China is one of the most populated countries in the world. It contains one fifth of the world’s
population. With the large amount of people occupying the country, it is easy
to understand how China has some of the most wonderful and unique buildings and
structures in the world. The Great Wall of China is one of those structures that
stretch 5,500.3 miles across China’s land. The Great Wall was not only built
to protect China’s border it is also architecturally an amazing structure.
China is full of tradition, which starts with the buildings and people. The
Chinese population is directly related to the change in the buildings and
structures over the years. Chinese housing has progressed from a very ornate
style to modernized.
Similar to the United States, early Chinese housing
was built very specific. The buildings and structures were based on the region
they were located in and the materials that they were provided at the time. The
Chinese also differs from most areas of the world, because the pay attention to
detail and the importance that is placed on the roofs structure. The Chinese
were very specific on the structures of the house depending on the region and
environment you lived in, in China. China is the fourth largest country based
on its area. Due to that fact “China has a complex environment with the highest
plateau, some of the highest mountains, world’s longest rivers, many lakes,
long coastline and large continental shelf.” [3] Complex environment houses
were built out of different types of materials and in several different ways. The
architectures would use a variety of different woods from the surrounding
forest, mud and clay, rocks, and grasses. Chinese architecture was based on harmony
with the environment and surrounding area. “The Chinese strayed away from
vertical ideas in early architecture, and instead focused on a heavy platform
underlying a large roof, seeking to demonstrate freedom and sturdiness.” [1] Another
interesting aspect the Chinese focused on in architecture was symmetry. Symmetry focuses on the property of sameness.
Most of the structures followed the strict principle of a center axis surrounded
by symmetrical wings. That is very prevalent when you look at the design and theme
of early and current Chinese houses. Chinese buildings are split into a couple
different types of architecture; palaces, temples, gardens, tombs and
residences. I will be directing your attention towards places one would likely
live in.
There are a couple different types of
traditional housing such as; courtyard houses
cave dwellings, earthen house, and imperial. The first
type of early Chinese housing is courtyard housing and cave dwellings. Although
different, the two types of housing follow similar ideas. Courtyard housing is
built with a courtyard in the middle of the structure, and surrounded by rooms.
These are usually made for multiple generations. Back in the times of this type
of housing it was common for four or five generations to live together. Cave
dwellings although are very different would some times model the same structure
of courtyard houses. Cave dwellings were found in northern China and were made
by digging out the side of a cliff. This type of housing did not only save
materials but it also save land that was more beneficial for farming. Earthen housing follows that. Earthen style
housing is found in southern China. They are built out of clay and are normally
three or four stories tall. Earthen housing was built by a group of Han that
moved south to escape the war. The houses were built tall and sturdy to protect
themselves from invaders. The last type of traditional housing is called
imperial. Imperial buildings are made for the empire of China. Some unique characteristics
set these buildings apart from the rest. The roof of the imperial building
primarily uses yellow roof tiles, while also being the only style that uses
dragons.
Although buildings and architecture
has been the main emphasis, it is the people that reside there that make the
buildings what they are. Family size and ideas have changed over time. As I
mentioned before it was common for families to have multiple generations under
one roof. Since then the family sizes have decreased significantly. This
decision wasn’t solely based on family decisions. “The Chinese government has
instituted a mandatory fertility control that dramatically decreased the
population growth rate to 1.3% by 2001. Household sizes have decreased from 4.5
people per house in 1985 to 3.5 in 2000 and projected to be at 2.7 by 2015.
This not only effect families but it also has to do with China’s economy. The
decrease in people per house will cause China have 80 million more households
than it would have had without the change.” [3]
Differences amongst families are not the only
changing variable. Housing and architecture has also evolved over time. The
Chinese are starting to go with more of a European style. The different styles
are; multi-style,
Guangzhou style, socialism style. The
multi-style was a style that was introduced in the 80’s. This style brought to “China
foreign capital, foreign materials and equipment,
foreign design.” [1] The next style is call Guangzhou style. Guangzhou style
took place in the 60’s and the theme of the style was to become more modern but
still maintain connections with the past. The last style is call socialism
style. Socialism was influenced by the Soviet Union and thought of as an art.
As you can see China’s culture and architecture is
truly a unique and interesting story. Houses were being built in the sides of
mountains, and the detail and design of the other houses around the regions were
built with impeccable skill and talent. Somewhat of the same values continued
through out the houses around the regions. Even the modern day buildings are a
sight to see. The detail and creativity that were put into the Olympic building
in Beijing is astonishing. China’s shift from the traditional buildings to more
of a modern style was economically wise, but they need to find balance to be
able to still hold on the masterpieces of the past.
Bibliography
[1] Chinatraveldepot.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.chinatraveldepot.com/C187-Chinese-Architecture
[2]China travel discovery . (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.chinatraveldiscovery.com/china-life/chinese-house-family.htm
[3]Diamond,
J. (2005). Collapse. (pp. 358-360). New York, NY: Penguin books.
[5]McGrath,
J. (2011, July 25). How chinese traditions work . Retrieved from http://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/national-traditions/chinese-tradition4.htm
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