Structural Development of the Japanese Timber Pagoda

The wooden pagodas of Japan are Buddhist monuments which have their distant formal origin in the Indian stupa, or commemorative mound. The aesthetic appeal of the Japanese timber pagoda derives in large part from its elaborately articulated verticality. The most significant formal characteristic in the construction of pagodas is the very deep projection of the eaves. This is mainly accomplished by cross assemblies of blocks and arms supporting the long rafters. The static design of these ancient timber constructions will be a particular focus of this paper.