Chinese Architecture Features of Chinese Architecture Basic Features
Chinese Architecture
Features of Chinese Architecture Basic Features: • rectangular-shaped units of space joined together into a whole • style combines rectangular shapes varying in size and position • have an imposing yet dynamic and intriguing exterior.
Features of Chinese Architectural bilateral symmetry • abides the principles of balance and symmetry • concerned with geometry
Symmetry Overview of the Forbidden City
Model of a Chinese Siheyuan in Beijing
Features of Chinese Architecture Enclosure • the practice of enclosing open spaces within the building itself. Types: – the open courtyard – the "sky well".
Open Courtyard (Upper Left) Sky Well (Down Right)
Features of Chinese Architecture Hierarchical • Hierarchical Social System – highly restrictive system of architectural regulations • All construction was controlled by a building code
Features of Chinese Architecture Horizontal Emphasis • emphasis on breadth and less on height
The Forbidden City
Features of Chinese Architecture Cosmological Concepts • concepts from Chinese cosmology – feng shui (geomancy) – Taoism
The Temple of Heaven
Sample Artworks of Chinese Architecture
Chunyang Palace at Taiyuan
Noticeable artworks of Chunyang Palace - the roof has a graceful upward slope and an overhanging cave - there are two stone figures on each side along the front of the house - the place is not spacious, but it still looks fine
F o r b I d d e n C i t y
Noticeable features of the Forbidden City - horizontal emphasis on buildings can be easily seen - has fairly low ceilings with no building standing out in height - layout of the Inner court and outer court is laden with symbolism - the mail halls of the inner court are arranged in threes - the shape of the Qian triagram which represents heaven - the main halls of the outer court are arranged in groups of six - the shape of the Kun triagram which represents the Earth
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