The fortunate dimensions of Taiwanese traditional architecture

Abstract

Taiwanese traditional architecture has been classified as belonging to the Southern style of Chinese architecture. Owing to geographical and climatic conditions, and to its own history, Taiwanese architecture has diversified from mainstream Chinese architecture. This diversification has given rise to styles of buildings that were (and are) quite distinct from their Chinese origin. The authors begin with a comparison of Taiwanese and Chinese traditional architectures highlighting their differences. The authors go on to describe the different systems used for measuring key dimensions in Taiwanese traditional buildings, and the procedure for their determination.