Anywhere in the world space is the core of architecture and urban planning. In China space was and perhaps still is clearly defined and distinct, but at the same time, boundless and seemingly empty. In imperial China, city planning and especially the design of the capital were highly symbolic and crucial for living in harmony with the universe. A discussion.
The first part of the paper is concerned with explaining how "space" has been defined in Chinese urban planning and architecture from ancient times until today.
The second part of the paper is about the city, its symbolism and the importance of Chinese cities in ancient years compared to today.
Table of Contents
1. INTRO
2. Question 1: SPACE
2.1 Emptiness and contrasts
2.2 Harmony
2.3 Spaceconception
2.4 Western architecture and its impacts on China
3. Question 2: CITY
3.1 Structure
3.2 Centre
3.3 Modern planning and culture: From Shenzhen to ROC Taiwan
Objectives and Research Themes
The paper examines the historical and contemporary evolution of spatial perception, urban planning, and architectural philosophy in China, contrasting traditional principles with modern Western-influenced developments.
- Philosophical foundations of space in Taoism (emptiness, harmony, Yin and Yang).
- Symbolism in traditional Chinese urban design and the "Wangcheng" theory.
- The historical role of the "multi-capital system" and concentric urban structures.
- The impact of Western architectural concepts and globalization on modern Chinese cities.
- A comparative reflection on the preservation of traditional values versus rapid modernization.
Excerpt from the Book
Emptiness and contrasts
In ancient China, the perception of space was deeply rooted in Taoism. It originated in the fourth century BC with Daodejing of Laozi (Lao-tse) and their believe was that space is not limited only to the physical, visible and sensually tangible level. They instead said that emptiness constitutes space. Besides Confucianism and Buddhism, Taoism is one of the three great teachings that has been influencing China to this day. A few important quotations after the founder and philosopher Lao-Tse gives insights on the ancient way of thinking: “Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel, but it is the centre hole that allows the wheel to function.” / “We mold clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that makes the vessel useful.” / “We fashion wood for a house, but it is the emptiness inside that makes it livable.” / “We work with the substantial, but the emptiness is what we use.” – Laozi Tao Te Ching 11
In addition to emptiness, contrasts also play an important role in this philosophy. Heaven and earth, good and evil, emptiness and completeness. The doctrine of Yin and Yang still reflects this way of thinking in full splendour today. Although it is a question of the description of opposites, the Yin and Yang theory in Taoism should not be understood as a conflict or as an antagonism, but Yin and Yang are connected with each other and are in continuous interaction. Thus, ancient Chinese society strongly believed in harmony.
Summary of Chapters
INTRO: This chapter introduces the historical significance of Chinese society and its long-standing philosophical interest in the relationship between man, nature, and the built habitat.
Question 1: SPACE: This section details how Taoist principles of emptiness and harmony informed ancient architectural practices and the spatial organization of the environment.
Question 2: CITY: This chapter examines the symbolic structure of ancient Chinese cities, the theory of "Wangcheng," and how modern globalization has shifted urban planning approaches compared to historical precedents.
Keywords
Taoism, Yin and Yang, Fengshui, Wangcheng, Chinese Architecture, Urban Planning, Spatial Perception, Harmony, Modernization, Globalization, Beijing, Shenzhen, ROC Taiwan, Multi-capital system, Cultural Heritage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper explores the evolution of "space" and "city" concepts in China, moving from ancient philosophical underpinnings to the contemporary architectural landscape.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
Key themes include Taoist philosophy, the symbolic structure of historic cities, Fengshui principles, and the impact of Western-style modernization on urban spaces.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to explain how Chinese spatial understanding has changed over time and to critically reflect on the loss of traditional values in favor of rapid, Western-influenced urban growth.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author uses a descriptive and analytical approach, combining historical philosophy with observational critiques of modern Chinese urban development.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body is divided into two parts: one concerning the philosophy of space and its historical roots, and one focusing on urban symbolism, the ideal city structure, and modern urban planning.
Which keywords define this work?
The work is defined by concepts such as Taoism, Fengshui, Wangcheng, urban modernization, and the interplay between Chinese cultural identity and globalized architectural trends.
How does the concept of "emptiness" relate to Chinese architecture?
Based on the Tao Te Ching, emptiness is seen as the essential element that makes vessels and spaces useful and livable, rather than just the physical form itself.
What distinguishes the modern development of Shenzhen from historical Chinese planning?
Unlike historic cities embedded in nature using Fengshui for harmony, Shenzhen represents a modern, globalized urban model driven by capitalism and economic growth, often disregarding traditional spatial concepts.
What is the significance of the "multi-capital system" mentioned?
It reflects the historical reality where power shifted between various dynasties, leading to the development of several major political centers rather than a single, static capital.
- Quote paper
- Felix Wernisch (Author), 2018, Traditional Chinese Architecture and Planning. China's perception of "Space" and "City", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/954681
