Ancient Chinese Architecture Research Articles

Building a Chinese ancient architecture multimodal dataset combining image, annotation and style-model

In this rapidly evolving era of multimodal generation, diffusion models exhibit impressive generative capabilities, significantly enhancing the realm of creative image synthesis by intricately textual prompts. Yet, their effectiveness is limited in certain niche sectors, like depicting Chinese ancient architecture. This limitation is primarily due to the insufficient data that fails to encompass the unique architectural features and corresponding text information. Hence, we build an extensive multimodal dataset capturing the essence of Chinese architectures mostly from the Tang to the Yuan Dynasties. The dataset is categorized on the types, including image&text, video, and style models. In details, images and videos are methodically categorized based on locations. All images are annotated at two levels: initial annotations and descriptive terms based on distinctive characteristics and official information. Moreover, seven artistic styles fine-tuning models are provided in our dataset for further innovations. Significantly, this is the first Chinese ancient architecture dataset and the instance of using the Pinyin system to annotate unique terms related to Chinese architectural styles.

The Integration of Traditional Chinese Culture into the English Grammar Course in Regular Higher Education: A Practical Case Study

In the interconnected global society today, the significance of integrating traditional Chinese culture into English grammar education cannot be overstated, but it is often ignored in the practical teaching and theoretical research. Hence, this study aims to explore this integration in regular higher education to promote ideological and political education and their intercultural competence. Research questions include how traditional Chinese culture is practically integrated into the English grammar course in regular higher education and whether this integration is effectively achieved as well as what suggestions can be proposed for the future English grammar course and research. Considering this, a practical case study in the context of Xianda College of Economics and Humanities, Shanghai International Studies University in China is employed to address these questions. Twenty-nine first-year English majors, both females and males, voluntarily participate as research subjects. The specific research methods mainly involve a two-round questionnaire survey and a one-round interview. One of the conclusion is that traditional Chinese culture can be practically integrated into the English grammar course in regular education by the the strategy of “4-R”, namely “Revise Teaching Goals and Objectives, Refine Teaching Content, Revitalize Teaching Methods and Reform Teaching Evaluation”. This study focuses on adopting Chinese ancient poetry, Chinese opera, Chinese architecture, and Chinese festival customs as the main materials for traditional Chinese culture related to grammar points in this course. Moreover, based on the participants’ feedback from the second-round questionnaire survey and one-round interview, it is effectively carried out and attains the quality goals in the overall teaching syllabus to a large extent. Another conclusion is that some suggestions from students and the teacher are provided for the future English grammar course and relevant research.

Reconstructing the local structures of Chinese ancient architecture using unsupervised depth estimation

Digitalization of ancient architectures is one of the effective means for the preservation of heritage structures, with 3D reconstruction based on computer vision being a key component of such digitalization techniques. However, Chinese ancient architectures are located in mountainous areas, and existing 3D reconstruction methods fall short in restoring the local structures of these architectures. This paper proposes a self-attention-guided unsupervised single image-based depth estimation method, providing innovative technical support for the reconstruction of local structures in Chinese ancient architectures. First, an attention module is constructed based on features extracted from architectural images learned by the encoder, and then embedded into the encoder-decoder to capture the interdependencies across local features. Second, a disparity map is generated using the loss constraint network, including reconstruction matching, smoothness of the disparity, and left-right disparity consistency. Third, an unsupervised architecture based on binocular image pairs is constructed to remove any potential adverse effects due to unknown scale or estimated pose errors. Finally, with the known baseline distance and camera focal length, the disparity map is converted into the depth map to perform the end-to-end depth estimation from a single image. Experiments on the our architecture dataset validates our method, and it performs well also well on KITTI.

A Study on the Color Prediction of Ancient Chinese Architecture Paintings Based on a Digital Color Camera and the Color Design System

Color paintings such as painted facades and interiors are important decoration elements of ancient Chinese architectures. The color of the paintings usually fades over time due to exposure to strong light, high humidity, high temperatures, and other environmental factors. In order to restore or reproduce the color appearance of ancient architecture paintings correctly, it was necessary to study the color degradation process of such paintings. To meet the needs of on-site colorimetric measurement of the paintings on ancient Chinese architectures, we propose using a digital color camera and the CDS (Color Design System) to measure and evaluate the colors of such paintings. The CDS is a color order system recommended by the Chinese national technical committee for color standardization (SAC/TC 120) in 2017 (GB/Z 35473-2017). The current version of the CDS atlas contains about 2740 samples which were uniformly distributed on the whole color space, and can be used to set up the colorimetric characterization model for the digital camera. Particularly, the digital CDS lookup table contains over 400 thousand samples, and it can be used to express the color of paintings on ancient Chinese architectures. In the experiment, a digital color camera was used to capture the colors of the paintings on the ancient Chinese architectures of different years based on the CDS and polynomial transform method. Moreover, a linear interpolation method was proposed for calculating and predicting the color degradation of such paintings. The experimental results show that with the increase in years, the color hue of the paintings changes slowly, while the lightness and the chroma of them fade obviously. In the future, more ancient architectures of different years and from different places should be selected as experimental samples to improve the method and the results of the paper.

Innovative design model for the mortise and tenon structure

The mortise and tenon structure is a pivotal component of ancient Chinese architecture and furniture, encapsulating a rich history of evolution, cultural shifts, and productivity developments. Engaging modern individuals with this historical context through innovative product design provides a way to advance the cultural and creative industries and promote the sustainable development of mortise and tenon culture. This study conducted sentiment analysis on consumer reviews of three types of mortise and tenon cultural and creative products in the Chinese market, revealing consumer needs and expectations regarding functionality, quality, and design. Utilizing Norman’s Emotional Design Theory, the study analyzed the design elements of mortise and tenon cultural and creative products across the instinctive, behavioral, and reflective levels. A systematic design model was put together, providing both theoretical support and practical guidance for the future design of these products, thereby offering inspiration and aid for the modernization and transformation of traditional culture.

Towards an Effective Architectural Form: The Composition of Squareness and Roundness Based on Scale Proportion—Evidence from the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

Investigating the mathematical and geometric principles embedded in ancient classic architecture is a significant tradition in the history of architectural development. Drawing inspiration from the modular design and creative ideology based on the geometric proportions of squareness and roundness in ancient Chinese architecture, we propose a new mode of squareness and roundness composition based on scale proportion specifically for the design of multi-story buildings. Taking Yingxian Wooden Pagoda as the case study, we not only re-evaluate the modular system and proportional rules followed in the design of the entire pagoda, but also reveal the technical approaches and geometric rules for effectively controlling the form of multi-story buildings. In particular, the mode of squareness and roundness composition based on scale proportion, utilizing a modular grid combined with squareness and roundness drawings as decision-making tools, can control the scale and proportion of buildings across different design dimensions and organically coordinate the design of multi-story buildings’ plans and elevations. Thus, it can achieve an effective balance of multi-story architectural forms. This study has potential applications in the creation of traditional multi-story buildings and heritage restoration projects, and offers valuable insights for future research on ancient multi-story buildings.

Application of 3D laser scanning technology for mapping and accuracy assessment of the point cloud model for the Great Achievement Palace heritage building

Heritage buildings represent history and act as vessels of human civilisation. The significance of these architectural phenomena increases as society increases, which renders their preservation and ethical use increasingly crucial. Hence, preserving heritage buildings is necessary for societal benefit. The accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) point cloud models of heritage buildings is important to their digital conservation. Traditional mapping methods typically require more time and human resources. Furthermore, the outcome is subject to measurement omissions, errors, and other issues, which are contrary to the protection of the object measured. The complex elements of ancient Chinese architecture render it challenging for traditional measuring techniques to accurately capture spatial structural information. The 3D laser scanning technology is a novel technology to obtain 3D data rapidly. In this paper, the Great Achievement Palace of the Confucian Temple in Yuci District, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, was used as an example to examine the application of 3D laser scanning technology to acquire point cloud models of heritage buildings. Field data collection for architectural heritage using 3D laser scanning technology requires measuring station setting analysis to ensure effect accuracy while considering the elements of target location and quantity. For the 3D point cloud model of the Great Achievement Palace, error analysis and accuracy assessment were conducted on the quality elements of alignment accuracy between scanning stations, point cloud model reliability, point cloud data noise condition, and whether the point cloud data were stratified. The findings demonstrated that the improved method quickly and accurately acquired 3D point cloud model data and obtained realistic spatial data models of the heritage building.

VR headset vs. PC screen as virtual learning tour interface for Chinese architecture heritage investigation

AbstractIn design education, integrating digital tools has revolutionized pedagogical approaches. This study examines the impact of VR HMDs and PC screens on learning ancient Chinese architecture using a virtual tour. Involving 22 students, it assessed simulator sickness, user experience, and spatial awareness. Results show VR had a more positive spatial learning experience but the same learning outcomes. VR enhances presence but increases simulator sickness. The study underscores VR's potential and limitations in ancient Chinese architectural education, suggesting future research directions.

Mechanism for formation of porcine blood hydrogels used as additives in the mortar of traditional Chinese architectural painting

Ancient Chinese architecture drawing is a unique form of ancient Chinese art. Porcine blood hydrogels are distinctive ingredients used to prepare the composite material of the substrate layer for architecture drawing. This investigation was focused on the mechanism for porcine blood hydrogel formation. Based on the traditional Chinese recipe for the preparation of porcine blood-lime mortar, samples with different ratios of porcine blood and lime water were prepared, and the molecular-scale interactions between the lime water and proteins in the porcine blood were examined with FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, XPS, fluorescence spectroscopy, contact angle and rheology studies. The mechanical properties and morphological features of the samples were detected with a rheometer, universal material testing machine and SEM. The results indicated that an appropriate amount of lime water was required for gelation of the porcine blood. With the appropriate alkalinity, sufficient carboxyl groups on the fibrin chains were deprotonated, and coordination with Ca2+ ions formed enough cross-links for support networks within the structure of the porcine blood hydrogel. Complexation of deprotonated carboxyl groups on the fibrin chains with Ca2+ ions led to the formation of a hydrophobic surface due alterations of the fibrin conformation and increased the adhesive properties of the hydrogel. With the hydrogel used as an ingredient in the preparation of a substrate layer composite, it is suggested that the hydrophobic surface of the hydrogel facilitated mixing with hydrophobic tung oil during preparation of the composite material, and strong adhesion of the hydrogel increased the mechanical strength and crack resistance of the substrate layer.

Experimental and numerical study on seismic performance of steel semi-rigid joints equipped with SMA bars and friction dampers

To reflect and inherit the characteristics of ancient Chinese architecture and regional culture, the Chinese antique building (CAB) imitating ancient Chinese timber building has been constructed using contemporary steel materials. These buildings mostly deploy steel rectangular-shaped beams and circular cross-sectional columns, which normally exhibit typical premature yielding fractures at the beam ends under seismic actions, as well as weak energy dissipation capacity and significant residual deformation. A steel semi-rigid joint equipped with SMA bars and friction dampers was proposed to improve the seismic performance and recoverability of CABs. The proposed joint aims to achieve the purpose of "self-centering during minor to moderate earthquakes" and "high energy-dissipating capacity under severe earthquakes" for CABs. Compared to simple semi-rigid joints, the energy dissipation of joints with friction dampers improved, while the joints equipped with the shape memory alloy (SMA) bar-friction damper coupling devices exhibited significant increases in yield displacement, strength, and overall stiffness, along with remarkable reduction in residual deformation. Based on the test observations, a numerical model was constructed to parametrically optimize the structural design of the damage-controllable steel semi-rigid joints equipped with SMA bars and friction dampers. The research results shall provide a theoretical basis for the proposed joint in engineering applications of steel antique buildings.

“Ren” and Spatial Design in Ancient Chinese Architecture: A Discussion from the Perspective of Confucian Aesthetic Concepts

This paper adopts the unique perspective of Confucian aesthetic principles to investigate their profound impact on the interrelationship between “Ren” (benevolence) and spatial design in classical Chinese architecture. Drawing upon core Confucian concepts such as “Ren”, “Tian Ren He Yi” (the unity of man and nature), and “Jin Shan Jin Mei” (the pursuit of perfection), the study meticulously analyzes specific instances of classical architectural layouts and spatial designs, providing a detailed exposition of the manifestation of “Ren”. Subsequently, it elucidates how Confucian aesthetic principles influence classical architecture by inheriting and developing the spirit of benevolence and adeptly applying an aesthetic consciousness of the unity of space and time. Simultaneously, the paper distinctly presents the profound insights of Confucian aesthetic principles on contemporary spatial design and societal development. This influence extends beyond the formal and structural aspects of architecture, permeating deeply into the cultural connotations embedded in architecture. It injects distinctive and valuable design wisdom into contemporary society, contributing not only to the comprehension of the cultural value of ancient architecture but also furnishing a novel framework for contemporary spatial design. In doing so, it offers concrete and far-reaching guidance for the construction of a harmonious society.

Self-adaptive Modelling Method for Chinese Ancient Timber Architecture Based on Digital Structure Metamodel

Self-adaptive Modelling Method for Chinese Ancient Timber Architecture Based on Digital Structure Metamodel

Tradition and Modernity: Inheritance and Innovation of Ancient Chinese Architecture

With a history of five thousand years, China has made many outstanding achievements in architecture. Even in modern times with advanced technology, there are still many advantages that can be used for reference. This article expounds the modern development of ancient Chinese architecture through the unique structure of ancient Chinese architecture and the application and evolution of ancient Chinese architectural styles in modern times. In general, the two unique structures of ancient Chinese architecture, the mortise and tenon structure and the bucket arch structure, due to the development of science and technology, no longer need them to play a load-bearing role. Now they are more used as decorations to reflect Chinese culture in architecture. middle. The architectural style of ancient China is also combined with modern architectural style to simplify the cumbersome construction process while still retaining the unique charm of ancient Chinese architecture. The main purpose of this study is to study the application and development trend of ancient Chinese architecture in modern times.

A Cultural Study of The Roof Beast in Traditional Chinese Ancient Architecture

Chinese traditional ancient architecture is an important part of Chinese ancient culture, and its architectural style is unique and exquisite. The roof beast is a kind of decorative element in traditional ancient architecture, its meaning is rich and far-reaching. The purpose of this paper is to explore the origin, evolution and cultural connotation of the roof ridge beast in traditional Chinese ancient architecture through the cultural research, and further deepen the understanding and understanding of ancient Chinese culture.

PRIMITIVE SEGMENTATION OF DOUGONG COMPONENTS BASED ON REGIONAL CLUSTERING

Abstract. As one of the most characteristic components of ancient Chinese architecture, Dougong has an important significance in the history of ancient Chinese architecture, but with the passage of time, wooden building components are prone to decay and missing, so it is particularly important to digitally retain the Dougong. In order to realize the Dougong component segmentation, this paper proposes a super voxel-based Dougong component primitive segmentation method, which is divided into two parts: firstly, super voxelizing the Dougong point cloud data, and secondly, realizing the Dougong component primitive segmentation by using multi-geometric constrained region growth algorithm. In order to verify the effectiveness of the method, this paper selects three main Dougong types of the Qing Dynasty, including pingshenke, jiaoke, zhutouke, for experimental validation, and the results show that the combination of super voxel and regional growth algorithm can effectively extract the geometric primitive surface of the Dougong components with high extraction efficiency and good adaptability, which can be prepared for the subsequent knowledge of Dougong construction method to achieve component segmentation.

Numerical Investigations of Wind Impacts on Chinese Ancient Architectural Roof Surfaces with Ridges and Semi-Cylindrical Tiles

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the impacts of roof ridges and semi-cylindrical tiles on the wind loading on traditional single-eave hip roofs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the semi-cylindrical tiles have been considered in the simulation of ancient Chinese architecture for the first time. Several roof models with various ridges and semi-cylindrical tiles are simulated by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations (RANS) using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique. The results reveal that the addition of roof ridges and semi-cylindrical tiles has a considerable structural protection effect, which can significantly reduce the suctions, as well as the turbulence fluctuation, on both the windward and leeward sides: the average of negative mean wind pressure coefficients is reduced by 33% on the leeward surface, and approximately 48% on the windward surface one. When the number of protruding ridges and semi-cylindrical tiles increases (decreasing the diameter of them by 40%), the average of area mean wind pressure coefficient for all the wind directions decreases by about 30% on the windward side and about 50% on the leeward side. The average of maximum spatial wind pressure coefficient decreases by about 25% on the windward side and about 40% on the leeward side.

Innovative design solutions for contemporary Tou-Kung based on topological optimisation

Tou-Kung, which is pronounced in Chinese and known as Bracket Set (Liang & Fairbank, A pictorial history of Chinese architecture, 1984), is a vital support component in the Chinese traditional wooden tectonic systems. It is located between the column and the beam and connects the eave and pillar, making the heavy roof extend out of the eaves longer. The development of Tou-Kung is entirely a microcosm of the development of ancient Chinese architecture; the aesthetic structure and Asian artistic temperament behind Tou-Kung make it gradually become the cultural and spiritual symbol of traditional Chinese architecture. In the contemporary era, inheriting and developing Tou-Kung has become an essential issue. Several architects have attempted to employ new materials and techniques to integrate the traditional Tou-Kung into modern architectural systems, such as the China Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo and Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum. This paper introduces the topological optimisation method bi-directional evolutionary structural optimisation (BESO) for form-finding. BESO method is one of the most popular topology optimisation methods widely employed in civil engineering and architecture. Through analyzing the development trend of Tou-Kung and mechanical structure, the authors integrate 2D and 3D optimisation methods and apply the hybrid methods to form-finding. Meanwhile, mortise and tenon joint used to create stable connections with components of Tou-Kung are retained. This research aims to design a new Tou-Kung corresponding to “structural performance-based aesthetics”. The workflow proposed in this paper is valuable for Architrave and other traditional building components.

Numerical Simulation Analysis of Chinese Timber Frame Ancient Buildings - An Example of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City

Chinese ancient architecture is renowned for its unique large wooden structures and standards. However, the safety of the wooden structures in the Forbidden City has gradually deteriorated over long-term use. At present, most building safety evaluation methods rely on qualitative assessments rather than quantitative identifications. In the process of conducting safety evaluations, it is necessary to conduct sufficient analysis and judgment of building damage to determine the safety status of ancient buildings. To ensure the safety of the buildings, this study takes the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City as an example, using numerical simulation methods to analyze the components of Chinese wooden ancient architecture through finite element analysis, with the aim of quantitatively protecting China's traditional architectural cultural heritage. This study provides a scientific basis for the protection of China's traditional architectural cultural heritage and has high practical significance. The results showed that the deformation peak and internal force were within the allowable range according to relevant specifications.

Analysis of Winter Environment Based on CFD Simulation: A Case Study of Long–Hu Sand Feng Shui Layout at Jiangxi Bailudong Academy Complex

In ancient Chinese architecture, Feng Shui was a prevalent practice used to enhance the built environment. This study utilized computer simulation techniques to assess the effectiveness of Long–Hu Sand layout Feng Shui in the Bailudong Academy complex in Jiangxi, China, compared to a layout without Feng Shui principles. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were employed to simulate the winter courtyard wind environment, and the resulting simulations were used to analyze the winter courtyard ventilation of both layouts. The findings indicate that the Feng Shui layout provided better wind speed and pressure ratios in the winter courtyard, which were more conducive to human comfort and helped prevent the infiltration of cold winter air. The area of ideal wind pressure difference between the front and back of the main house for indoor ventilation in winter was also larger in the Feng Shui layout compared to the non-Feng Shui layout, meeting the standard for wind environment evaluation. The study highlights the ecological wisdom of ancient Chinese people and confirms that optimizing Feng Shui improves the wind environment of the courtyard in winter. The practical implications of these results include improving comfort and sustainability in contemporary architecture and urban planning.

Seismic performance of steel semi-rigid friction-damped joints with replaceable angles in modern Chinese traditional-style buildings

As an important part of world-class architectural art, Chinese ancient timber architecture has a very high level of artistry and technology. However, these buildings have been seriously damaged in the long history. To inherit and reflect the national characteristics and regional culture, the modern Chinese traditional-style building (MCTB) is newly developed to imitate the appearance of Chinese ancient timber architecture. The base metal of the typical joint area in MCTBs is always fractured under earthquakes because of its rigid characteristics, which is difficult to repair once damaged. To prevent joint failure and improve reparability after earthquakes, steel semi-rigid friction-damped joints with replaceable angles in MCTBs are proposed. Four specimens were fabricated and tested under lateral cyclic loading. The test results showed that the failure of all specimens is mainly concentrated in the weak region of the replaceable angles. Compared with simple semi-rigid joints, the yield displacements of specimens with friction dampers (including shear damper and rotational damper) are obviously larger, and the strength, initial stiffness, cumulative energy dissipation and replaceable capacity are significantly improved. The improvement is more pronounced with the increase of the slip force of the dampers. Based on experimental results, the corresponding numerical models were established to optimize the structural design of steel semi-rigid friction-damped joints with replaceable angles in modern Chinese traditional-style buildings.