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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Cultural exposition of architectural heritage

uses the concept of numbers to organize space in an orderly protection from 1933 to 2016, as well as Chinese
manner, convey the hierarchical structure of families, and cultural relics protection laws.
maintain balance within their homes (Zhang, 2022). • Literature research: Focusing on architectural
semiotics, traditional Chinese cultural influences
3.4.3. Colors on architecture, architectural heritage culture
In 1981, Liang Sicheng pointed out that “from the interpretation frameworks, and recent studies on
viewpoint of the architectural art of many nations of the Pingyao historical city.
world, ancient Chinese craftsmen alone may have been the • Field investigation: Including the observation of seven
most daring and skillful in the use of colors” (Liang, 1981, national-level cultural relic protection sites to study
p. 5). Thus, it is not surprising that colors in traditional architectural structures, colors, and functions.
China are not just used as ornamentation; they are potent • In-depth interviews: Conducting unstructured
symbols invested with complex layers of conventional interviews with local cultural relic protection staff,
symbolism, making colors important bearers of traditional tourism practitioners, residents, and tourists to
Chinese culture (Knapp, 2012). gather diverse perspectives on Pingyao’s architectural
culture, its protection, dissemination, identification,
When examining ancient Chinese civilization, it is
essential to focus on the fact that all things in heaven and and perception.
earth were classified according to the five elements, with This multifaceted approach provides a balanced
reference to the cardinal directions and the annual cycle. understanding and interpretation of Pingyao historical
In The Book of Rites, Confucius said, “The Five Colors, city’s architectural culture, aligning heritage preservation
the East is blue, the South is red, the West is white, the with modern development needs.
North is black, the sky is blue-black, and the ground is
yellow” (Confucius, 2014, p. 717). By combining the 5. The cultural exposition model
aspects of color, orientation, and season, Feng Shui creates The cultural exposition model is a comprehensive
connections that signify the balance between humans and framework designed to understand the three key
nature. dimensions of architectural heritage that hold cultural
significance: Material, social, and spiritual (Figure 4).
4. Research methodology This model aims to capture all dimensions of architectural
This qualitative study aims to provide a comprehensive heritage by adopting both tangible and intangible cultural
interpretation of Pingyao historical city’s architectural elements.
culture across material, social, and spiritual dimensions The core of the model is the notion of architectural
(Figure 3). It explores the social and spiritual functions of the culture, which refers to the accretion of culture within
city’s architecture by employing several research methods: architectural artifacts. This central idea emphasizes that
• Text analysis: Examining international charters, architecture is more than just physical buildings; it serves
declarations, and regulations on cultural heritage as a mirror that reflects the culture, history, and society of

Figure 3. Research methodology of the current study

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 6 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4189