Chinese Architecture (Part 1)

CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

• Palaces and temples are the chief building type

• System of WOOD FRAME construction

• Bilateral symmetry

• Hierarchy of Buildings based on placement in a property/complex

• Cosmological concepts (feng shui or geomancy)

GEOGRAPHICAL INFLUENCE

• China’s vast and diverse geography has played a crucial role in shaping its architectural styles. From the mountainous regions in the west to the fertile plains in the east, different landscapes influenced building techniques and materials.

Northern China

• Due to colder climates and proximity to the steppes, buildings often used thicker walls, and courtyards, and were built to withstand harsh winters.

Southern China

• More tropical and humid, with lighter materials like wood and bamboo to promote ventilation.

• Structures often had elevated floor to avoid flooding.

Mountain Areas

• Architecture had to adapt to ruugged terrains, often resulting in tiered structures or stilted buildings to accommodate uneven ground.

GEOLOGICAL INFLUENCE

The natural resources available in different regions determined construction materials:

• 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 timberframe structures became 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

CLIMATIC INFLUENCE

The climate of a region dictated the architectural solutions for comfort.

• Northern China: Cold winters led to the development of the kang, an elevated heated platform, and the use of compact, walled compounds to retain heat.

• Southern China: Hot and humid weather prompted open, any structures with large eaves to provide shade and encourage airflow. The design often included ponds or gardens to cool the air. 

• 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.

HISTORICAL INFLUENCE

Chinese Architecture evolved through several dynasties, with each era contributing to the stylistic and structural development of buildings.

• Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CCE): Marked the beginning of many typical Chinese architectural elements like courtyards and symmetry. This period also saw the construction of defensive structures like the Great Wall. 

• Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 CE): A golden age of Chinese architecture, known for Buddhist temples and the development of multi-storied pagodas.

• Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 CE): Innovations in construction techniques, such as bracket systems that allowed for larger buildings with brooader, curving roofs.

• Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 CE): Known for grandiose palatial architecture, such as the Forbidden City, with an emphasis on balance, harmony, and symbolism.

• Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912 CE): Saw further refinement of traditional Chinese elements and an increase in Western influence, especially in port cities like Shanghai.

RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE

Religion and philosophy deeply influenced Chinese Architecture:

• Confucianism

• Buddhism

• Taoism/Daoism

Confucianism:

• Focused on hierarchy and harmony influencing the symmetrical layout of imperial palaces, administrative buildings, and temples.

• Confucian Architecture emphasized order formality, and a sense of hierarchy in space.

Example: 

Kaohsiung Confucius Temple, Taiwan-Multi-tiered roofs, beautifully designed archways and magnificent temples and residences.

Buddhism:

• Introduced pagodas, stupas, and monasteries.

• Buddhist Architecture in China became prominent with tiered towers that were spiritual as well as practical spaces for meditation and worship. 

• The pagoda design was symbolic representing the connection between heaven and earth.

Example:

Hall of Guanyin, is the most important annex halls in Chinese Buddhist temples and mainly for enshrining Guanyin.

Taoism/Daoism

• Advocated for harmony with nature, which is reflected in gardens, pavilions, and temples that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. 

• Daoist influence is also visible in the undulating roofs and use of natural materials.

Mount Laojun in Luoyin, Henan Province, China is a sacred site for Taoists.

Difference Between Temples:

Confucianism

• The least noisy, colorful, and lively of all Chinese temples.

• Courtyards are usually filled with stelae (stone tablets) dedicated to various local scholars.

Buddhism

• Usually contain the same combination of fairly recognizable important deities.

• Other signs are pagodas (built to house relics and sutras), the columns which are red in Buddhist temples and black in Taoist temples.

Taoist

• Most colorful and snazzy

• Main gates are painted with fierce-looking mythical heroes to scare off evil spirits.

• The halls can contain any number of different deities, the many-armed Guan Yin among them.

ANCIENT STRUCTURES

Some key types of ancient structures in China include:

• Palaces

• Temples and monasteries

• Tombs and Mausoleums

• Pagodas

• Residential courtyards

• City Walls and fortification

• Palaces: these grand complexes, like the Forbidden City, were designed with strict adherence to hierarchical and symbolic principles. Symmetry, central axes, and the use of open courtyards were essential. 

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 his officials.

Palace of Heavenly Purity, Beijing, China. (Built by emperor Zhu Di, the best preserved imperial palace in China.)

Mingtang

• Bright hall

• Biyong, jade ring moat

• A ritual structure that serves as the symbolic center of imperial power.

• Designated as the intersection of heaven (circle) and earth (square), 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. Struuctures like pagodas (Big Wild Goose Pagoda) were often part of temple complexes.

Temple of Heaven

• In its overall layout and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.

• It is the most complete existing imperial sacrificial building complex in China and the world’s largest existing building complex for offering sacrifice to heaven. (UNESCO)

• 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.

• Pagodas: Tall, multi-storied towers introduced from India through Buddhism. Examples: Songyue Pagoda (Henan) and Iron Pagoda (Kaifeng)

Ta

• A Chinese pagoda

• Pagoda, Buddhist temple, square or polygonal in plan, with roofs projecting from each storey; erected as a memorial or to hold relics (derived from the Indian stupa)

• 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.

• City Walls and Fortifications: The Great Wall of China, spanning thousands of miles, and city walls (like those of Xi’an) were built as defense structures, often using rammed earth and brick.

Great Wall of China

• Has an incomparable symbolic significance in the history of China

• Its purpose was to protect China from outside aggression, but also to preserve its culture from the customs  of foreign barbarians.

• Also served as means of communication.

Towers and Gateways

• 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 a zhonglou.

Particular Methods for Construction

Several techniques and methods were commonly used in ancient Chinese construction:

• Timber Frame Construction (Post and Beam)

• Rammed Earth and Brick Walls

• Roofing System - Curved Roofs

• Use of Symmetry

• Courtyards Designs

Dougong

• Interlocking bracket system used in traditional Chinese construction to support roof beams.

• Has both structural and decorative purpose

Jian

• The basic measure in construction

• Standard unit of space marked by adjacent frame supports

Siheyuan

• Courtyard housing

• This layout provided privacy, ventilation, and natural lighting while protecting residents from external noise and harsh weather.

General Layout of Siheyuan:

1. Zhengfang - master residence or wing

2. Erfang - "ear" room, utility or storage room

3. Xixiangfang - western residence or wing ("West Chamber")

4. Ermen, Chuihuamen - second gate, “flower-hung gate”

5. Zoulang - corridor

6. Walyuan - outer or first courtyard

7. Daozuofang - “reverse-facing” rooms

8. Houzhaofang - north hall or pavilion, “backside building”

9. Disanjinyuan - rear or third courtyard

10. Neiyuan - inner or second courtyard

11. Dongxiangfang - eastern residence or wing

12. Yingbi - spirit screen

13. Pingmen - entranceway or small gate

14. Damen - main gate

Characteristics

Several distinct characteristics define ancient Chinese architecture:

• Hierarchy and Symbolism

• Curved Roofs and Eaves

• Axial Layout

• Color Symbolism

• Use of Wood

Colors

Connotations of colors:

• Green, wood

• Yellow, earth; spaces reserved for emperors

• Blue and black, water

• White and gray, metal

• Red, fire; hope and satisfaction

ORNAMENTAL DETAILS

Carved and Painted Beams and Ceiling

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

• The designs often included dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical creatures, symbolizing imperial power or auspiciousness.

Roof Ornament

• Many ancient buildings feature small figurines and animals (like dragons, phoenixes, and lions) perched on the corners of the roof. 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 believed to ward off fires.

Glazed Roof Tiles

• The use of glazed ceramic tiles, often in yellow, green, and blue, was common in palaces and temples.

• The yellow-glazed tile was exclusively reserved for the emperor’s use in buildings like the Forbidden City.

Stone Lions (Shishi):

• Pairs of stone lions were placed in front of important buildings to symbolize strength and protection.

• These guardian lions are iconic and widely replicated.

Windows and Doors

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

• These were often designed with spiritual significance, symbolizing harmony between humans and nature.

Calligraphy and Inscriptions

• Buildings often featured plaques and inscriptions in Chinese calligraphy, especially in temples and palaces, adding a layer of cultural and historical significance.

Reliefs and Sculptures

• Stone carvings depicting dragons, cranes, and other auspicious animals were common in both palaces and tombs.

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

Manner of Design

Chinese architecture followed a set of principles rooted in philosophical and cosmological ideas:

• 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 of reconstruction.

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

Feng Shui

• “Wind water”

• Arranging architectural elements so that they are in harmony with nature.

• Goal: to promote the optimal flow of positive energy (chi’i) within the building

• Most buildings face south or southeast to take advantage of prevailing winds and sunshine.

QUICK RECAP: CHINESE

• Palaces and temples are the chief building type; Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven.

• Hierarchy of Buildings

• Bilateral Symmetry

• Symbolism of colours

• Cosmological concepts