Architectural masonry features of Prasat Suor Prat: Study on architectural techniques used in the Prasat Suor Prat towers in Angkor

Abstract

Abstract The Prasat Sour Prat towers (hereafter PSP) were built just in front of the Royal Palace and Royal Plaza in Angkor Thom. This location is very important. However, despite the significance of the location, a laterite block was used as the primary building material of PSP. This study aims to understand why PSP was built with laterite blocks, and speculates on the relationship between the method of construction of PSP and the period in which it was constructed. Additionally, by comparing them with laterite structures of a Koh Ker ruin, the features of PSP are better understood. Understanding the motive behind using laterite is a key aspect that will help in understanding why PSP masonry methods have some distinctive features. The processing and masonry techniques of PSP indicate that its features were obtained via rapid construction.

Keywords

• Angkor
• Prasat Suor Prat
• laterite blocks
• selection of building materials
• Koh Ker