Question

How does the distribution of interior space reflect chinese social and ethical values? Please take an example

Answer 1

Chinese architecture has many basic features of which joining together of them in to rectangular unit of space is one of them. They combines the rectangular shapes varying in size and position according to importance into an organic whole, with each level and component clearly seen. In this context, ancient Chinese architecture has shaped many famous structures like the Great Wall.

                                    Tbe combination of units of space is based on the principle of balance and symmetry. The axis forms the main structure with the secondary structures swinging on both the sides to make the room. This distribution of the interior space reflects the Chinese social and ethical values. For example in traditional residential buildings, the members of the family are assigned living quarters based on the family hierarchy. The master of the house occupies the main room and the elder members live in the back of the compound with the younger members to the left and right, the senior toward the left and others towards the right.

                                    Chinese architecture focus on the use of wood as the main construction material. Wood, for the Chinese represents ‘life’ which is the main idea that Chinese culture strives to communicate. Based on this structure of wooden beams and pillars, these rectangular buildings are divided in to several rooms. They also use a special type of support bracket called as ‘dougong’, which is a system of brackets inserted between the top of a column and a crossbeam. Their roofs usually slopes down on both sides. Many traditional Chinese buildings have curved eves, which is a representation of their culture. The building is relatively plain and straight forward, which is a representation of their national character. The depth and breadth of the interior space, the development of technique of using colour lacquers to the structure and the technique of building the whole structure on a platform are the three major features in the building techniques that have influence on the nature of Chinese people. The use of colour was also restricted on the feudal society and only two colours yellow and green were allowed to be part of paintings. Such structures along with murals and the colour combinations of the dragon of china is a clear depiction of the cultural significance they have on these people.