A Glimpse of Bhutanese Architecture

Posted by roma on March 10, 2014 in Bhutan, Bhutanese Architecture, Thimphu,

This is one of the most interesting things about Bhutan, secondary to its Happiness Philosophy called "Gross National Happiness".

Traditional architecture remains alive in Bhutan. As recently as 1998, by royal decree, all buildings must be constructed with multi-coloured wood frontages, small arched windows, and sloping roofs.^[1] Traditional western Bhutanese structures are often made from wooden frames earthen material, namely wattle and daub interior walls, rammed earth exterior walls, and stone and earth retaining walls.^[3] No plans are drawn up, nor are nails or iron bars allowed in the construction.^[1]Many traditional structures feature swastikas and phallic paintings.^[4]

It is actually very interesting to see a structure currently under construction in Bhutan in the streets of Thimphu. Look at all those bamboo serving as scaffolding.

A shot from inside our coaster -- a group of building under construction

The first modern mall in Bhutan, constructed in 2012, Thimpu

I will write more about Bhutan and its architecture soon.