Structure Project

By Zachary Collins

For our ARC 532 class, we had to find a Non-western building, structural element, or detail that we have not ever been exposed to and develop a model. I had chosen the country of Thailand, in specific, Northern Thailand, and their use of a galae (kalae).

A Galae (pronounced gaar-lair) originated in Northern Thailand in the former kingdom of Lanna. This is where the galae is used extensively on peaked rooftops of mainly houses and used sporadically in other community buildings. Originally, the shape was formed from the extensions of the 2 roof beams that extended beyond the peak and crossed each other to form a V-shape. Through time they became a decorate carving separate from the timbers and were sometimes made of gold or other metals. But mainly, they are carved out of Teakwood, which is abundantly grown in Northern Thailand.

The purpose of this form is still largely unknown or not proven. But there are 2 theories that help explain maybe what this extended structure could have been used for.

1. Theorists believe that is was meant to discourage large birds from landing on the roofs of the houses. Reason for believing this is because these Galaes are also known as “Glancing Pigeons” or “Glancing Crows.”

2. Theorists believe that it is a representation of buffalo horns. Horns represented the ancient custom of symbolizing a Family’s Wealth by putting buffalo horns above their doorways as decoration and to let people know of their status.
So along with an extension of structure, this form as been found in the homes of Thailand as an expression of personal art and décor.

Overall, I found this interesting to learn about, because I had seen these in the architecture of buildings before, but never knew exactly what they were. Below are 2pictures of actual galaes and the third picture is my model representation.