Investigation on the influence of Chinese traditional elements in contemporary building design by Western architects in 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

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.