CHINESE ARCHITECTURE PART 2

Yuan Dynasty

Established by Kublai Khan, it was the first time the entire area of China was ruled by foreigners.

Ming Dynasty

Known for social stability and cultural revival, it was the last dynasty ruled by ethnic Hans.

Qing Dynasty

The second time China was ruled by foreigners, instituted changes in dress, and was the last imperial dynasty.

Boxer Rebellion

A violent anti-foreign movement by the "Righteous Fists of Harmony" in China.

Xinhai Revolution

The event that ended the Qing dynasty and established the Republic of China.

Bilateral Symmetry

A design principle where secondary elements are symmetrically positioned around main structures.

Enclosure

Building complexes that enclose open spaces, often forming courtyards.

Sky Well

An enclosed courtyard that offers a small opening to the sky, common in southern China.

Hierarchy

The importance and placement of buildings within a site, with front-facing buildings being more important.

Imperial Palaces

Symmetrical structures with designated areas for official business, residence, and shrines.

Number "Nine"

Symbolizes the emperor's supreme sovereignty in ancient China.

Mandarin Residence

Governed by strict rules, reflecting the social hierarchy and regulations of the time.

Horizontal Emphasis

Architectural style focusing on breadth rather than height, with large roofs and enclosed platforms.

Forbidden City

A symbol of imperial China, characterized by low ceilings and a grand exterior.

Cosmology

The use of Feng Shui and Taoism in construction and layout, incorporating elements of good fortune.

Axial City Plan

Influenced by Confucianism, emphasizing a rigid hierarchical layout in ancient Chinese cities.

Classical Chinese City Axial Plan

An orthogonal grid layout with a palace at the center and walls enclosing the city.

Palace in the Axial Center

Represents the centralized power of the emperor in classical Chinese architecture.

Square Plan

Streets arranged in a checkerboard grid along the north-south and east-west axes.

Confucian Concept

Emphasizes harmony and happiness in families through deference to elders.

Classical Chinese House

Features halls for elders and ceremonies, with a main axis for optimal ventilation.

Surrounding Wall

Provides privacy and security for residential structures.

Ting (Hall)

The largest and most formal room for receiving important guests.

Tang (Living Room)

The space designated for family meetings.

L’ou (Apartment)

Living quarters for family members, designed to take advantage of scenery.

Ting (Pavilion)

A space for relaxation within traditional Chinese architecture.

Axis

Controls layout and serves as a path in architectural design.

Traditional Chinese Courtyard

An essential exterior space that extends the interior and serves as a family activity center.

Courtyard

Central to family activities, acting as an extension of the living space.

Jian

A rectangular structural unit used in traditional Chinese architecture.

Classical Chinese Architecture

Characterized by the aesthetic use of wood and exposed structural elements.

Most Evident in Southern China

Thinner walls and exposed wood structures due to hot and humid weather.

Walls

Primarily used as enclosing elements, allowing for flexible interior space division.

Temporary Partitions

Sliding screens and folding panels that allow visual continuity while marking separation.

Ancient Chinese Architecture

Mainly timberwork, resulting in flexible building structures.

Layout

Symmetrical design with the main structure on the central axis.

Residential Architecture (Neolithic Period)

Settled communities with pit dwellings and a diet of millet or rice.

Sloping Roof

Provides a fixed structure supported by standing pillars.

House Body

The main living space within a traditional Chinese home.

Terrace

A solid or hollow structure formed by timber framing.

Foundation of a House

Typically made of rammed earth.

Clay

Commonly used for roofing tiles in traditional architecture.

Thatch and Bamboo

Materials often used by poorer communities for construction.

Wood

Used for framing and roof support when available.

Two Main Kinds of Wooden Framing

Pillars-and-beams and pillars-and-transverse-tie-beams.

Hutong

Narrow streets or alleys typical of northern Chinese cities.

Siheyuan

Quadrangles or courtyard houses with designated spaces for different generations.

Tulou

Large, fortified earth buildings with thick walls, housing multiple families.

Fujian Tulou

Earthen buildings designed for up to 800 people, resembling small cities.

Decorative Roofs

Elaborate ceilings reserved for important structures, built without nails.

Zaojing

Elaborate wooden coffers used in traditional ceilings.

Upturned Eaves

gave the roofs their distinctive graceful, curved shapes.