The architecture of Copán is characterized by its asymmetry. This difference in organizational principles with the prototype architecture (see domestic architecture) is due to major modifications of the basic form. In spite of differences, it shares a majority of principles with the architecture of other maya cities confirming a common prototype.

The asymmetry of the components is due to their irregular shape (trapezoid, polygonal, indefinite) and that of their configuration to an imbalance of mass and space characterized by the presence of components (benches, doorways, rooms) that have no counterpart in relation to the building's axis . The typical configuration is a large central room flanked by two small perpendicular rooms, one which connects with the central room and the other with the outside (figs. 5a, b).

It has already been noted that symmetry is not very rigourous in Maya architecture. But we can distinguish a will for symmetry in the slightness of mistakes and the symetry of most assemblages. At Copán, the asymmetry of the componants goes beyond calculation mistakes and the asymetry of their configuration indicates a calculated principle. Hence, the asymmetry of this architecture appears as a lack of interest for the symmetry of components and as a principle which is the asymmetrical assemblage of masses and spaces according to specific and limited rules. Linearity, on the other hand, is very strong and marked by alignments with the cardinal directions.

Like Tikal, there are exceptional breaches in some organizational principles. It is the case of centrality for the palaces that have for exceptions the decentration of the floor space and interior doorways. Considering the extreme limitation of the rooms created by the benches (that occupy more than half of the space), the floor space and the interior doorways had to be decentered to be functional; so the floor wouldn't be reduced to a narrow central corridor and so the inner doorways wouldn't be blocked by the benches. It would seem that decentration is a compromise in favor of an extreme limitation of space. Limitation appears to be at Copán what verticality is at Tikal.

Ballcourt (foreground) and Pyramid with the hieroglyphic stairway (background).

Fig. 5a: Exterior of a palace (House of the scribe).

Fig. 5b: Interior of a palace (Group 9N-8).

Another distinctive trait of Copán's architecture is the realistic and detailed sculpture. Stelas are a good example of this artistic style by being carved in three dimensions (fig. 6). But the most remarkable example is the hieroglyphic stairway revealing the dynastic history of the city. Another interesting fact is that there are no roof crests at Copán. Building sculpture is concentrated around the doorways and on the facades in a style related to the Northern Lowlands.

Fig. 6: Stelas in the Great Plaza.