CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

chinese architecture

It is characterized by bilateral symmetry, use of enclosed open spaces, feng shui, a horizontal emphasis, and an allusion to various cosmological, mythological or in general symbolic elements. Palaces and temples are the chief building type. Diverse architecture caused by differences in geographic and climatic conditions.System of wood frame construction

Arrangement of buildings

• Buildings and structures around a courtyard

• Entire grouping is organized around a central pathway or axis.

• Largest and most important building at the northernmost.

• Surrounding structures and courtyards increase in size as they get closer to the main building.

Yin-yang

It is the interaction of two opposing and complementary principles. Classical Chinese courtyard houses with solid buildings (Yang) surrounding the void (Yin) courtyard spaces is a vivid illustration of the theory in practice.

Feng shui

The fundamentals of _________ bring the ideals of function, flow, and harmony into the visions of architectural ideation. __________ literally means ‘wind-water" in English and is the Chinese art or practice of positioning objects or structures so as to harmonize with spiritual forces.

Jian

The basic measurement used in construction Standard unit of space marked by adjacent frame supports.

Dougong

An Interlocking bracket system used in traditional Chinese construction to support roof beams.Has both structural and decorative purpose.The interlocking brackets transfer weight to vertical columns, lessening the strain on the horizontal beams.

Green

wood element and represents east.

Yellow

earth; spaces reserved for emperors and represents the center.

Blue and black

water and represents north.

White and gray

metal and represents west.

Red

fire; hope and satisfaction and represents south

Pailou

Also called paifang. A monumental gateway to a palace, tomb, or sacred place.

Zhonglou

A bell tower or pavilion at the right side of a city gate, palace entrance, or forecourt of a temple.

Ex Bell Tower Xian China

Golou

It is the left side counterpart (belltower) of a zhonglou.

Ta

The Chinese Pagoda made its first appearance in China about 68 A.D. when Buddhism arrived from India. Square or polygonal in plan, with roofs projecting from each storey; erected as a memorial or to hold relics

Ex. Mu Ta Pagoda, Yingxian China.

Fogong Pagoda

A 200-foot-high tower built entire layout of wood.

Temple of Heaven

It is a complex of imperial religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for a good harvest. Circular Mound Altar, ritual platform and considered as the Imperial Vault of Heaven.

Forbidden City

A palace complex including temples,reception halls, residences, and service buildings. Palace of Heavenly Purity, the residence of the son of heaven and the conceptual center of the empire. Hall of Supreme Harmony, emperor's throne room; also where he met daily with his officials.

Palace of Heavenly Purity

It is a palace in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China.

Itis the largest of the three halls of the Inner Court (the other two being the Hall of Union and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility),located at the northern end of the Forbidden City.

Summer Palace

Itis a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces in Beijing. It was an imperial garden in the Qing dynasty. It is the royal retreat for emperors fleeing the suffocating summer torpor of the old imperial city.

Great Wall of China

A series of fortifications that were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe.