Chinese Architecture

HOA FINALS REVIEWER 1

Yellow River (Huang He)

Yangtze River (Chang Jiang)

Pearl River (Zhu Jiang)

Three great river systems of China

2109 mi long

Length of Huang He

Yangtze River (Chang Jiang)

Third longest river in the world

Mountainous Terrain

Most parts of China has this type of terrain

North China

Part of China dominated by the alluvial plain along the Yellow River

South China

Region drained by the Yangtze river

Southwest China

Classification of China that has the Yunnan-Guizhou and Tibetan Plateau

Tibetan Plateau

Occupies about ¼ of the land area of the People’s Republic of China

Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau

The region is primarily spread over the provinces of Yunnan and Guizhou

Mount Zhumulangma

Chinese for Mount Everest

Extreme cold to almost tropical climate

Northeastly monsoons: winter; and Southwesterly monsoons: summer

China is geographically situated north of the equator

Climatic Influences of Chinese Architecture

Feng Shui and Yin-Yang

Cosmological Concepts in Chinese Architecture

Feng Shui

Evolved based on the belief that forces exist in every locality which acts on all types of buildings, towns and cities for good or ills and sites were chosen or adopted accordingly

Yin-Yang

Opposing qualities bound together as parts of a mutual whole; dynamic equilibrium. Black and white within the circle.

Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism

Religious Influences of Chinese Architecture

1. Bilateral symmetry

2. Use of enclosed spaces

3. Directional hierarchies

4. Horizontal emphasis

5. Allusion to various cosmological, mythological, or other symbolism

Architectural Features of Chinese Architecture

Timber, Bricks, and Limestone and Sandstone

Materials Used in Chinese Architecture

Timber

The principal material used in construction in Chinese Architecture

Bricks

These were covered with clay tiles, colored and glazed with symbolic colors (black, red, azure, white and yellow)

Limestone and Sandstone

These materials were fit for use in thresholds, stairs, balusters, engineering works

1. Even Columns, Odd Bays

2. Centered Main Door for Symmetry

3. Symmetrical Construction Style

4. Use of Large Structural Timbers for Primary Roof Support

5. Wooden Members Used as Load-Bearing Columns and Lateral Beams

6. Use of Gable Roofs

Concepts behind the construction of Chinese Architecture

Jian

Unit of Spatial Organization in Chinese Architecture

Longitudinal axis is considered to be the major axis and the horizontal axis as the minor

Chinese Domestic Architecture

The practice of making houses facing South

Tai Liang or Raised Beam Construction

Beams are placed on top of columns erected along the depth of a building, shorter beams are placed on top of the struts on the lower and longer beams

Dougong

A unique structural element of interlocking wooden brackets, one of the most important elements in traditional Chinese architecture

Fudian Roof (Hip Roof)

Used only for important buildings according to a regulation instituted during the Yin Shang dynasty and is characterized by an inward curve and upturned corners

Cuan Jian Roof (Conical Roof)

This roofing does not consist of a main ridge and can be placed on top of almost any compact symmetrical building plan

Ren zi roof (Gable Roof)

Used in less important buildings like the houses of the common people.

Traditional Dwellings

Represents a microcosm of Chinese private life, also influenced by Confucian doctrine

Imperial Palaces

The imperial palaces were built on a grand scale, sparing no expense to display the majesty and dignity of the imperial power of the time.

Outer Courts of Chinese Architecture

Taihedian

Zhonghedian

Wen Huadian

Wuyingdian

Taihedian

The Hall of Supreme Harmony

Zhonghedian

The Hall of Central Harmony

Wen Huadian

The Hall of Literal Glory, served as a study for the crown prince

Wuyingdian

The Hall of Martial Valor, a place for the emperor to receive his ministers

Inner Courts of Chinese Architecture

Qianqinggong and Kunninggong

Qianquinggong

The Palace of Celestial Purity

Kunninggong

The Palace of Terrestrial Union

Temple of Heaven

This was where emperors undertook an annual pilgrimage during the winter solstice to pray to heaven for a good harvest for the following year

Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang

About 1.6 km (1 mile) from the terracotta warriors. It is an artificial hill constructed as part of a 98-square-kilometer necropolis complex.

The Great Wall

The world's longest ancient architectural structure. It has a winding path over rugged mountains around Beijing and the Mongol border, from a beach in east China to a west China desert corridor between tall mountain ranges.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

One of the most famous Buddhist buildings in China. It was built in the Tang Dynasty to house monks who studied Buddhist scriptures

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Imperial, Religious, and Commoner

Architectural Types of Chinese Arcitecture

Gong (palace), Ting (pavilion) tai (terrace), and Lou (storeyed buildings)

Structures under Imperial Architecture

Tai (pagoda) and Temples

Structures under Religious Architecture

Traditional Houses

Structures under Commoner Architecture