China’s Sprout Of Modernity Flashcards
Background of modern Chinese architecture
“Super-stable” evolution of Chinese architecture in the past
five thousand years of feudalist rule:
• Ancient architecture was shaped by local needs, materials,
and technology.
• Due to the limitation of materials and technical availability, buildings had evolution in technology, system, and style, but the change was slow and mainly in structural details. For
example, big or small in some building components.
The cease of traditional Chinese architecture
1842 the first door open : opium war and the ceding and devastation of territory in China
Before : Dictatorship Monarchy (agricultural society)
After : Semi-feudalist, semi-colonial (industrial society)
Treaty of Nanking
1842
• After China’s defeat in the First Opium War, the Treaty of Nanking (《南京條約》) was signed with Britain.
• Five major ports—Guangzhou, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Ningbo, and Shanghai—were opened to foreign trade.
Forced division of territory in 1842
After Britain, France, Russia, Germany, and Japan continued to force China to cede territories and establish treaty ports.
Shanghai
One of the first gateways to foreign influence
Opening year : 1843
Reason for opening : one of the first five treaty ports opened under the treaty of Nanking
Main foreign influences:
- British: established trade companies, banks and introduced British architectural styles
- French: developed the French Concession with French-style residences and cultural buildings
- USA: set up churches, hospitals and educational institutions
- Japanese: expanded commerce and industry influence in the early 20th century
What year did British merchants begin leasing land in Shanghai?
1845
What was created as a result of British, US, and French leasing of land?
The International Settlement.
How did the International Settlement operate in relation to Chinese law?
It operated independently of Chinese law.
What type of police forces administered the International Settlement?
Foreign-administered police forces, such as Indian police forces.
What type of construction characterized the International Settlement?
Western-style construction.
What was the effect of Western-style construction in the Settlement?
It created a contrast with traditional Chinese areas and attracted wealthy Chinese residents.
When did most of Shanghai’s urban development occur?
During the Settlement period.
Until what year was the Settlement protected from external threats?
Until 1941, prior to the Pacific War.
When did the Chinese government regain administrative control of the International Settlement?
In 1945, after World War II.
The origin of Bund
The early international buildings were built at this junction of the Huangpu Eiver and the Suzhou Creek
What is the earliest trade port in southern China?
The earliest trade port in southern China is Guangzhou.
When was Guangzhou designated as the official foreign trade port?
Guangzhou was designated as the official foreign trade port in 1757.
What restrictions were placed on trade in Guangzhou until 1842?
Trade was confined to foreigners in Guangzhou until the Opium War in 1842.
What was the reason for opening Guangzhou as a trade port?
The Qing government opened Guangzhou to control foreign influence and trade through the ‘Canton System.’
What were the main foreign influences in Guangzhou?
The main foreign influences were the British and French concessions.
How was Sha Mian divided between British and French concessions?
Approximately 4/5 of Sha Mian’s western part was designated as the British concession, while the eastern 1/5 was set aside as the French concession.
What activities did American merchants engage in at Guangzhou?
American merchants established presences particularly in trade and missionary activities.
What are the 13 factories in Guangzhou?
1800s
Companies from Europe and America
The Qing government was reluctant to engage in foreign trade, believing that they possessed everything they needed.
Before the First Opium War in 1842, foreigners were restricted to this designated area for trade and were not permitted to travel elsewhere.
Sha Mian (Guangzhou)
Concession zone for overseas consulates general and trading companies.
Formed from silt and sand in the Pearl River, the island was first allocated to foreign trade in early 19th
Consulate offices, trade warehouses and banks were gradually constructed.
Sha Mian formed its face of today in the early 20th century (1900-1930)
What is the significance of Hankou in 1858?
Hankou was opened to foreign trade.
It was opened as a treaty port under the Treaty of Tientsin, part of the treaties signed after the Second Opium War.
What major transportation exchanges occur in Central China?
Traffic exchange of water (Yangtze River) and rail (Beijing to Guangzhou line).
Which countries influenced the development of Hankou?
Britain, Germany, France, Russia, and Japan leased land in the city, mainly in Hankou.
What is Tianjin?
Big port city in northern China and Bohai Bay.
When was Tianjin opened?
1860.
Why was Tianjin opened?
Tianjin was opened as a treaty port following the Second Opium War, with the Treaty of Tientsin signed between Qing China and Western powers.
Which countries influenced Tianjin?
Tianjin was leased to and divided by nine countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries: Britain, France, United States, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium.
What is the Map of Little Italy in Tianjin?
It was formerly the only Italian concession around the world.
What is the current use of the Little Italy district?
It has been renovated and used as a tourist attraction and commercial office space.
What remains of the Little Italy district?
The streets and districts are remained.
What is the condition of the buildings in Little Italy?
The buildings are newly renovated and painted.
What is Harbin?
Harbin is a trade city close to Russia.
When was Harbin opened?
Harbin was opened around the 1890s.
Why was Harbin developed?
Harbin was developed due to the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway by Russia, aiming to create a strategic and commercial hub in Northeast China.
What are the main foreign influences in Harbin?
Harbin is predominantly influenced by Russian architecture, with European-style buildings and Orthodox churches.
What contributed to the formation of modern Harbin?
The operations of the China-Eastern Railway in the city.
What geographical feature is Harbin close to?
Harbin is close to Russia.
What was Harbin long used as?
A trade city with Russia.
When was the China-Eastern Railway under construction?
In 1898.
What started at the same time as the construction of the railway?
City planning and construction.
Where was the site of the new city chosen?
At the narrow highland between the southern area to the railway station and the Majiagou stream.
What was the transportation structure in Harbin based on?
A combination of grid pattern, radiated lines, and circular curves.
When was the map of Harbin drawn?
In 1923.
Russian Orthodox style
Grand dômes
Arched windows
Detailed brickwork
What is Changchun?
Changchun is the capital city of Manchuria.
When was Changchun established as a treaty port?
Changchun was established as a treaty port by Japan in the early 20th century.
Why was Changchun opened as a treaty port?
Changchun was opened as Japan expanded its influence after the Russo-Japanese War, establishing it as a major industrial and transportation center.
What are the main foreign influences in Changchun?
Changchun is strongly influenced by Japanese architecture and urban planning, reflecting Japan’s colonial impact.
Where did young Japanese architects showcase their talents?
In cities like Changchun, Dalian, and Taiwan.
What challenges did young Japanese architects face in their home country?
Limited opportunities.
What did the designs of young Japanese architects reflect?
A strong spirit of exploration and innovation.
What did young Japanese architects experiment with in their designs?
Their learning from the West.
What was the focus of the Manchuria Agricultural Immigration Plan?
The plan focused on organized agricultural colonies with carefully planned layouts.
What was the goal of the Manchuria Agricultural Immigration Plan?
The goal was to settle one million Japanese households in Manchuria.
Was the goal of settling one million Japanese households in Manchuria realized?
No, the goal was not realized.
What is the layout of settlements in Changchun?
Each settlement had a central communal area, surrounded by housing and farmland.
What pattern was used for organizing Changchun?
Changchun was organized in a grid pattern for efficient land use and governance.
What was a key aspect of self-sufficiency in Changchun?
Changchun was designed for self-contained, sustainable communities.
How did Changchun incorporate cultural preservation?
It incorporated Japanese agricultural practices and values.
Major architectural styles influenced by the west
Classical revival style
Neoclassical style
Art Deco style
Gothic revival style
Victorian Style
Classical revival style
• Faithful reproduction of classical architectural form: Focus on a direct revival of ancient architectural
elements: Particularly Greek and Roman columns, arches, and domes.
• Emphasize grandeur and ornamentation: Commonly used for public and monumental buildings to
demonstrate imperial power and authority.
• Symmetrical Design: The building displays a rigorous symmetry, creating a balanced and orderly
appearance.
• Three-Part Layout: The structure is divided into distinct sections – the base, the colonnaded middle, and a
prominent top section (often a tower or pediment). This segmented layout is a hallmark of neoclassical
architecture.
Neoclassical style
• A more rational and simplified revival of classical architecture: Focus on rationality and function, sought
to merge classical form with the needs of modern life.
• Restrained Decoration: Neoclassical decoration is more restrained, focusing on proportion and geometric
aesthetics.
• A reaction against the ornate Baroque and Rococo styles: Promote a more orderly and classical aesthetic.
Art deco style
• Geometric Shapes: Strong emphasis on symmetrical, clean lines and geometric forms.
• Vertical Emphasis: Use of vertical lines and elongated forms to create a sense of height.
• Ornate Detailing: Decorative motifs, often with stylized floral or sunburst patterns.
• Luxurious Materials: Use of high-quality materials like marble, brass, and exotic woods.
• Bold Colors: Rich, contrasting colors to create visual impact (often seen in interiors).
• Streamlined Silhouette: Smooth, modern forms with an emphasis on elegance and simplicity.
• Metalwork and Glass: Decorative metal accents and use of glass to enhance light and reflectivity.
• Symmetry and Repetition: Balanced design with repetitive patterns, adding to the cohesive aesthetic.
Gothic revival style
• Verticality: A focus on height and upward movement, often seen in spires, towers, and tall windows. Tall, pointed spires or towers
that accentuate the height of the structure, symbolizing reaching towards the heavens.
• Ornate Decoration: Intricate carvings and details, particularly around doors, windows, and arches, often with floral, religious, or
medieval motifs.
• Pointed Arches: One of the most distinctive features, used in doors, windows, and vaults, giving the structure a vertical emphasis.
• Ribbed Vaults: Arched ceilings with exposed ribs, allowing for higher ceilings and more complex structures.
• Flying Buttresses: External supports that transfer the weight of the roof and walls, allowing for large windows and thinner walls.
• Masonry: Use of stone as the primary material, with exposed brick or stonework often left visible as part of the design.
• Rose Window: A circular window with decorative stonework and stained glass, often divided into sections like petals or spokes,
commonly found in Gothic churches.
Victorian style
• Symmetrical Design: Balanced façade with evenly spaced windows and doors.
• Brick and Stone Construction: Predominantly made from locally sourced brick or stone, often left exposed
• Arched Windows and Doorways: Pointed or round arches, a common feature in both windows and door
frames, combined with practical ventilation.
• Grand Columns and Porticos: Use of columns (especially classical) and grand entrances with porticos.
• Victorian Detailing: Detailed embellishments such as cornices, moldings, and decorative patterns on
surfaces.
1840
Opium War, ceding HK
Open the other port cities to trade
Art Nouveau
Arts and Crafts
1840-1900
Formations of colonial concessions in various cities
‘Colonial architecture’
1911
Ending of the Qing Dynasty, warlords competing land
Chinese economic booming
1928-1938
1sr generation of Chinese architects
1920
Japanese invasion
1938
Chinese civil war
1945
Communist China
1949
Attitude of “open the door”: FIRST
19th century
Invasions by Western powers hastened the decay of the feudalist kingdom;
ironically, the invaders’ only purpose was to open China’s doors.
Attitude of “open the door”: SECOND
1978
In the post-Mao era, however, China has willingly opened its own doors, embracing foreign
investment and technology. This open-door policy has led to a liberalization of ways of thinking, a true Chinese “Renaissance.”
