The Lhasa Atlas: Traditional Tibetan Architecture and Townscape

Lhasa is the most impressive of the few surviving traditional urban centers of Tibet. Among its splendid buildings are the Potala Palace, the traditional seat of the Dalai Lamas, and the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred building in the world of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan architecture is increasingly being recognized as one of the great architectural traditions of the world. The Lhasa Atlas surveys the topography, environment, historical development, buildings, and townscape of old Lhasa. It also introduces future plans and discusses some of the issues concerning the safeguarding of the historical townscape in the ongoing process of urban development.