Grid System -Centralization Theory # 9

A closer look to the intervention in our site of Palenque.
The new develop path for Pakal to move from the Temple to the Palace.
Entire site.
The intervention, is a path.

Theory No. 7-B (Process and Growth Photos)

The entire relief model: The original 24x36 inch sized watercolor sheet was cut down due to the centrally focused nature of this theory. The watercolor paper was cut along existing topography lines.



The "inverted tower" extending below the intersection of the three main Houses; E, B, and C.



Linear elements imply spaces that may be occupied by Maya leaders for reflection and council.



The node as it appears underneath the relief model.


The Palace as it appears underneath the relief model.

Relief Model Photos

Theory of Observation of the Sun Setting Over the Temple of Inscriptions from the Palace Tower:

The path of the sunlight mimics the orientation of the constructs around the site.

The Plaza functions as access to the Palace Tower, where only royalty and priests could enter, which leads to higher spaces.

Theory #23: Relief Model Photos- Spatial Relationships to the Mayan Afterlife

Summary of Theory: My theory explains how Pakal’s construction of vessels at Palenque physically manifests the final spiritual journey taken in the afterlife as believed in the Mayan religion.

This diagram shows the layers of the 9 levels of the underworld (Xibalba), the 13 levels of heaven and the Cieba tree (or earth) which divides the two realms. (Photo from http://www.inriodulce.com/links/theninegods.html)


In studying this theory more closely, I have found that both structures designed by Pakal (The Temple of Inscriptions and The Palace) act as organizers and containers for space. For instance, the outer perimeter of the Palace consists mostly of public spaces which move upward in order to bring occupants further into the structure. As the occupant moves inwardly through the construct, space becomes increasingly more private and compact with a change in scale and the utilization of narrow walls. Concurrently, distinctive spaces (such as the tower) gain a gradual upward movement while others (the subterranean tunnels) gain downward movement.

Another example of this spatial arrangement happens within the Temple of Inscriptions. Although the building appears to be an impenetrable fortress, the spaces within are organized in a similar fashion. Though the spaces are seemingly less complex in comparison to the Palace, the same architectural language is used. The entrance to the Temple involves an arduous climb up an exterior stairway which finally leads the occupant to a small, semi-public covered space situated at the top. A small opening in the floor of the space leads the occupant down a staircase which becomes narrower as it descends. Eventually the passageway leads to the smallest, deepest space within the Temple of Inscriptions- Pakal’s tomb.

These organizational systems create complex layers and nested spaces that can be similarly identified in the journey taken to get to the Mayan afterlife.

In Mayan religion, it is believed that there are 9 levels of the underworld (also called Xibalba) and 13 levels of heaven. The two realms are separated by the sacred Cieba tree which is rooted in Xibalba and has branches which extend to the 13 levels of heaven. The Mayas held that once a person of royalty died (such as King Pakal), they would have to endure a difficult journey through the 9 levels of the underworld (Xibalba) in order to reach the final stage of rebirth. They believed that each level of the underworld was ruled by gods of death and disease who had to be defeated before the dead could journey to the next level and eventually be reborn as a god. Though it is certain that the Mayas did believe in the 13 levels of heaven, there is very little information on the details of what was believed to occur within these levels.


Relief model portraying my interpretive theory of Pakal's construction at Palenque


Close up of The Palace, The Temple of Inscriptions and the aqueduct at Palenque


Showing the layered spaces within The Temple of Inscriptions


Diagramming the nested complexity of space within The Palace


Layers of the Palace and upward movement of the smaller space of the Tower

A temple is a cenote

The Mayans believed that on the passage from the underworld to the afterlife your soul is reborn again. The underworld is the gateway to immortality. The soul is carried down a river, mostly an underground river called a cenote. A cave incorporated into a mountain is the access point to the river. As you travel down the river there is a transition in which salt water and fresh water meet called a halo cline. Once through and on the other side, this is where you have traveled and reached Xibalba. There are nine places where rivers come out of mountains. Similar to this, Pakal built the Temple of Inscriptions using the idea of a mountain,cave and a river. The river that floes nearby to the palace and the temple will be where the soul is carried to the afterlife. Pakal wanted to create a temple where mountain,cave and river unite.

In my map the horizontal lines create the nine levels of the underworld and the access point. The shifted vertical lines are similar to the river and the halo cline, the transtional point from the underworld to the afterlife. The series of vertical and horizontal interweaved lines create the two and a half years the Mayans believe it would take for one to travel to Xibalba. The void above is the above is the final destination in which the soul is reborn.

Theory # 5 Sky

The Mayans construct in the southwest corner of the palace a tower four stoties high. The tower is particularly important in its relationship to the Temple of Inscriptions where the tomb of Lord Pacal, Palenque's great ruler lies.

At the winter solstice, which happen once a year, the sun sets a direct line from the Palace tower to the center of the Temple of Inscriptions. At this moment of the year, when the sun was directly overhead the Mayans would start their calendar.

Power Theory

Both the Temple of Inscriptions and the Palace represent Power by relating to the topography. Edge conditions display that it creates the boundary in every direction. They are the center points of the site, and in every direction, all other constructions are less significant.
The Temple and Palace were both made for Pakal, and are therefore the most prominent structures. The Temple was built for Pakal's occupation in death, and the Palace was built as his occupation in life. The nine levels also represented the levels of the Underworld, relating to his death.
Being that they are both the largest and tallest buildings, they are the two constructions you can view the rest of the site from them. the height They are bordered by the river and the hills, making their immensity visible to all. The hills and river create edge conditions while also placing the Palace and Temple as the center points of the site.