Wat Phu, Laos
Sacred Temple Complex of Khmer Kings
A detailed sculpture carved directly into stone wall.
Conservation efforts at Wat Phu are concentrated on Nandin Hall, one of the most significant architectural remains in the park. Due to settling and uncontrolled vegetation growth, the structure has been weakened and faces collapse, so a program of stabilization and analysis is underway. This will employ the original building materials recovered at the site or newly quarried stones from the same quarries exploited in ancient times during the original construction.
Numerous sites have been stabilized and conserved through a variety of techniques. A drainage system has been installed beneath Nandin Hall to minimize damage from excessive rain and water retention. The Ceremonial Road – the primary access route to the site – has been restored using all authentic materials, and statuary along the road has been excavated and reinstalled. Throughout Wat Phu, cleaning and preparing the area and the structures have furthered the conservation project. A supply of laterite blocks have been obtained from the ancient Khmer quarry. Partial dismantling and reassembling of the southern side of Central Room, Central Room floor and Southern Room have been successfully completed with a crucial drainage system installed under the Central Room.
