Tower Shrine

[atpollard]

I like it.
Are the stairs typically freestanding 'sculptural' elements in a tall open space?
[A European castle would have probably set the stair into the thickened outer wall, but I am unfamiliar with East Asian shrines.]

[BitMatt]

I like it.
Are the stairs typically freestanding 'sculptural' elements in a tall open space?
[A European castle would have probably set the stair into the thickened outer wall, but I am unfamiliar with East Asian shrines.]

The stairs are wooden, fanning out from a large central pillar that rises the entire height of the tower; steep and open to the air, except for a low railing. The view towards the ceiling of the main shrine would be spectacular, but not comfortable for anyone who has issues with heights! The pillar itself would be anchored to the wall by frequent spars - the builders would take care to conceal these so that they are not immediately obvious, especially from below.

There's a lot of artifice and illusion in monumental buildings; a lot of ugly structural spaces that are not on the regular tours. This is especially true behind false ceilings and non-structural walls!