The architecture of Palenque is characterized by its openness. Like Copán, 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 distinctive quality of Palenque's architecture is its "airiness". This style seems to have been introduced by the ruler Janaab Pacal. The openness of buildings is due to a great accessibility by a number of doorways superior to the number of rooms (including doorways in the shorter walls) and a great visibility by an opening area superior to the wall area (including the presence of windows) (figs. 5, 6). Windows are rare in Maya architecture but they are common at Palenque and take the shape of a "T" symbolizing wind, thus giving a clue on the meaning and function of these openings. During their occupation, rooms were seperated and closed by curtains of which are left only holders. The principle of openness is expressed by other elements typical of the western region such as aqueducts, underground passages, crypts (fig. 7), niches and decorative perforations.

Fig. 5: Temple of the Sun.

Fig. 6: Building C of the Palace.

The openness of buildings involves not only the modification of the basic form but also new construction techniques that can be summarized as making the  components lighter. Making the roof crest lighter with perforations allowed to put it on the central wall without crushing the arches unlike Tikal where its weight obliged to rest it on the back wall. Making the roof lighter with a sloping form and interior niches allowed to reduce the mass of the walls so that room space could predominate. It is by making the roof and its crest lighter that the multiplication and widening of openings became possible, otherwise the walls could not have beared the weight.

Fig. 7: Temple of Inscriptions and crypt containing the tomb of Janaab Pacal. (Kubler 1990)

Another distinctive trait of Palenque's architecture is the wall sculpture (fig. 8). Unlike Tikal or Copán where decoration is concentrated on specific architectural components, the decoration of Palenque is extensive and takes the form of murals like the ceremonial scenes in the sanctuaries of the temples and the royal portraits on the columns (residual wall) of the Palace. In fact, the murals seem to compensate for the lack of stelas. But the most remarkable example of sculpture is the sarcophagus of Janaab Pacal that illustrates Maya cosmology.

Fig. 8: Mural of Temple XIV showing two individuals in a ceremony.