How can we compare Asian and European Architecture?

*Saurav Koirala
In Europe, architects are highly respected since the Renaissance. All architects tried to put their
names on history. Each era tries to express itself through building volume and façade. But,
when we look at traditional Asian architecture for more than 2000 years, we can find a modular
system with a large roof supported by outer columns or thick walls which has undergone little
change over the centuries; who was the architect not important. Architects are insignificant in
Asian architectural philosophy. Architecture is secondary. It is sure that each of us can name
some European star architect out of history, let’s say Palladio, Michelangelo or Bernini and
others. But, how many of us can name one or two Asian star architects from the past. It’s super
complicated to pronounce names. The truth is that there are not any star architects in Asian
history at all. In order to build a house in traditional Asia, first (Feng Shui master in Chinese
subcontinent) / (Priest in Indian Subcontinent) comes to decide where is the ponds to be,
where the garden, where the house is allowed to co-exist based on the terrain, the light and
view. Then craftsman come to construct the house according to the social hierarchy of owner
and the functional necessity. The difference in Europeans are self-centered individuals and
Asian are quite opposite.