Ancient Chinese Architecture

Hierarchy and Status in Ancient Chinese Housing

• Larger, more elaborate dwellings signified higher social status, while smaller, more modest structures accommodated the common people.
• The number of courtyards in a house depended on the budget and social status, with high-ranking officials and wealthy businessmen able to afford more.

Principles of Ancient Chinese Housing Design

• Harmony with nature was achieved through the use of natural materials, orientation of buildings to align with the sun and wind, and incorporation of courtyards and gardens.
• Symmetry and balance were symbolized in ancient Chinese architecture, with buildings designed with central axes, symmetrical facades, and balanced arrangements of elements.

Ancient Chinese Housing Layout

• The main entrance gate was entered through the entrance court, where visitors were welcomed by a shadow wall with special figures or ornaments engraved on it.
• Houses had multiple courtyards, with each court serving a specific purpose:
  • First court: used for male servants or guests
  • Second court: used for owner family meetings or social receptions
  • Third court: used for private living
  • Fourth court: used for female servants

Fujian Tulou

• Fujian Tulou is a collection of 46 earthen houses constructed between the 15th and 20th centuries in south-west Fujian, China.
• These houses were several storeys high, built along an inward-looking, circular or square floor plan, and used for defense purposes.
• Each building was divided vertically between families, with each disposing of two or three rooms on each floor.

Chinese Pagodas

• Chinese pagodas were built as Buddhist religious structures, serving as tombs and storage locations for Buddhist remnants and associated artifacts.
• Pagodas were built using wood, stone, and/or brick, and typically consisted of four main parts: the underground "palace," the base, the body, and the spire.

Social Aspect of Ancient Chinese Architecture

• Ancient Chinese society was highly stratified, with a rigid social hierarchy, and the emperor occupied the most opulent and grand architectural structures.
• The design of buildings and transportation systems was affected by the social hierarchy.

Notable Features of Ancient Chinese Architecture

• Walled compounds were a distinctive feature of ancient Chinese architecture, serving purposes such as protection, privacy, and status.
• Pavilions were open-sided structures used for relaxation, contemplation, and artistic expression.
• Wood was the primary building material, valued for its versatility, strength, and aesthetic qualities.
• Yellow glazed roof tiles were used in royal and religious structures, serving as functional roof coverings and symbols of imperial authority, divine favor, and cultural significance.
• Landscaped gardens were designed to create a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.