Diversified Architectural Model: Chinese-and-Western Architectural Style of Residences in Ancient Town of Nanxun

Abstract

On the one hand, the opening up of the trading ports in the late 19th century has blocked the way of independent development of national capitalism, but on the other hand, it also exploited a vast market for the development of national capitalism, and promoted its own development. Zhejiang silk traders took this opportunity to go abroad for accepting foreign cultures and new ideas which were also reflected on the architectures. Their residences have broken the styles of the Chinese traditional architectures which are made of wood, stone, pantile, etc. and blended the western architectural culture elements in the roof form and facade material of the buildings. With Chinese style outside and western style inside, with elegance outside and dominance inside, the residences mainly make a perfect combination of Chinese pattern and western pattern. Based on the political, economic and social climate of the time, this article seeks the design features and aesthetic taste of Chinese and Western architectures.