Architecture in Tibet

Probably the most prominent Tibetan architectural motif is the stupa. Most early Tibetan architecture owed much to Indian(Pala) and Nepalese(Newari)influences.Still, a distinctive Tibetan style of architectural design was soon to emerge,which found its greatest expression in the Kumbum of Gyantse, the monasteries of Samye and Tashilhunpo and the Potala.
Typical features of Tibetan design, which are used to a certain extent in the houses of nobility and even in villages throughout Tibet, are builidings with inward sloping walls made of large tightly fitting stones or sun-baked bricks.Below the roof is a layer of twigs,squashed tight by the roof and painted to give Tibetan houses their characteristic brown band. Roofs are flat, as there is little rain or snow, made from pounded earth and edged with walls.
In larger structures, the roof is supported inside by wooden pillars.The exteriors are generally white-washed brick,though in some areas, such as Sakya in Tsang, other colours may be used. In rural Tibet, homes are often surrounded by walled compounds, and in some areas entrances are protected by painted scorpions.
Noads, who take their homes with them, live in yak-hair tents which are normally roomy and can accommodate a whole family. An opening at the top of the tent lets out smoke from the fire.White tents with blue embroidery are used by settled town dwellers mainly at festival times.