Guidelines for the Temple Architectures of the Khmer Delta in Southern Vietnam

Abstract

The objectives of this research are: 1) to study the characteristics of traditional Khmer architectures in southern Vietnam, 2) to survey attitude and acceptance of the Buddhists in area for the appropriate use of the traditional design element and 3) to propose guidelines for the contemporary building design based on the traditional architecture. The methodology of this research is qualitative approach with a survey of attitude of people at the areas. The interpretation of the findings is made by using two basic statistics: the mean (), percent (%), and the standard deviation (SD), also the deep informantion about designs and technique gain from in-depth interview with 6 key informants.

             The results of this study indicate that the majority of conventional architectural forms in the southern region of Vietnam, particularly temples, exhibit influences from Cambodian and Thai architectural styles, notably seen in the distinct architectural style of the pagoda. Public perception and approval of modern architectural designs in these areas are generally viewed favorably, with an average mean rating of 3.96 and an average standard deviation of 0.47. The architectural composition of a Khmer Delta temple encompasses various components such as uposatha (Ordination Hall), sālās, stupa, school and Kuti (residence for Buddhist monks), sculptures, Buddha images, Bhodi tree, gates, and the Khmer Theravāda culture. Regarding the curriculum content, contemporary methodologies and construction materials are employed in conjunction with architectural design processes to incorporate elements related to representations of the Buddha. These edifices pose a distinct challenge in comprehending their dynamic characteristics due to the diverse materials, features, institutional purposes, architectural styles, residential functions, and the intricate and diverse architectural configurations present. The focus of this research centers on the intricate architectural style of pagodas, specifically highlighting the temples situated in the Khmer Delta region.