Surrounded on all sides: Chinese Architecture · Courtyard

Author: Qiu Qian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Architecture is both a fundamental human practice and a component of human culture. Throughout history, one of the key elements of human civilization's development can be described as the continuous process of building, improving, and perfecting living spaces. In the long journey of refining living environments, humans have not only strived to meet the material needs of shelter and daily life but have also focused on the spiritual needs of residential psychology, ethics, and aesthetics. Courtyards are the ideal places where these two human living needs are integrated. For thousands of years, humans have meticulously crafted their courtyards to live more comfortably. Therefore, courtyard architecture reflects the cultural, economic, and intellectual characteristics of a particular era, embodying the civilization of that time. Every ethnic group in the world has built courtyard styles according to its own cultural perspective. Based on the style of courtyard architecture, it can be divided into four major schools: Chinese and Japanese styles in Asia, and French and British styles in Europe. Among these, Chinese courtyard architecture combines scientific, creative, and artistic elements, embodying the humanistic concept and aesthetic ideals of the Chinese nation's reverence for nature. It is a building complex formed by artfully combining garden elements such as buildings, landscapes, and plants, possessing both a unique style and special functions. The ancient Chinese philosophers' idea of "harmony between heaven and humanity" is reflected in courtyard architecture as the closeness, affinity, and integration of buildings with nature. In this harmonious coexistence with nature, people enjoy the joy of life described as "when the bright moon rises, the breeze comes, free from constraints, and unbound by limitations." In the understanding of ancient Chinese people, courtyards are spaces with life, spaces that are thoughtful in architecture. The enclosed space model with four sides is the only way of constructing building groups in Chinese architecture.