Traditional Chinese Architecture: Characteristics and Wonders
Chinese architecture has a long history which can be traced back to 3,000 years ago. Industrious Chinese laboring people created many architecture miracles such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and Mogao Caves.
The traditional Chinese architecture is mainly timberwork. Wooden post, beams, lintels and joists make up the framework of a house. Walls serve as the separation of rooms without bearing the weight of the whole house, which is unique to China.
The layout of a courtyard complex is also unique to China. The main structure is located on the central axis of a court while less-important structures are located to the left and right. The whole layout is symmetrical. The scenery is different in each courtyard.
The Impact of Globalization on Chinese Architecture
In modern times, with the development of globalization, multiculturalism has been pouring into China, including western architectural styles and cultures. Therefore, great changes have taken place in Chinese architecture.
In the period of modern architecture, two great changes have taken place in Chinese architecture. First of all, the building types and the building materials have changed a lot. Second, the structure and technology of Chinese traditional architecture have been greatly influenced. The emergence of new building types not only provides a new direction and impetus for modern Chinese architecture, but also changes people’s way of life and work. Chinese traditional architecture is slowly fading away, and the emergence of modern architecture gives Chinese architecture a new direction.
The Blending of Tradition and Modernity in Modern Architecture
Since 1978, the reform and opening-up policy not only provides Chinese people more access to different cultures, but also brings the cultures of various countries into China. Therefore, traditional wooden architecture is no longer the only option for architects, while new modern materials have become the mainstream, and the diversity of architectural styles has been enriched.
In modern architecture, many architects have considered the importance of traditional architectural culture, and have applied traditional architectural style to their personal projects. This is represented by the world famous Chinese American designer I. M. Pei (1917—2019), whose design of the Suzhou Museum is a modern building with corresponding traditional architectural elements.
The Suzhou Museum is a perfect modern building. It perfectly utilizes the local traditional cultural elements to integrate tradition and modernity, and to fuse them with the surrounding ancient buildings. This innovative practice has made it a new city landmark in Suzhou.
