HOA 3 - CHINESE ARCHITECTURE REVIEWER

CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

palaces and temples

Chief building type of chinese architecture

(1) wood frame (2) bilateral symmetry (3) hierarchy of buildings (4) cosmological concepts

chinese architecture architectural features

Northern regions

More abundant stone and earth resources led to buildings with rammed earth walls or brick construction.

southern regions

wood was more plentiful, and timber-frame strcutures become dominant. the use of bamboo was also common in these areas

rammed earth

a technique for constructing foundations, floors, and walls using compacted natural raw materials such as earth, chalk, lime, or gravel

kang

an elevated heated platform

southern china

hot and humid weather prompted open, airy structures with large eaves to provide shade and encourage airlow

eastern coastal regions

these areas had to deal with typhoons so homes were designed with steep roofs to allow rain to quickly run off and avoid damage

han dynasty

marked the beginning of many typical chinese architectural elements like courtyards and symmetry. this period also saw the construction of great wall

tang dynasty

a golden age of chinese architecture, known for buddhist temples and the development of multi-storied pagodas

song dynasty

innovations in construction techniques such as bracket systems that allowed for larger buildings with broader, curving roofs

ming dynasty

known for grandiose palatial architecture with an emphasis on balance, harmony and symbolism

qing dynasty

saw further refinement of traditional chinese elements and an increase in western influence

confucianism, buddhism, taoism/daoism

three religion and philosophy that influence chinese architecture

confucianism

focused on hierarchy and harmony

confucian architecture

emphasized order, formality, and a sense of hierarchy

example of confucianism, kaohsiung confucius temple

buddhism

introduced pagodas, stupas, and monasteries

pagoda

this design was symbolic, representing the connection between heaven and earth

example of buddhism, Hall of Guanyin is the most important annex halls in Chinese Buddhist temples

taoism/daoism

advocated for harmony with nature

example of taoism, mount laojun in luoyan, henan province, china

confucianism

the least noisy, colorful, and lively of all chinese temples

buddhism

usually contain the same combination of fairly recognizable important deities

taoist

tend to be the most colorful and snazzy

(1) palaces (2) temples and monasteries (3) tombs and mausoleums (4) pagodas (5) residential courtyards (6) city walls and fortification

six ancient structures

palaces

these grand complexes, like the forbidden city, were designed with strict adherence to hierarchial and symbolic principles

forbidden city

a palace complex inclusing 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

mingtang

bright hall

biyong

jade ring moat

mingtang

a ritual structure that serves as the symbolic center of imperial power

mingtang

designated as the intersection of heaven and earth oriented around the four cardinal directions

temples and monasteries

Religious buildings, such as Buddhist temples, Daoist temples, and Confucian academies, were built with spiritual significance

temple of heaven

it symbolizes the relationship between heaven and earth

tombs and mausoleums

The most famous of these is the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, which includes the Terracotta Army. Ancient Chinese tombs were typically large, mound-like structures reflecting the belief in the afterlife.

terracotta army inside the tomb of the first qin emperor

pagodas

Tall, multi-storied towers introduced from India through Buddhism

(1) songyue pagoda (henna) (2) iron pagoda (kaifeng)

two examples of pagodas

songyue temple

ta

a chinese pagoda

fogong pagoda, 200ft high pagoda made entirely out of wood

residential courtyards (siheyuan)

These were traditional residential compounds designed around a central courtyard, prevalent among wealthy families and officials. They are a hallmark of Beijing’s hutongs.

the great wall of china

example of city walls and fortifications

great wall of china

has an incomparable symbolic significance in the history of china. its purpose was to protect china and also served as a means of communication

pailou

monumental gateway to a palace, tomb, or sacred place

zhonglou

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

gulou

left side counterpart of zhonglou

five particular methods for construction

dougong

interlocking bracket system used in traditional chinese construction to support roof beams

jian

basic measure in construction

siheyuan

courtyard housing

five characteristics that define chinese architecture

green - wood

yellow - earth

blue and black - water

white and gray - metal

red - fire

connotations of colors

carved and painted beams and ceiling

Intricate carvings and paintings on beams, ceilings, and eaves were common in temples and palaces.

roof ornament

These decorations were meant to protect the building and its inhabitants from evil spirits.

chiwen

a mythical fish often placed at the roof’s edge was believe to ward off fires

glazed ceramic tiles

The use of _____, often in yellow, green, and blue, was common in palaces and temples.

stone lions(shishi)

Pairs of _____ were placed in front of important buildings to symbolize strength and protection

lattice windows

typically made from wood, were decorated with geometric or floral patterns.

reliefs and sculptures

These sculptures were not only decorative but often held spiritual meaning, intended to bring good fortune or safeguard against evil.

feng shui

Buildings were often aligned along cardinal directions to ensure good energy flow.

modular design

The buildings were often composed of modular units, allowing flexibility and ease of expansion or reconstruction.

blending with nature

Ancient Chinese architecture often sought to harmonize with the natural environment, especially in garden designs.

feng shui, modular design, blending with nature

three manners of design

feng shui

wind water