Photo Gallery
Wat Phra Non (built 18th century onward)
Wat Phra Non, the Monastery of the Reclining Buddha, is considered to be a classic example of Phrae religious architecture. Most notable is the structure housing the reclining buddha. Instead of windows, the sides of the structure are illuminated by long, narrow openings called chong lom (wind gaps), surmounted by cros-shaped openings. This design permits ample illumination while minimizing the amount of direct sunlight entering the structure during the hot summer months.
Bibliography:
Image credits: All images copyright 2008 Timothy M. Ciccone. Photographed early March, 2008.
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Oxford University Press, 1998. Kuala Lumpur
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River Books, 2001. Thailand
Lassus, Pongkwan (Sukwattana). Architectural Heritage in Thailand
Amarin Printing and Publishing, 2004. Bangkok
Matics, K. I. Introduction to the Thai Temple
White Lotus Co., 1992. Bangkok
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Oxford University Press, 1990. Kuala Lumpur
Sthapitanonda, Nithi & Mertens, Brian. Architecture of Thailand: A Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Forms
Thames and Hudson, 2005. Singapore
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