Abstract:
This study of Isan sims (the northeastern word for ubosot, the ordination hall, in central Thai) in Tai-Lao Culture around the Lower Mekhong Basin aims to study the evolution of northeastern architectural culture. The research methodology includes the collection of documentary data, a field survey, and interviews. Findings include the locations of the temples, the layout and the patterns of the sims in the sample group, leading to a comparative analysis of architectural components and forms. The study findings are then used in the design of the sim at Wat Luang, Ubonratchathani Province. The study of the sims in the sampling reveals that the location of the temple is designated by the ruling class, monks, or by the community consensus. Mostly, the temple is located near a source of water, on a high hill, or to the south of the local community. The division between the Buddhavas, the Sanghavas and the area for public use is not so clearly marked as in the layout planning of temples in the central region. This is because earlier in the architecture of Tai-Lao culture, the focus was on the vihara (or the ah-haam in northeast dialect) as opposed to the ubosot or sim. However, with cultural changes, the sim building has become the major structure in the Buddhavas area instead. Usually situated in the open space in the middle of the temple compound, facing east, the sim is not to be placed in a defined axis line with nearby buildings. The Sanghavas or the monastery is often in the west extending to the north and the south respectively. The area for public use is established later to meet the needs of the community, often as a group of buildings for funeral rites and cremation situated on the temple periphery. The research also finds that the sims in the sample group can be divided architecturally into three groups according to time periods and architectural and art influences. These are: 1. the sims with the influence of original Lan Chang art and architecture 2. the sims with the influence of art and architecture from Lan Chang and the central region 3. the sims with the influence of art and architecture of the local northeastern Lan Chang art and architecture At present, it seems that the local art and architecture of Ubonratchathani is likely to be over powered by that of the central region. A good example of such loss of historical evidence is the case of the ah-haam or the vihara of Wat Luang, Ubonratchathani, the important provincial temple built by Phra Pratum-worarajsuriyawongse, the first governor. Combining the rediscovered architectural identity of the Tai-Lao culture with contemporary functional requirements, the research proposes new design for the sim of Wat Luang, Ubonratchathani.