperial power
and artistic excellence (Page 7).
Lingaraja Temple (Bhubaneshwar, India, Main Ideas:
c.1050-1150) • Combines Kalinga architectural styles,
emphasizing sanctum and spire.
Concepts:
• Aligns with cardinal points to symbolize
cosmic harmony (Page 2).
• Embodies Mount Meru, a central theme in
Hindu cosmology (Page 2).
Olaf van der Sluijs
, Angkor Wat (Angkor, Cambodia, c. 1113- Designer: Commissioned by King Suryavarman II
1150) Main Ideas:
• Temple-mountain dedicated to Vishnu,
later converted to Buddhism.
• Features massive scale, intricate bas-
reliefs, and symbolic moats.
Concepts:
• Designed as a microcosm of the
universe, emphasizing axial alignment
(Page 2).
• Blends religious devotion with Khmer
urban planning.
Great Wall of China (China, 221 BCE - 1368 Main Ideas:
CE) • Defensive fortification integrating natural
landscapes with walls, watchtowers, and
gates.
Concepts:
• Symbolized imperial unification and
strength.
• Demonstrated advanced engineering with
tamped earth, bricks, and stones
Nanchan Monastery (Shanxi, China, 782) Main Ideas:
• One of the oldest surviving wooden
buildings in China, featuring a
symmetrical layout.
Concepts:
• Reflects Buddhist principles of simplicity
and meditation .
• Highlights Tang Dynasty timber frame
techniques
Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple (Ying, Main Ideas:
China, 1056) • Tallest and oldest wooden pagoda in
China, dedicated to Sakyamuni Buddha.
Concepts:
• Central axis design reflects Buddhist
cosmology .
• Uses interlocking wooden components for
earthquake resilience .
Olaf van der Sluijs
