Reflection 1: Chichen Itza

For a long time I have been inspired by the creativity of the Chichen Itza ancient ruins located in Yukatan Peninsula in Mexico. These magnificent structures built between 9th and 12th centuries by Mayan civilization showcase a perfect combination of innovation, creativity, knowledge of astronomy, math, and construction. The purpose of the pyramids was to serve as a calendar, track time, religious rituals, and ceremonies. The most famous pyramid is called El Castillo which has 365 steps (number of days in a year) with 91 on each side. The way the sun strikes the structure and the steps, allowed for time tracking. The pyramid is aligned to spring and fall equinoxes that trigger an optical illusion. When the sun sets during these two days, it creates a “crawling” serpent resembling a snake’s design. As the shadow moves down the stairway, it meets with one of the large snake heads.

I chose this structure because this is an example of purposeful and unique design that takes many years to develop. This design is a combination of not only creative mind of one person but also a collaboration among many groups of people and intersection of disciplines. The one of the seven wonders of the world was built without modern technology and construction equipment but with knowledge of design, astrology, mathematics, geometry, geography, and construction.

While this structure is not necessarily applicable or practical in our modern life, it is a representation of how design thinking can be applied with or without specific tools and during any time period.