The Phenomenon of Semblance of Structure in Traditional Chinese Architecture

Abstract

Traditional Chinese architecture is distinguished by the regularity of spatial layout, which can be traced from the late Neolithic times until the fall of the last imperial dynasty at the beginning of the 20th century. When comparing spatial compositions, it becomes obvious that they obeyed a number of regularities, and descriptions in texts about rituals provide an explanation of the reasons for their occurrence. At the same time, it turns out to be possible to reduce the entire variety of spatial structures to two basic planning compositions: the closed courtyard siheyuan and the nine-square field. The indicated planning compositions, appearing on a different scale, in buildings with different functions, led to the emergence in Chinese architecture of such a phenomenon as a "semblance of structure".

The phenomenon of "semblance of structure", despite its distinct manifestation in the planning organization, has been studied rather poorly. This article examines the processes of origin and evolution of the phenomenon of "semblance of structure", substantiates its stability in the Chinese architecture of different eras, reveals its close connection with the worldview. All this allows us to highlight one of the aspects of the successive nature of the development of traditional architecture in China.