Abstract:
To survey the patterns, components, ideas and factors influencing the architectural design of the shrine of the Buddha's footprint. The knowledge in turn serves as guidelines for the study and conservation of the architecture of this type. The study of Thai architecture of the Ayuthaya and Rattanakosin Periods was made in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces. The methods used were the study of written documents and field work including survey, measurement, photography and interviews. The architectural study for the shrine of the Buddha's Footprint can be categorized into two types: structures and purposes. Regarding structures, they can be labelled as the pavillion, relic mound, monastery and square spired pavillion. The construction of the Buddha's Footprint can serve the purposes as 1) a monument of the Buddha's utility, 2) an imitation of the item in 1), and 3) a memorial of worship with Buddhist symbolism. This type of architecture has no other purposes than those mentioned. Therefore, it is compact and suitable for the dimensions of the Buddha's Footprint. In addition, the architecture is normally adorned with symbols reflecting the beliefs, traditions and cultures of people, which are typical of this variety of Thai architecture. The insight from the study serves as a guideline in designing the architecture in the case study which is the shrine of the imitating Buddha's Footprint o Chulachomklao Hill, Sichang Island, Chonburi Province