A PROPOSED RATIONAL BEHIND THE ANCIENT KHMER'S DIMENSIONAL PLANNING AT THE BENG MEALEA

Based on the results of previous studies on planning methods and procedures of various Khmer monuments, we attempted to analyze the case of Beng Mealea. The construction measure is considered to be 411mm, however, dimensional inconsistencies are revealed in details of some parts. The objective of this paper is to examine the planning methods and process of Beng Mealea temple by a restorative approach. Judging from the result of analysis, the planning of Beng Mealea was started with double-enclosure temple layout, and subsequently developped, probably on the way of construction, to triple-enclosure. In consequence, we can see several traces of modification in its dimesional disposition. The method and technique of this temple planning is uncharted in a sense, different from that of any other Khmer monuments we studied before.