Tibetan Architecture Research Articles

Refined analysis of a supporting column assembly in a traditional Tibetan timber building and its limiting tilt angle before collapse

Traditional Tibetan architecture is an important part of the Chinese architecture. Many of the Tibetan structures are suffering from different types of damages after hundreds of years of service. The structural arrangement, types of damage and failure modes of these timber structures have been investigated on site. Tilting of structural members is found to be the most common type of damage. This paper studies the limiting inclination angle of a single-column supporting assembly of these structures before its collapse for proactive maintenance and restoration. A method to estimate the limiting tilt angle of the column is proposed based on the relationship between the lateral force, F, at the column head and the tilt angle, θ, of the column. Simplified analytical models of this column assembly in a traditional Tibetan timber building under in-plane and out-of-plane loadings respectively are proposed. The behavior of the constituting column foot joint, column-Queti joint and Queti-beam joint are analyzed in detail to obtain the global deformation and M-θ relationship of the column assembly under different loads. The F-θ relationship of the column assembly from the intact state to collapse is then obtained. A verified finite element model of the column assembly is adopted as reference to validate the performances of the proposed models throughout the loading process. Comparison of the F-θ curves obtained from the analytical models and the simulated results demonstrates the validity and accuracy of the proposed models. They may be adopted for a quick analysis of practical structures to estimate their limit states for health monitoring, maintenance and strengthening of structures.

Analysis of the Artistic and Cultural Characteristics of White Tibetan House in Xiangcheng County from the Perspective of Symbolism

As a cultural carrier, residential buildings can not only meet people 's material needs, but also convey the spirit. Symbolism is the soul of architecture. It conveys the good wishes and spiritual pursuit of human beings through architectural ontology, and has rich artistic and cultural characteristics. As a unique Tibetan architecture, the White Tibetan House, together with temples and crazy costumes, is known as the " three absolutes of the countryside and the city ' and is a symbolic symbol of the regional culture of the countryside and the city. Through the study of the white Tibetan houses in Xiangcheng County, this paper analyzes the symbolism contained in the three levels of ' shape symbol', 'object symbol' and 'color symbol' from the aspects of its overall structure, decorative details and color application, and further shows the rich plastic arts and profound national culture of the white Tibetan houses in Xiangcheng County.

The historical and architectural origins of palace buildings in the Kumbum Monastery from a multicultural perspective

ABSTRACT The Kumbum Monastery is a typical example of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in China. This study focuses on 12 palace buildings within the Kumbum Monastery and aims to clarify the historical origins of their architecture, the regional architectural characteristics, and the influence of multiple cultures on the monastery. The study uses typological approaches and quantitative methods to analyze the architecture’s characteristics and origins (spatial layout, architectural forms, construction technology, and decorative elements). This paper attempts to provide a typological approach for the study of the history of the architextures in the Kumbum Monastery as well as a comprehensive understanding of the architecture through a culturally pluralistic perspective. The analysis shows that 1) the palace buildings are a complex mixture of traditional Tibetan architecture, Han-style architecture from the Central Plains during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and arched buildings from Central Asia and Inner Mongolia; 2) the palace buildings localized different cultures and reshaped their spatial modeling and spatial meaning through the means of “hybridity” and “adjustment”; 3) the complex multicultural nature of the palace buildings is due to the comprehensive influence of political changes, religious dissemination, trade and transportation, and ethnic migration from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China.

‘Sustainable’ Recording and Preservation of Zangniang Stupa and Sangzhou Lamasery in Qinghai, China with Heritage Building Information Model

This paper research and discusses the ‘sustainable’ workflow and heritage recording method of historic building information modelling (HBIM) for Chinese Tibetan architecture and pagodas and explains the vital role of recording heritage information to protect cultural relics. Considering the Tibetan Buddhist Pagoda in Yushu, Qinghai, China, this paper explores the collaborative modelling mechanism and ideas between heritage surveying and scanning information and software, and the problems of these two methods. Through research, we have obtained successful cases of HBIM based on field scanning and mapping, online software collaborative modelling (Rhino, Bentley, Autodesk Computer-Aided Design), sustainable management, and display. It is an information model constructed according to construction logic and accurate information and one that realises sustainable and full-cycle recording functions by continuous recording, updating, and iterating. This method removes a limitation of HBIM in that it considers one-time information construction and delivery mode but does not consider and explore sustainable recording work. It will significantly promote more records on the heritage information of Tibetan architecture. The results will also directly serve the protection of architectural heritage in Qinghai Province, China and the ‘Silk Road (South Asia Section) Transnational Serial Application for World Heritage’ work.

Story, Metaphor, and Altruism in Cross-Cultural Teaching and Learning

The Emory-Tibet Science Initiative (ETSI) is a cross-cultural exchange of Western and Tibetan Buddhist education and scholarship. In this partnership between the Dalai Lama Foundation and Emory University, two visiting Western scientists to Sera, Gaden, and Drepung Monasteries and two monastics who studied at Emory University reflect on their experiences teaching and learning from Western and Buddhist perspectives as part of the ETSI program. Specifically, authors explore the power of story, metaphor, and altruism in Buddhist and Western ways of teaching and learning. Authors consider the pedagogical similarities between (1) the variations of the Greek Method of Loci (Memory Palace) and the paintings and temple decorations found throughout Tibetan architecture and (2) the role of altruism and intrinsic motivation in learning outcomes. Current psychological and neurobiological evidence for the increased recall of episodic memories present in both Buddhist and Western use of story, metaphor, and intrinsic motivation associated with altruism will highlight the underlying principles that support these ancient methods. Finally, considerations on how each perspective informs the other is discussed, as well as practical suggestions for integrating methods across cultures.

Gönpa Gang—The First Application of Dendrochronological Dating to Study the Traditional Architecture of Upper Mustang (Nepal)

Gönpa Gang is an example of the traditional Buddhist architecture of Upper Mustang. It is also the first monument in Upper Mustang to be studied using the dendrochronological dating method. The gönpa is a two-story building of imposing size, made from simple elements of Tibetan architecture, namely masonry walls, timber posts, and beams. A total of 14 samples were collected from elements on both the ground and the first floor. The limited number of samples results from the cultural and religious character of the object under study. Only the elements consistent with the structure and the space arrangement, interpreted as original features, were examined. Microscopic observation and the analysis of the anatomical features of all 14 samples resulted in the identification of Himalayan pine (blue pine), Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jacks. Intra-annual density fluctuation, false rings, and missing rings were detected. From 14 samples collected in Gönpa Gang, 18 series were worked out. Thus, 15 series from 12 samples were synchronized and used for the development of the mean chronology, UMGG_m, with a total length of 160 rings. The chronology covers the period from 1524 to 1683. Examination of the Gang Gönpa wood resulted in the age determination of 13 elements. The results were compared with architectural stratification by Harrison and historical data from written sources. The timber used in the gönpa comes from the Southern Mustang area. The examined wood demonstrates a correlation with the timber used in the Upper Mustang historical buildings further north.

RESEARCH ON THE DIGITAL RETENTION MECHANISM OF TIBETAN BUDDHISM ARCHITECTURE BASED ON UAV AND TLS: A CASE STUDY OF BAOGUANG HALL

Abstract. Tibetan Buddhist architecture embodies ancient Chinese architectural culture and religious culture. In the past, the information retention mechanisms for ancient buildings were implemented as photos, tracings, and rubbings, which cannot fundamentally document the authenticity of architectural heritage. To explore the digital retention method for the unique style of Han Tibetan architecture，this research that based on the idea of reverse documentation first collects point cloud data with the technical support of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) and then uses registration method to obtain the integral of the point cloud model of Baoguang Hall. This paper explores the possibility of extracting 2D and 3D information, such as architectural plans, facades, decorative components, and models of the temple architecture, by processing point cloud data. Finally, this study proves the feasibility of using digital technology for the preservation and protection of architectural heritage.

The Religious Connotation and Aesthetic Studying of the Color in Tibetan Architecture

Amid our national culture with a long history, Tibet enjoys distinctive cultural beliefs and a sense of national aesthetics. With the characteristic of unique geological position, namely plateau, natural environment and weather influence give birth to its mysterious color and peculiar national charm. Influenced by its distinctive natural environment and historical culture, Tibetan architecture shows its unique national nature from structure, figure, decoration methods as well as colour. Among all the Tibetan architecture, the identification of architecture colour is more prominent. For Tibetan religion and history exerted great influence upon the decoration color of Tibetan architecture, a certain architectural color culture has been formed. However, with the impact of high-speed development of the city and foreign culture, partly Tibetan architecture is facing the situation of being damaged. Therefore, this article aims to further interpret and illustrate the Tibetan traditional architecture color system, and explore the new developing direction of Tibetan architecture oriented in the inheriting and protection of Tibetan national culture, combined with historical and religious influence.

Research on the Architectural Culture of Jiarong Tibetan in Northwest Sichuan from the Perspective of Architectural Anthropology

With the deepening of domestic scholars’ understanding of Tibetan architecture, they have a more in-depth study of Tibetan architecture, including history, customs, religion, system, culture and so on. There are not only Weizang Tibetan area, Kangba Tibetan area and Anduo Tibetan area that we are familiar with, but also some little-known Tibetan areas, such as Jiarong Tibetan area, Baima Tibetan area and so on. According to the current situation, the relevant scholars in the academic circles constantly put forward that the research work should be specific, that is, to explore the Tibetan architectural culture of a certain area and a certain crowd to supplement and develop the research on Tibetan architectural culture, so that Chinese architectural culture can be more colorful. Therefore, in this article, it will expound the Jiarong Tibetan and its background factors—natural environment and social environment, and then based on the perspective of Architectural Anthropology, it will elaborate its architectural features and cultural connotation. At the same time, a new perspective of interdisciplinary research is put forward; that is, the methods of architecture and anthropology should be comprehensively applied to study the architectural culture of Jiarong Tibetan in Northwest Sichuan to obtain more in-depth research results.

A Study on Protective Reuse of Traditional Architecture in Lhasa

Traditional Tibetan architecture in Lhasa has a unique position in the world. Under the special social background of economic development demand and tourism, it has gradually become a pillar industry, and how to rationally protect and reuse this traditional architecture has become an urgent problem that must be solved. Based on the traditional architectural patterns, regional characteristics and modern needs of Lhasa, this paper discusses the strategies for the protection and reuse of architectural heritage, the specific methods of reuse and their advantages and disadvantages, in order to provide a reference for the protection of traditional buildings and the inheritance of culture in Tibet.

A Study on the Decorative Patterns of Tibetan Buddhist Monastery Architecture

Architecture is the refuge of human beings, and Tibetan Buddhism is the spiritual sustenance of the Tibetan people. The monastery architecture produced by the combination of religious culture and architectural art makes us see a very characteristic religious architectural culture. Architectural decoration art is not only the product of culture, but also the embodiment of human artistic thought. Tibetan Buddhist monastery architecture is the essence of Tibetan architecture, and its decorative patterns are the comprehensive embodiment of religious culture and architectural art. The study of decorative patterns of religious architecture can more deeply understand the connotation of religious culture.

Documenting Heritage at Risk: Vernacular Farm Houses in the Eastern Tibetan Cultural Region

Tibetan architecture is largely associated with the impressive monastic buildings scattered over the Tibetan Plateau and the adjoining mountain ranges. While these buildings have long attracted the interest from travellers and researches, the rural vernacular architecture has been grossly neglected. Accounting for more than 90 percent of the cultural heritage vernacular farmhouses incorporate an immeasurable wealth of traditional knowledge and local craftsmanship that is increasingly threatened by the impacts of modernisation. The article draws on a research project on vernacular architecture in the Tibetan cultural region and presents four examples of rural houses in former Kham, that is nowadays spread across Sichuan, Qinghai, Yunnan provinces and the Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region. The examples show a surprising diversity in terms of style, size, layout, building materials and structural systems that are perfectly adapted to local climatic and topographic conditions as well as the resources available in a particular environment. As examples for this diversity the article presents a rammed earth building in Chatreng, a house in stone masonry from Dabpa, a house in Pome built with timber log walls, and a house from Gyalrong with a mixed stone/timber construction. The richness of vernacular farmhouse architecture in Kham deserves special recognition and support on various levels.

Virtual Reality Technology in the Application of Tibetan Architectural Heritage and Protection Research

Tibetan architecture wrote immortal chapter in the world the Chinese architectural history, Potala Palace was listed in the world cultural heritage list. Tibetan Architecture in the history of World Architecture and wrote the immortal chapter, Potala Palace was inscribed on the world heritage list. Potala Palace's annual tourist capacity is also facing enormous increment, the protection of cultural relics and open utilization in the continuous emergence of new problems and contradictions. This paper studies the use of virtual reality technology and 3D animation technology in virtual roaming system of Potala Palace.

Tibetan Traditional Architecture Analysis

Talking about Tibet, people will associate to the bright blue sky, white clouds float across the sky, the red sun and the Mani-stone-pile everywhere. All of these factors make people to get intimacy to Tibet, however, the factor that reflects its mysterious is the unique Tibetan architecture. The architectures mainly include the palace for royal families, the buildings for monks to living and practice, and the houses for ordinary people. The distribution of these architectures are scattered and ordered in Tibet, forming vivid and unique architecture scenery and environmental features. The authors will make a simple summary and brief analysis of Tibetan architecture.

Study on the Composition of Inner Mongolia Wudangzhao Monastery Building Complex

Tibetan Buddhist monasteries embody almost all achievements of the Tibetan community in religious, scientific, cultural and artistic. The erection of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are closely related to the history of Tibetan Buddhism in Inner Mongolia. As the Tibetan Buddhism had been spread to Inner Mongolia in different periods, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries presented different features in its architectural style. Wudangzhao Lamasery is the grandest integral monastery complex still remaining in Inner Mongolia.Its buildings have high value of art and characteristically Tibetan Buddhist Architectural style on monasterys arrangement and style. Different types of the building gathered together form a Tibetan monastery, buildings complex reflected the intact standard of Tibetan Architecture. They express the Tibetan traditional mountain worship idea, and Buddhist the Mandala Cosmology and Three Realms idea.

Modern and Traditional Smart Improvements of the Traditional Tibetan Architectural Materials and Security

The Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes damaged local Tibetan traditional buildings dramatically. With the unique geographical characteristics and religious significance of traditional Tibetan architecture, post-disaster reconstruction should inherit the local people's collective memory and create a positive, intimate space, so that the victims could envision their original homeland. Therefore, with the premise of respecting local customs and traditions, this paper argued that applying advanced disaster-resistant construction techniques and materials into building design could improve the security and stability traditional buildings, as well as highlighting its regional characteristics.

“Lions and Elephants in Tibet, Eighth to Ninth Centuries”

Neither lions nor elephants are native to Tibet, yet these animals are represented in Tibetan art during the eighth to ninth centuries as a consequence of flourishing cultural and economic exchanges between Tibet and her neighbours during this period. In their natural habitat in India, the lion traditionally symbolizes royalty, power and strength and the mighty elephant is the regal vehicle par excellence. In Buddhism, the lion became the symbol of Shakyamuni’s royal birth as well as his valour; one speaks of the “lion’s roar” of the Buddha’s teachings, and the taming of the wild elephant is an analogy to the taming of the undisciplined mind. Thus certain aspects of Buddha may be seated on thrones supported by pairs of lions, while statues of elephants and lions served as guardians at the entrance to monasteries. The representations in India closely copied the physical reality of the lion yet sometimes there is a touch of fantasy, such as the addition of wings on lions.1 As Buddhism spread beyond the Indian subcontinent, so did the mythology of lions and elephants. These foreign representations may be anatomically inaccurate yet they convey the salient features of both creatures. In this article, my primary focus will be the physical description of these animals in the art of the sPu rgyal dynasty (mid-seventh to mid-ninth centuries), where to date, in addition to a stone stele with a lion carved on its top and an elephant at its base, archaeological investigations of Tibetan tombs have revealed three pairs of lion statues: at the royal necropolis in ’Phyong rgyas, central Tibet, at Dulan, in northeast Tibet near Kokonor, and at Khrom chen, near Lhatse in southwest Tibet.2 First, to attempt to understand the raison d’etre of the Tibetan tomb lion statues, it will be helpful to situate them within the context of Tibetan burial systems during the imperial period. We will return to the lion-elephant stele below. Comparison of the tombs situated in the vast territory of the sPu rgyal Empire reveals the following factors to be consistent in all regions investigated: 1) Spatial organization of a principal tomb surrounded by ancillary tombs and trenches for animal sacrifice; in Dulan and Khrom chen, there were trenches for animal sacrifice in front of the principal tomb as well as smaller satellite tombs.3 2) Construction materials of rammed earth alternating in layers with cut stone, as well as unbaked bricks alternating in layers with cut stone, in both cases reinforced with wooden beams at roof or ceiling juncture. 3) Construction techniques of underground tomb-chambers within the mound, as well as upper chambers. The mound is most often trapezoid in shape, occasionally spherical. Significantly, other than these tombs, underground chambers are absent in ancient Tibetan architecture.4 4) The combination of a stone stele rdo ring (T. “long stone”) and two statues of stone lions appear near the most important tombs in those necropoli which appear to be linked to political authority.5 In addition to the placement of rdo ring at such tomb sites during the dynastic period, Tibetans carved inscriptions on rdo ring to stipulate the conditions of treaties or to celebrate the foundation of temples and monasteries. I am grateful to Professor Pa Tshab Pasang Wangdu, a Tibetan colleague at the Tibetan Academy for Social Sciences, Lhasa, who has brought to my attention the rdo ring stele with its lion and elephant carvings, which I also present here. While the majestic, monolithic lion of the Tibetan royal necropolis at ’Phyong rgyas (Fig. 1a and b) has considerable renown, this is not the case for the lion sculptures of Dulan and Khrom chen (Figs. 2-5). The lion’s seated posture and the curve of its tail between its left rear leg and flank are stylistic conventions common to all of the tomb lions, also to be found on a pair of lions represented on a textile bearing an inscription in Tibetan language related to sPu rgyal dynasty burial customs.6 However the facial features and especially the manes of the Dulan and Khrom chen lions are very different from the bulging eyes and the mane of stylized rows of incised modelled curls of the ’Phyong rgyas lion.7 I will therefore summarize these two grave sites and their stone lions, and conclude with discussion of the stone stele and its sculpted animals.

Traditional Architecture in Tibet: Linking Issues of Environmental and Cultural Sustainability

Abstract This paper examines the changing conditions, including accelerating environmental degradation and the influence of modernism, and the impact that these are having on Tibetan architecture and the Tibetan building tradition. Examples of architectural design and resource management projects throughout the region are used to explore how the cultural significance of building traditions and environmental resource management can provide a methodology to promote preservation of traditional architecture and the natural environment. The issues examined and solutions explored could easily apply to other rapidly changing mountain regions of the world where the deterioration of natural resources calls for a richer understanding of the connection between environmental and cultural sustainability. The growth of ecotourism as an industry in many mountain regions gives greater weight to the issues discussed.

The Lhasa atlas: traditional Tibetan architecture and townscape

The Lhasa atlas: traditional Tibetan architecture and townscape

The Conservation of Monasteries in the Western Himalayas

This paper considers monastic architectural practices in the western Himalayan region of north India and its close association with Tibetan architecture. It looks into some of the issues that have led to the current deterioration of some of the important Buddhist structures, and considers three prominent monasteries at Spiti in Himachal Pradesh for recording. It further suggests a need for thorough research, documentation and extensive exploration into the religious and architectural practices, and what measures should be adopted to safeguard the future of these monasteries.