Unified Structure: The Inca Empire

Inca architectural patterns are demonstrated at the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Peru. (photo: Jeff Bridges)

Throughout the Inca Empire, standardized patterns of building helped to define a unified architectural style that was carried out in the structures.  Inca architectural forms draw from a basic design with changes proportions and spatial arrangement for the different functions of the empire.

Most buildings are constructed in masonry style with a rectangular shape and a thatched roof, though temples feature rounded walls.  The style and quality of masonry determines the status of the buildings; whereas a house features rubble masonry, a religious or state building features well-fitted blocks. Though the high masonry is precisely fit, the shapes of the blocks are irregular polygonal shapes rather than standard squares. 

Irregular blocks are fitted together to form a continuous surface in the high masonry technique of Inca architectural construction. (photo: Hakan Svensson)

The Inca settlement commonly exhibits agricultural terraces, sophisticated irrigation systems and uniform housing compounds called canchas. Canchas are typically composed of an identical structure, and the quality of masonry determines the status of the inhabitants. 

Canchas exhibit standardized construction in the housing settlements of the Inca Empire. (photo: Mark Bergin)

Trapezoidal forms are a constant reference in Inca architecture, rather it be in the lintel of a doorway or in a niche. Most Inca buildings provide niches within the interior walls in a symmetrical and proportional arrangement. 

Niches are a characteristic feature of Inca Architecture as they are exhibited here at Ollantaytambo, Peru. (photo: Jason Langley)

To build the niches, workers first formed a level wall up to the base of the nice and created niche frames by stacking stones to form their shape. The gaps between the niches were filled with large and small blocks, but attention to a proper fit was not crucial. Niche frames allowed for proper sizing and placement within in the disarray of stones surrounding them.  

As for the walls of the buildings, the corners were formed first and the walls were built from the outside inward towards the center. This allowed for laborers to work on both ends of the wall at the same time and created less room for mistakes in jointing the two walls together.