Page 110 - JCAU-6-4

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Cultural exposition of architectural heritage

6.3.2. Unity between heaven and humanity in significant importance in Chinese society. The design and
architecture layout of homes reflect the emphasis on honoring one’s
ancestry and maintaining social standing.
The idea of the “Unity of Heaven and Humanity” (天人
合一; Tian ren he yi) reflects the belief that humans and 6.3.5. Religious beliefs in architecture
nature are interconnected. This concept is widely practiced
in China, where architectural planning in accordance Other elements of Chinese architecture express religious
with the natural elements of a site, creating a harmonious influences, particularly Daoism and Buddhism. Temples
and shrines, both in their interior and exterior designs,
ecological environment. For example, Pingyao historical incorporate religion into the daily lives of citizens. In
city is planned to face south to maximize solar radiation Pingyao, elements of Daoism and Buddhism are visible
and natural air convection, demonstrating reverence for in dwelling plans, shields, decorations, and shrines that
nature and a willingness to harmonize with it.
include protective or lucky symbols.
This unity is also reflected in the small courtyards These religious buildings also serve a social purpose, as
traditionally found in Chinese homes. These areas are important festivals and fairs are held in the temples located
not only functional, providing air circulation and/or in Pingyao historical city. These structures are not simply
thermal protection, but they also symbolize humanity’s religious institutions; they are platforms for social cohesion
interconnectedness with the remainder of the earth’s and cultural accumulation.
entity. Garden designs that incorporate rocks and water
bring elements of the outside world into the compound, The objective of this article is to present and analyze
reinforcing this connection in a subtle yet meaningful way. the philosophical, religious, and cultural aspects reflected
in the construction of traditional Chinese buildings,
6.3.3. The ideology of ritual and music in architecture showcasing their spiritual significance. Geometric concepts
Basic Confucian principles of ritual and music focus on such as Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, the cosmological
maintaining social order and harmony, which influence balance between humans and nature, ritual and music,
the architectural layout of both residential and public ancestry, and supernatural beliefs are all deeply embedded
buildings. In traditional Chinese architecture, spaces are in traditional Chinese architecture.
clearly separated based on social status, facilitating the 7. Discussion
performance of particular tasks. For instance, in Pingyao
historical city, the residential arrangement of courtyards The cultural, social, and spiritual components that
follows a hierarchical structure: the central house is embrace traditional Chinese architecture can be vividly
designated for ancestors, while the side rooms are for appreciated in the architectural structures that adorn
descendants, ensuring proper order and respect. Pingyao historical city. The theoretical framework for
understanding this heritage can be broadly categorized
Music and rituals in architecture can also be viewed as a into three main dimensions: material, social, and spiritual.
process of forming the surrounding space to foster effective All of these aspects play their roles in providing a deeper
communication and cultural continuity. Buildings are not perspective on the architectural history of the city and its
merely constructed as dwellings but as representations of significance within the context of Chinese culture.
how the community thinks and how they wish society to
function. The tangible aspects of the constructions in Pingyao are
intrinsically linked to the Chinese perception of the city
6.3.4. Lineage and feudalism in architecture and building forms. Mak & Ng (2005) have observed how
Understanding China’s historical background, specifically the Feng Shui principles determine the configuration of the
its feudal structure and lineage system, is important to city and the positioning of particular constructions. These
principles guide decisions regarding building placement,
understanding the design and structure of traditional Chinese orientation, and spatial planning, emphasizing the
houses. In Pingyao, the multi-generational cottage architecture relationship between structures and their surroundings.
embodies this lineage system, with distinctive courtyard The ultimate aim is to strike a balance between
houses intended to represent and assert family order for providing shelter for humans and preserving the natural
clansmen. Ancestral halls or shrines within these compounds environment. The number seven is also notably present
are used for praying and connecting with ancestors, enhancing in the architectural structures and patterns in Pingyao.
a sense of unity between the living and the dead.
According to Matthews (2019), numbers carry specific
From the architectural features evident in these semantic connotations; odd numbers are associated with
structures, it can be inferred that family and clan hold the male or Yang (heavenly) principle, while even numbers

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4189