SDOK KOK THOM : A Reconstruction of Meaning and Spirit from the Heap of Stones (II)

Figure 3: Stone masonry in Khmer architecture

Conservation of stone monuments by anastylosis : Anastylosis is a methodology for conservation of stone monuments which is accepted as the most appropriate method for the present time. The term “anastylosis” is a Greek word which was introduced for the first time in International Conference for Conservation Project of Acropolis of Athens in 1913 by Mr. Nikolaos Balanos, a Greek engineer. After the conference, the word “anastylosis” has been internationally accepted and appeared in the Athens Charter. Mr. Balanos defined the word as “the returning of the architectural elements of ancient building to their original positions”.

Later, anastylosis was mentioned again in the Venice Charter, 1964 AD., that anastylosis was an approved method in improvement of condition of monuments in case that : the new additions must always be distinguishable from the originals; and the additional parts are acceptable in case they are uses as little the amount as possible.

From Europe to Asia, anastylosis was applied for the first time to Javanese Architecture in Indonesia, which had become an example for application to Khmer architecture. The method conforms to the principles of conservation that emphasize authenticity, as well as being a means for better interpretation of the monument than the propping and bracing generally practiced in those days. The experimental project of anastylosis restoration in Cambodia was carried out at Prasat Banteay Srei in 1931.

Eventually, anastylosis was introduced in Thailand and applied for the first time at Prasat Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima. The method was applied to the restoration of the main sanctuary during 1964 – 1969. The project was collaborated in funding and techniques from the UNESCO, who sent M. Bernard-Philippe Groslier to work as project consultant. The anastylosis method as applied to the restoration of Prasat Phimai was adapted by M. Groslier that modern structure was added to help bearing the load of the original, which was restored by anastylosis, for the reasons of stability as well as protection from ground moisture. The new structures as mentioned comprised : reinforced concrete structures hidden in parts of the building and reinforced concrete slab foundation. The success of Phimai had made way to successive application of “applied anastylosis” method, whose implementation process can be summarized as : dismantling of stones and reassembling the stones to the studied original positions over a consolidated foundation made of reinforced concrete; and some parts of the building are strengthened by reinforced concrete structures hidden inside.

According to characteristics of Khmer architecture that stone blocks are laid carefully by rubbing the adjoining surfaces of stones until they fit together almost seamlessly, without using mortar, anastylosis, therefore, is applicable because the original position of each piece of material can be located, even in case of plain walls where there are no carvings to help as clues.

Restrictions on Stability and Strength of Stone Sanctuary Architecture Not regarding damages by human who plunder the monument for treasure, the most important factor of deterioration of Khmer architecture is insufficiency of foundation. We have found that, in many cases, the foundation was made by only one layer of laterite. When too much compression occurred, the laterite blocks would break and their strength failed. The superstructure base of the building, mostly built of one layer of stones built over alternated layers of sand and limestone blocks, or merely packed soil. As for Sdok Kok Thom, the base was finished with only one layer of laterite blocks, which was built over with stone walls whose load is transferred to the packed soil inside the base, not the stone walls of the base which are more capable in load bearing. Thus the monuments are found to be in the conditions of settlement, declined, or collapsed.

The wall over the opening, originally, is usually reinforced with a piece of timber to bear high compression, therefore, when the timber decayed, the part lost its load bearing capacity. These are examples of weak points of Khmer architecture that we should find measures for problem-solving.

Figure 4: Superstructure base of the building
Anastylosis at Sdok Kok Thom Restoration of Sdok Kok Thom has been carried out by anastylosis method, whose process comprises the making of fallen stones plan; stone categorizing; experimental reassembling and making of existing drawings before restoration, following general standards of anastylosis. Nevertheless, based on basic information on structural weak points and deteriorations of the monument, the restoration design has allied a new structure of reinforced concrete slab foundation to help consolidate the building. The foundation as mentioned was finished with a damp proof course so that the cement does not have direct contacts with the original materials. Inside the base, laterite blocks laid with lime mortar were used to replace the original, which was packed sand, for better load bearing.

Results of experimental reassembling and comparative study have rendered a complete architectural feature of the monument. After obtaining information on the original feature of the building, the number of the original stones that can be returned to their original positionswas determined; condition of each block of stone was checked to specify the usable blocks and the blocks that needed repair or replacement. The results of these have been summarized and made into a restoration design.

Restoration work began with dismantling elements which were still in their original positions, layer by layer, and reassembling them with the previously reassembled stones. After additional structures were completed, the stones were returned to their positions, in more consolidated state. Repair or replacement of stones was carried out according to restoration design and objectives, that is, for replacement of the lost or decayed parts or for comprehensibility of form. The added parts have been made to be distinguishable from the original materials, yet harmonize in overall appearance.

The restoration of the monument is ongoing at the moment of writing this paper. After restoration work is completed, a restoration report which records all working process, as well as architectural features after restoration will be made. The report will be kept as a scientific document for further studies.