China is transforming in terms of economy, social, culture and physical development. Due to this, rapid urban development in China threatens the urban fabric of Chinese cities. Development has attempted to balance strong Western influences with traditional Chinese forms and has met mixed results. Although, it is already in existence of a new current of Chinese regionalism in architecture but this trend could be further improved by careful applications of the principles of architecture. This thesis presents five case studies of current Chinese completed building projects in two major urban settings; Beijing and Shanghai, designed by Western architects.
Each case study is examined in each of the basic elements of architecture in relation to traditions and modern architecture. These case studies are then used as the foundation for specific recommendations for future development of contemporary Chinese architectural regionalism, in particular focusing on ways to integrate traditional or vernacular techniques, devices and forms with modern needs, modern technologies, and foreign influences in order to enhance the regional culture and built environment. There is distinction made between Beijing and Shanghai in which Beijing is more of a historic city emphasizing Chinese government, while Shanghai is more of an economic nerve of China emphasizing trade, finance and international business. Together, the two cities form the forefront of the built environment showcase of China.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Cultural Context
2.1 Overview
2.2 Basic feature of Chinese architecture
2.3 Chinese architecture before 1980s
2.4 New approach of Chinese architecture since 1980s
Chapter 3: The reasons for using Chinese traditions in their projects
3.1 Linking theme of Chinese architecture
3.1.1 Overview
3.1.2 Tradition in Chinese architecture
3.1.2.1 Religious buildings
3.1.2.2 The Chinese house
3.1.2.3 Private gardens
3.1.2.4 Funeral and ceremonial buildings
3.1.3 Characteristics of Chinese architecture
3.1.3.1 The organization of space
3.1.3.2 The courtyard
3.1.3.3 The pagoda
3.2 Theories from the west
3.2.1 Overview
3.2.2 View of Eisenman
3.2.3 View of regionalism and critical regionalism
3.2.3.1 Regionalism
3.2.3.2 The development of these theories
3.2.3.3 Influence of theories from Chinese scholars
Chapter 4: Case studies
4.1 Application of traditional elements by western architects
4.2 The Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai
4.2.1 Form
4.2.2 Function
4.2.3 Plan
4.2.4 Space
4.2.5 Structure and material
4.2.6 The meaning of the building
4.3 Fragrant Hill Hotel, Beijing
4.3.1 Form
4.3.2 Function
4.3.3 Plan
4.3.4 Space
4.3.5 Structure and material
4.3.6 The meaning of the building
4.4 Shanghai Grand Theater, Shanghai
4.4.1 Form
4.4.2 Function
4.4.3 Plan
4.4.4 Space
4.4.5 Structure and material
4.4.6 The meaning of the building
4.5 Shanghai Centre, Shanghai
4.5.1 Form
4.5.2 Function
4.5.3 Plan
4.5.4 Space
4.5.5 Structure and material
4.5.6 The meaning of the building
4.6 Bank of China’s new headquarters, Beijing
4.6.1 Form
4.6.2 Function
4.6.3 Plan
4.6.4 Space
4.6.5 Structure and material
4.6.6 The meaning of the building
4.7 Discussion
4.7.1 Form
4.7.2 Function
4.7.3 Plan
4.7.4 Space
4.7.5 Structure and material
4.7.6 The meaning of these buildings
4.7.7 The meaning for Chinese architects
Chapter 5: The effort by Chinese architects
Chapter 6: Conclusions
Objectives and Research Themes
This thesis examines the increasing integration of traditional Chinese architectural elements into contemporary building designs by Western architects in China, aiming to determine how such projects can provide a pathway for the future of Chinese domestic architecture.
- Analysis of the influence of Chinese traditional elements in modern design by Western architects.
- Examination of architectural case studies in Beijing and Shanghai to assess the synthesis of tradition and modern technology.
- Investigation of the role of Critical Regionalism in the context of rapid Chinese urban development.
- Exploration of how local Chinese architects are inspired by these Western-led projects to enhance contemporary regional architecture.
- Definition of sustainable and culturally relevant design strategies for the evolving Chinese built environment.
Excerpt from the Book
4.3 Fragrant Hill Hotel, Beijing
The Fragrant Hill Hotel, built outside of Beijing, is a good example of architecture responding to regional and cultural considerations. The Fragrant Hill Hotel uses both the advantages of modern technology and a conscious attempt to link to cultural traditions to create a building that fits into its site aesthetically and culturally. From the use of ancient landmarks on the site and the work of local craftsmen, to use of modern technology, Pei’s building inspires a vision of an architecture that is sensitive to both the past and the future.
Design of Fragrant Hill Hotel by I.M.Pei appeared together and ‘in concert’ with the new development of the economy in China since 1980s (Li, 2000). Fragrant Hill Hotel was his first design in China. It was completed in 1982. The success of this project lies on a profound understanding of Pei about Chinese traditional garden design. Pei has a complex experience in his life，which creates the different thoughts. It is helpful for his design with Chinese traditional elements. When he was a child, the family’s residence was in a famous garden in Suzhou so that Pei brought up an impressive influence for the traditional architecture (Thomas, 1982). Pei was concerned with how the buildings and nature were combined due to personal feeling about his house, and he especially liked the variety of light and mixed shadow (Wikipedia, 2007).
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1: Introduction: Provides an overview of the thesis, stating the hypothesis that recent projects by Western architects can guide future Chinese domestic architecture.
Chapter 2: Cultural Context: Discusses the evolution of Chinese architecture during the 20th century, focusing on the historical impacts of Western design and the subsequent shift toward a dialogue between tradition and modernism.
Chapter 3: The reasons for using Chinese traditions in their projects: Analyzes the philosophical and theoretical motivations, including Critical Regionalism, behind the integration of Chinese traditional elements in modern designs.
Chapter 4: Case studies: Evaluates five specific building projects in Beijing and Shanghai, analyzing them through architectural elements like form, function, plan, space, and material.
Chapter 5: The effort by Chinese architects: Explores how Chinese architects are navigating the integration of tradition and modernism, drawing inspiration from both historical roots and contemporary global practices.
Chapter 6: Conclusions: Synthesizes findings from the research, answering the central research questions and offering recommendations for future development in Chinese architecture.
Keywords
Chinese Architecture, Western Architects, Critical Regionalism, Modernism, Urban Development, Beijing, Shanghai, Jin Mao Tower, Fragrant Hill Hotel, Traditional Elements, Cultural Identity, Sustainable Design, Architectural Theory, Regionalism, Built Environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this thesis?
The research focuses on investigating how Western architects incorporate traditional Chinese architectural elements into modern building designs in China and whether this approach can define a route for contemporary domestic Chinese architecture.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The work covers themes such as Critical Regionalism, the intersection of tradition and modernism, the influence of Chinese philosophy on architectural space, and the urban development of Beijing and Shanghai.
What is the primary research question?
The thesis asks why Western architects focus on Chinese traditions, how these elements are embodied in modern projects, and how this process inspires local Chinese architects.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The research employs a qualitative analysis of architectural case studies, synthesizing historical context, design theory, and comparative analysis of five specific building projects.
What content is addressed in the main body?
The main body includes a historical overview of Chinese architecture, a theoretical discussion on regionalism and critical architecture, and a detailed analysis of five case studies, including the Jin Mao Tower and the Fragrant Hill Hotel.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Core keywords include Chinese architecture, Critical Regionalism, modernism, cultural identity, and sustainable architectural design.
How does I.M. Pei's Fragrant Hill Hotel influence contemporary design?
The Fragrant Hill Hotel is presented as a seminal example of "a third way," demonstrating how modern technology can be synthesized with the essence of traditional garden architecture to create a culturally sensitive and site-specific outcome.
What role does the Jin Mao Tower play in this study?
The Jin Mao Tower is analyzed as a modern skyscraper that successfully utilizes traditional metaphors, such as the pagoda and the lucky number eight, to integrate with the regional culture of Shanghai while employing advanced engineering.
How is the distinction between Beijing and Shanghai framed?
The thesis distinguishes Beijing as a historic city emphasizing government and tradition, while Shanghai is portrayed as an economic nerve center focused on trade and international business, leading to different approaches to critical regionalism.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding the role of Chinese architects?
The author concludes that Chinese architects must move beyond mere copying of historical forms, instead leveraging their cultural familiarity to synthesize tradition and innovation, working alongside global practitioners to modernize China's built environment.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Razak Basri (Author), 2010, Investigation on the influence of Chinese traditional elements in contemporary building design by Western architects in China, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/176493
