Notable structures Myanmar architecture

the swedagon pagoda in yangon, myanmar

the shwedagon pagoda in yangon serves repository stupa , focal point of buddism in myanmar. @ 99.4 meters high, stupa covered in gold leaf , plate. surrounded smaller shrines , topped gem-encrusted seinbu ( diamond bud ) , seven-tiered hti represents burmese spirituality. every 4 5 years gold repaired or replaced. stupa constructed theravada buddhist society , said contain strands of buddha s hair.

built circumambulatory structure, visitors guided in clockwise direction around stupa, passing 8 astrological representations of 8 days of burmese week. platform includes 4 devotional centres @ cardinal compass points , dozens of smaller-scale stupas, including golden elder stupa. bodhi trees, buddhist images, , other spiritual figures decorate exterior along 16-ton singu min bell (known formerly maha ganda bell).

the shwedagon has served centre of buddhist devotion forum political activism. during anti-colonial demonstrations of nationalist thakin party in 1938-1939, strike centres set around pagoda. in 1988, burmese socialist programme party collapsing, shwedagon platform pro-democracy political demonstrations. on 26 august 1988, aung san suu kyi spoke on democracy @ west gate of pagoda mass audience.

mandalay palace

great audience hall, mandalay palace, 1903

mandalay palace primary example of wooden architecture in myanmar, places emphasis on exterior aesthetics rather interior space. though not constructed until late-1850s, characteristics of palace, such cardinally placed gates , central palace structure, can traced early-pyu period. east-west primary axis constructed palace buildings themselves. illustrations 11th century pagan depict wooden buildings similar @ palace handiwork later found @ mandalay.

after fire in 1945, section of original palace remained. remnant contained examples of traditional stucco used in burmese construction. in palace, flower distribution centre contains several wooden, semicircular arches may have been inspired 19th century european buildings. stucco on these arches appears represent rays of sunlight or lotus petals.

along primary features of wood carvings , stucco, tiered roofs (pyatthat) common feature of palace. inside, covered hallways lead small throne room topped pyatthat. many pyatthats on palace, other burmese structures, parallel monasteries , throne rooms. there pyatthat directly on great audience hall.

as constructed of wood , stucco in tropical climate, frequent renovations of palace have been necessary. though once constructed of teak, concrete has since been incorporated structure reinforcement.