Page 107 - JCAU-6-4

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Cultural exposition of architectural heritage

It reveals how architecture assembles the people, making
them feel part and parcel of a specific culture with a
shared history, as reflected in the design of the building. In
Pingyao architecture, spirituality is expressed through the
emotions and cultural spaces it creates. This is particularly
evident in religious sites such as temples, shrines, and
related buildings, which embody the beliefs and values
of the people, effectively telling the story of the city. Such
spiritual elements contribute to the esthetic elevation of
Pingyao.
These dimensions are integrated within the model, and
this integration helps elucidate the concept of architectural
culture. The social and spiritual aspects are related to the
idea of deploying both material and immaterial factors of
architecture to share and recall culture and civilizational
heritage. Through this approach, several observations can
be made about the cultural valuation of architecture.

In the model, the outer concentric circles symbolize
Figure 4. The cultural exposition model. Source: Liu (2023) the influence of ideology, social relations, and material
technology on architectural culture. On the one side,
a nation. By emphasizing architectural culture, the model there are the forms and signification of buildings, while
aims to define what it means to embrace and signify culture on the other side, there are relations of domination that
through the built environment. inform the spatial organization and function of a structure.
Material technology determines the behavior and lifecycle
The material aspect pertains to the use of materials, of existing built forms, as well as the performance of specific
techniques, structures, forms, styles, and ornaments in facilities. These forces shape and confirm architectural
architecture. This dimension reveals how the physical culture, demonstrating how this concept is dynamic and
features of structures reflect the architectural technology interconnected with extrinsic conditions.
and cultural artifacts of the time. For instance, the larger
and more complex structures, ornate detailing, and bright The cultural exposition model seeks to combine
colors in Pingyao historical city showcase the creative and the connotations of traditional culture with a modern
technical skills of the builders. These material characteristics value system to discover a more original approach to
not only preserve the architectural structures but also redefining and revitalizing architectural design. In doing
reflect the culture of different eras, including technological so, the model offers an open and complex framework
and artistic developments of past times. to address architectural heritage from different angles
The social aspect focuses on the functions and role and scales, supporting historical culture while engaging
of architecture in society. It examines how spaces define with contemporary cultural creation and advancement.
social activities, represent social dynamics, and play This approach not only helps preserve the cultural and
manifold cultural roles. This involves the architectural historical uniqueness of architecturally and constructively
roles in coordinating social ethical frameworks, as well significant structures but also enhances their applicability
as the impact of architecture on political and economic and importance in the context of modern urbanization.
systems. In Pingyao, buildings are conceived not just as 6. Case study: Pingyao historical city
constructions but as entities with social characteristics
and purposes that regulate social activities, address 6.1. Material dimension
social differences, and even contribute to social progress. The material aspect of architectural heritage in Pingyao
This dimension highlights the role of social interactions historical city reflects both conformity to ceremonial
and people’s activities in the formation and evolution of regulations and cultural significance. Historically, the city’s
architecture. structure, including its walls, the organization of streets,
The spiritual dimension addresses questions and the construction of buildings and other architectural
concerning the spiritual, social, memory, identity, features, aligns harmoniously with Chinese planning
heritage, and esthetic values of tangible cultural heritage. principles and their historical context.

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 7 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4189