Chapter 492: Taking a Master
She had imagined a single palace, but to her surprise, it was an entire palace complex!
The palace was divided into three parts. In the very center was the main hall, where the imperial court held morning sessions to discuss politics. The area at the front was for the ministers’ work, and behind that was the rear palace.
This was practically no different from the restored Solara Palace!
"Besides the palace walls, all the buildings inside are made of wood, and they all use mortise and tenon joinery. This is the most iconic style of Solara architecture. Historically, Solara produced many master architects," Jonah Lowell explained to the group.
"Later ancient architecture all imitated Solara’s style, but it was never surpassed. One can’t help but marvel at the wisdom of the ancients. Our ancestors have left us so much to study and carry on."
A person walked over and addressed Jonah Lowell respectfully, "Professor."
𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦
"Bring over some hard hats. I’m going to take everyone on a tour."
The hard hats were brought over, and Jonah Lowell led the group inside through the palace gates.
Construction was still underway, but the stone slabs on the ground had already been laid. The only major part of the entire palace complex that remained unfinished was the main hall; the other buildings were already arranged in a picturesque layout.
"Professor, for such a complex project, how did you manage to build something on this massive a scale in such a short amount of time?" Melody Monroe couldn’t help but ask.
Jonah Lowell glanced at Melody Monroe. "Miss Monroe, you seem to have some insight into architecture."
"I’ve just read some information about it," Melody Monroe quickly explained.
"My team and I have been preparing for the construction of Solara Palace for five years. However, the project was put on hold due to funding issues and our inability to find a suitable location. The lumber you see here was actually prepared long ago."
With that, Melody Monroe understood.
"Professor, with only the main hall left to assemble, it won’t even take a month, right?" Tommy asked, looking at the nearly finished structure. He felt it shouldn’t take that long.
"I’ve uncovered some new information these past few days, so I’ve made some adjustments to the main hall’s structure. We’ll need to re-cut the materials."
"Oh." Melody Monroe nodded. "May I go inside the main hall to take a look?"
"Of course, but it’s a bit of a mess in there."
Jonah Lowell led them inside. Workers were bustling about. A set of blueprints lay on the ground to one side. Melody Monroe didn’t look at the pre-cut lumber and exquisite carvings like everyone else; instead, her eyes were drawn to the blueprints on the ground.
She could understand the blueprints completely.
Jonah Lowell watched Melody Monroe, feeling a bit surprised. It seemed she had some knowledge of architecture—to think she even knew to look at the blueprints.
Director Walsh hadn’t been completely convinced before his visit, but after coming here and seeing these buildings, any trace of hesitation vanished.
The wait was worth it.
In one corner, Melody Monroe saw a small structure. It must be the model for this building. Although it was just a model, the craftsmanship was exceptionally fine.
Jonah Lowell walked over to Melody Monroe. "This entire structure is being replicated exactly according to this model."
"Professor, can this lumber really last for several hundred years?"
"The original kind could, yes. But ours can’t. The wood is different, so the anti-corrosion and insect-repellent properties aren’t as effective."
"And if the wood gets damp, it will also affect the structure," Melody Monroe added softly.
Jonah Lowell was surprised yet again. Talking with Melody Monroe felt like talking with one of his own students.
"Are you studying architecture, too?"