3.2.1 The Characteristics of Chinese Architectural...
As one of a foundation of Chinese civilization, Chinese architecture developed an particular construction system that has maintained its unique characteristics from prehistoric times to the present day, and impacted the other countries around China.[28]Of course, there are various types of architecture which are associated with different geographic regions, status or affiliations, but the main styles of Chinese architecture possess common features such as a wooden structure, enclosed courtyard space, axis symmetry, the hierarchies system, horizontal emphasis, brilliant architectural painting and symbolism, which are mostly affected by the Chinese traditional concepts including Confucianism, Taoism.
Most historic Chinese architectures are framed in wood.In ancient China, wood was adopted often as a primary building material not only because of its availability and simpler basic construction, but also because Chinese people believe that life should be in harmony with nature.The permanent maintenance needs of a living structure are not particularly sought after in normal life.Therefore, the wood material beam-column structure was very common adopted in ancient Chinese architecture.The Tailiang type[29]in the northern area and the Chuandou type[30]in the southern area are the two main wood structural styles.The wood components are connected by semi-rigid structural joints Sunmao[31]and unique support Dougong,[32]which make the buildings flexible and easy to disassemble for repair and replacement.For example, the oldest fully woodconstructed architecture Foguang Pagoda in Ying County has survived numerous earthquakes for nearly a thousand years due to its unique flexible technique.It is also worth mentioning the emergence of skyscrapers internationally that are being built in an architectural style derived from historic Chinese architectural wood design concepts.
Historically, Chinese architecture is known for its symmetrical layout and directional hierarchies.The central courtyard is the basic layout form of most Chinese historic building groups.It is an inward enclosed open space, which follows an axis symmetrical principle.The main buildings are “Aligned along a north/south axis, with the building facing south and the two sides facing East and West respectively”.[33]If possible, any plans for renovation and extension of a traditional house will always try to maintain this symmetry.The order of alignment presents strongly hierarchical thinking.Starting from the entrance, the space moves from open to closed, from public to private, from low rank to high rank.Sihe Courtyard[34]in Northern China and Tianjing Courtyard[35]in Southern China are typical examples.(https://www.daowen.com)
Chinese architecture possesses a horizontally developed lowering façade.Due to the philosophy of integration into nature and the limitations of wood construction, other than some special function structures, most classical Chinese buildings normally have one or two floors.The façade stresses the visual impact of the width instead of height, because buildings that were too high were considered unsightly[36].Even in the Forbidden City, as the premier Imperial architecture group the highest hierarchy possible, the Halls and Palaces “have rather low ceilings when compared to equivalent stately buildings in the West, but their external appearances suggest the all-embracing nature of Imperial China.”[37]
Ancient Chinese buildings have brilliant colors and decorations, which not only beautify the facade but also clarify the building’s hierarchy.The colors, images and sculptures were chosen vary according to the grade of the building, the location of the component and their material properties.In particular, the surface of the wood is painted with brilliant colors and patterns for protecting the material against weathering, corrosion, pestilence, wear and tear, etc.In addition to the decorative and hierarchical functions, the colors, sculptures and other decorations combine with the whole building and its environment to show a unique artistic realm and acquire spiritual meaning through metaphors and symbols.Furthermore, since ancient times, Chinese architecture have used concepts of Fengshui to organize layouts and structures from common residences to Imperial and Religious structures.[38]Most Chinese ancient buildings adopt layouts “orienting the structure with its back to an elevated landscape and ensuring that there is water in the front.Considerations are also made such that the generally windowless back of the structure faces the north, where the wind is coldest in the winter.Ponds, pools, wells, and other water sources are usually built into the structure”, [39]trying to avoid adverse geographical and weather conditions, and at the same time seek methods to integrate themselves into nature.