In terms of quality and originality, Bhutanese architecture is without doubt one of the best expression of country's unique character. Almost completely isolated for many centuries by its complex geography, Bhutan has seen very little external influence in its architectural style. Although the main roots of Bhutanese art and architecture is attributed to Tibet, over the many centuries it has adapted the influence to local taste and variations that makes it unique. Displaying a great sense of innovation, dzongs, temples and monasteries were built in absolute harmony with the environment and its functions, of which many of these true masterpieces dating far back as the 8th century still stand in proof. Even private dwellings maintain the same traditional forms, which lends a very unique style in the present world of concrete high rises.
.jpg)
The
great fortresses known as dzongs are among the most striking example
of Bhutanese architecture. Rising majestically on strategic locations, at entrance
to valleys, summit of hills or river confluence, the dzongs were built on grand
scales without the help of any drawings or nails. They are examples of Bhutanese
architecture at its best. Reflecting faith, social harmony and intricate spatial
organization, the dzongs symbolize the history and long independence of Bhutan.
These
common religious structures in Bhutan are stupas holding embalmed in its bellies,
sacred relics and artifacts. In testimony to the ingrained faith of the Bhutanese,
they can be found at crossroads, near dzongs or temples and over mountain passes.
Many old chortens that were built along old trade routes can still
be seen spanning the high mountain ridges.
Lhakhangs
or temples, fairly small building of simple design were the earliest forms of
religious architecture. They are mostly one-floor structures surrounded by a
small, enclosed courtyard and distinguished from ordinary houses by a red band
encircling the upper part of the walls and ornament of gilded copper on the
roof. The inside walls are usually adorned with intricate frescoes while the
outside structures are a dazzling display of carved wood adornment and brilliant
paintings.
There
are two types of goembas, one, cluster type goembas, which
consists of a core structure of a temple or two surrounded by various residential
dwelling. Few excellent examples are Dzongdrakha in Paro, Phajoding in Thimphu
and Tharpaling in Bumthang. The other is a dzong type, built like fortress with
a central tower enclosing a temple and surrounded by exterior walls against
which are built monks' living cells and service rooms. The most impressive examples
of dzong type goembas are Gangtey in Phobjikha and Tango in upper Thimphu valley.
The
villages of Bhutan often take the form of small hamlets ranging between 5 to
15 houses, arranged in such a way as to mitigate the harsher effects of the
climate. They are built close together to provide mutual protection against
the wind and the cold. Typical Bhutanese houses are found at altitudes of 1000
to 3000 meters. The general pattern is almost same throughout the country although
in some region you will find houses built far apart in the individual agricultural
plots. In the west houses are mostly built of rammed mud walls, while in the
east the walls are mostly stones. There are also thatched bamboo dwellings.
All houses have flying roofs and are intricately painted both within and outside.
Paintings are not mere decorations but explicit expression of faith, invoking
fortune and protection. Traditional houses are built of naturally available
materials; even the paints used are derived from the earth or plants.