History Of Architecture2D
Asian and Islamic Architecture - Theory & Concepts - Angkor Wat
Exploring the profound spiritual traditions, timber structural ingenuity, and sweeping geometric innovations of India, China, Japan, and the Islamic world.
Open the complete lessonAngkor Wat: Temple Mountain & Hydraulic City
Angkor Wat symbolizes the Hindu cosmos. The central towers represent Mount Meru (home of the gods), the outer walls represent the mountains enclosing the world, and the vast moat represents the cosmic ocean. The moat also served a critical structural function, keeping the sandy soil stable.
Adjust the water level. During the monsoon, the moat fills, preventing the enormous stone structure from sinking by stabilizing the groundwater level in the sandy foundation beneath the temple.