Thai Architecture

Architecture is like the design and construction of buildings and structures. It's not just about making things that stand up; it's also about making them look good and work well for the people who use them. So, architects are like the creative thinkers who plan and create the places where we live, work, and play. They decide how buildings should look, what materials to use, and how everything fits together. Architecture is all about creating spaces that are not only practical but also pleasing to our eyes.

Thai architecture has a fascinating history that you can learn about from old stone temples that still stand today. In the past, most buildings in Thailand were made of wood, but they're gone now, and with them, the special ways they were built.

A long time ago, during the Sukhothai period, people used sandstone to make parts of doors, rectangular windows, and other parts, similar to how the Khmer people did it.

Then, in the 12th century, they started using bricks instead of sandstone. These bricks were stuck together with vegetable glue, and craftsmen covered them in carved stone. Later on, architects tried something new by using stucco, a mix of sand, lime, and glue with a clay frame, to cover the brick walls.

In the northern part of Thailand, where there were lots of forests, craftsmen used wood in building temples. The best Thai architecture shows a bit of Chinese influence, especially in the beautiful decorations. They used porcelain pieces in different colors to make the buildings look even more amazing. Around the early 1800s, this kind of art reached its highest point.

One of the most incredible places to see Buddhist architecture is Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok. This temple is filled with amazing carvings and decorations, making it one of the most decorated places in the world. Every inch of the temple is covered in beautiful designs.

But as time went on, around 1900, traditional Thai architecture started to change. People started building in European styles, and craftsmen had to learn new techniques. They embraced ideas from architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies Van der Rohe, who were famous in the West. So, the way buildings looked in Thailand changed, but you can still see the beauty of traditional Thai architecture in places like Wat Phra Kaeo.