Architecture in Southeast Asia

Questions and Answers

What is the primary religious influence on the design of traditional Chinese pagodas?

Buddhism

What is the primary purpose of the hollow walls commonly found in traditional Chinese architecture?

To provide better insulation and temperature regulation

What is the significance of the odd number of stories in traditional Chinese pagodas?

To represent the balance between yin and yang

What is the primary function of the stone or brick platform commonly found in traditional Chinese wooden buildings?

To protect the building from flooding Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the repeated, upturned eaves in the design of traditional Chinese pagodas?

To facilitate the flow of energy (qi) through the structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the glazed, colored bricks and tiles commonly used in traditional Chinese architecture?

To create a more visually striking and decorative appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the square-headed doorways and windows commonly found in traditional Chinese architecture?

To reflect the rectangular framing of timber posts and bamboo Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the use of oyster shells and rice paper in traditional Chinese windows?

To allow for the admission of subdued, diffused light Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary influence of Mesopotamian architecture on the design of traditional Chinese towers and fortress-like structures?

The use of arches and vaults Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the kitchens, refectories, and sleeping cells found in traditional Chinese temple complexes?

To serve as living and working spaces for the temple's priests and monks Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Roof Construction and Design

Roofs with a concave shape are typically covered with enamelled S-shaped tiles (Pantiles) set in mortar, providing protection from wind and weather.
Roof framing consists of a system of trusses in rigid rectangles, formed of bamboos held together by wooden tenons, which distributes the weight of the roof vertically.

Pa Lou (Ceremonial Gateways)

Pa Lou are ceremonial gateways erected in memory of an eminent person, often featuring bright colours and symbolic architecture.
They consist of two or more upright posts with a horizontal frieze, making one, two, or three openings, and are sometimes surmounted by a series of brackets.

Traditional Chinese Architecture

Buildings are often planned around a courtyard, frequently on a North-South axis, but can change according to the owner's zodiac sign.
The courtyard is a necessary fixture in traditional Chinese life, providing a tranquil space for contemplation.
Buildings feature curving roofs covered with earthenware or stoneware tiles, and walls made of brick or coated with red plaster.

Design Elements

Windows are often covered with intricate lattice-work and surfaced with glass or paper, casting interesting shadows.
Railings and door frames are designed with complicated lattice patterns.
Eaves are bracketed with a system that can support considerable overhang.

Towers and Pagodas

Towers in stone show influence of Mesopotamia in the use of arch and vault.
Pagodas are typically octagonal in plan, with an odd number of stories (usually 9 or 13), and feature repeated roofs, highly coloured, and with upturned eaves.

Building Materials and Techniques

The Chinese built mainly in timber, with brick and timber sometimes combined.
Stone was reserved for special structures and important edifices, and was often used as a platform to protect against damp.
Bricks and walls were sometimes faced with glazed tiles or majolica, and were constructed hollow to save materials and regulate temperature.

Doors and Windows

Doorways are square-headed, with varied outlines due to fretted pendants from the horizontal timbers.
Windows are of similar form, suiting the rectangular framing of timber posts or the lashing together of bamboos, and are often filled with oyster shell lining or rice paper instead of glass.