CHINESE ARCHITECTURE Flashcards
The individual building is commonly composed of three parts:
a. podium
b. main body
c. pitch roof
what is the structural system
TIMBER
A bracket system used in traditional Chinese construction to support roof beams, project
the eaves outward and support the interior ceiling. Usually found between the top of a column and a cross
beam.
The number of layers of these bracket structures also depended on
the importance of the buildings.
DOU-GONG
what are the physical aspects of a chinese architecture:
- structural system (timber)
- bracket system (dou-gong)
- bold ornamentation
- the structural system is exposed to the outside in an elaborate manner
what are the 3 principles in chinese architecture
-TAOISM
-CONFUCIANISM
-BUDDHISM
teaches individualism and transcendence through direct connection with the
natural world. “Harmonizing with nature”
Taoism
- incomprehensible natural force which all events in the universe
unfailingly follow
Tao
emphasized in strict adherence to social conventions and rituals for
the the proper functioning of the state
Confucianism
A path of practice and spiritual development leading to insight into the true nature of reality
Buddhism
Decoration reflects Taoist pursuit of luck and fulfillment, long lifespan and enclosing into the fairyland.
Resort to nature topography to build towers, pavilions, lobbies and other garden structural units, decorated
with murals, sculptures, steles to entertain people, fully interpreting Taoist philosophy of nature.
Taoism in Art and Architecture
were set up on the central axis while other religious structure on the two sides.
MAIN HALLS
like dining hall and accommodation were placed at the back of the complex
- Usually, on the northwest corner of the complex, Lucky Land to Meet God will be located.
ANNEXES
which all structures surround the Danlu (stove to make pills of immortality) in the
center according to Bagua’s position request.
Bagua Style
It means Balance and symmetry
YIN-YANG
CHARACTERISTICS OF CONFUCIANISM IN ART AND ARCHITECTURE
- The main structure is the main axis; secondary structure are positioned as two wings on either side
- Curved roofs
- Balance and symmetry
- Feng shui traditional concepts of five elements that were believe to constitute the universe.
- Number nine is especially applied in imperial architecture, odd numbers were considered masculine
CHARACTERISTICS OF TAOISM IN ART AND ARCHITECTURE
- Decoration reflects Taoist pursuit of luck and fulfillment, long lifespan and enclosing into the fairyland.
- TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURAL LAYOUT
- BAGUA STYLE
traditional concepts of five elements that were believe to constitute the universe.
FENG SHUI
is especially applied in imperial architecture, odd numbers were considered masculine.
Number nine
Significance of colors: (CONFUCIANISM)
-for the sole use of the emperor
YELLOW
Significance of colors: (CONFUCIANISM)
-on the palace buildings
GREEN
Significance of colors: (CONFUCIANISM)
generally used on doors (happiness and solemnity)
RED
SYMBOLISM:
emperor
Five-clawed Dragon-
SYMBOLISM:
empress
Phoenix
SYMBOLISM:
for the rest of the imperial family
Four-clawed Dragon
SYMBOLISM:
guardian of palatial structures
Lion
SYMBOLISM:
for the first ranked officials
White crane and unicorn
SYMBOLISM:
for the 2nd ranked officials
Golden pigeon/pheasant and lion
SYMBOLISM:
for the 3rd ranked officials
Peacock and panther
Meaning of dou
block of the wood
Meaning of gong
double bow-shaped arm
a high-grade building material in old China, was used exclusively on palace
buildings of the imperial house of the big mansions of nobles and high officials
GLAZED TILE
The deepest part is the round “
well (jing)”
, the middle part is the octagonal “
well”
and the outermost part, coming down to the same level as the rest of the ceiling, is a square.
Zaojing or Caisson ceiling
3 CHINESE ARCHITECTURAL FORMS
Temples
Palaces
Pagoda
tiered tower with multiple eaves. Common in China, Japan, Korea and Nepal and other parts of
Asia.
- Erected as a memorial or to hold relics, originally built to preserve Buddhist relics
PAGODA
PARTS OF PAGODA
Top- resembled the original image of the stupa from India
- The body or main part of the pagoda- often used to enshrine a statue of Buddha
- The base- for burying buddhist relics, usually took the form of an underground chamber or
underground hole attached to a tomb in ancient China
Home of the 24 Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. Composed of a palace complex, The Gate of Great
Peace, Qiniandan Hall of Prayer, and Hall of Justice.
9,999.5 rooms- The number closest to heaven (room total number is a myth. 9,371 rooms only)
The Forbidden City
A fortified wall commenced under the Zhou Dynasty to protect China against nomads from the north
To serve as a means of communication
The Great Wall of China
China
’s largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings
Built in 1420 for emperor to worship the heaven
30 meters in height and 30 meters in diameter
Stands in the round foundation built with three levels of marble stones
The towering triple-eave hall is under a three-storey, cone shaped glazed tile roof
in blue color crowned with a guilded knob
The Temple of Heaven
It was an imperial garden during the Qing dynasty.
The Summer Palace
