You are the april day of the world

Chapter 28 "Regulations of Qing-style Construction" Introduction (1)
一
Chinese architecture is an independent oriental system, which has been inherited and evolved over thousands of years and has spread over a vast area.Although in terms of thought and life, China has been influenced by foreign races for many times and has undergone some changes, but Chinese architecture still retains its inherent structural methods and layout scales, and has never lost its original appearance. Form a very special, extremely long-lived, extremely decent building system.Therefore, the characteristics of this systematic architecture, which are enough to be noticed, are obviously not only its special form, but the basic structural method that produces this special form, and the evolution of this structural method over thousands of years.

The so-called original face means that all the buildings in our country, from folk houses to palaces, are composed of a number of individual independent buildings.And this single building, from the most ancient and simple shape to the most modern extravagant and ingenious palace, always retains three basic elements: the base part, the column beam or wooden part, and the roof part.In terms of appearance, among the three, the most solemn and beautiful, completely different from other buildings, and the roof part that has won the greatest honor for Chinese architecture.But in terms of craftsmanship, after the most arduous efforts, the most complicated evolution, and the most successful under the conditions of science and aesthetics, it is the pillars and beams that support the roof, that is, the entire wooden skeleton.The structural method of all wooden structures is the key to the study of Chinese architecture.

The most important method of Chinese wooden structure is the application of the frame.There is a popular proverb in the north, "a house will not collapse when a wall collapses", which is a representation of this structural principle.Its usage is in the process of building a house. First, use wood to form a frame as the backbone, and then add walls, such as skin and flesh attached to the bones. , can fill the gap under the wooden frame as much as possible, and the wall part can be reduced without limit).This structural method differs from the structural method of European classical architecture in terms of the evolution process.The orthodox Chinese wooden structure has enjoyed a lifespan of more than 3000 years and is still alive and well.The ancient Greek wooden buildings were replaced by stones in the [-]th century BC, from the frame to the stone base, and the load-supporting part completely relied on the "load-bearing wall" (the wall is the load, and the doors and windows are opened on the wall, because it can reduce the load. , so it is greatly restricted; doors, windows and walls are conflicting elements in the same building).Among the various schools of architecture in Europe, apart from the most modern and popular steel frame method and reinforced concrete frame method, only Gothic architecture has used the framing principle, but Gothic architecture is still based on stone-based coupons. Simple wooden frames are very different.The so-called "half-timbered structure" in Gothic is very similar to the Chinese structure.Only because of the simultaneous existence of the influence of the base stone system, the application of this half-timbered structure method has never been as thorough and pure as the Chinese structure.

The special outline of the roof is a prominent feature of Chinese architecture, and the far-reaching eaves are another feature of it.In order to support the expenditure of the eaves, an important part of the bucket was formed in the Chinese structure with multi-layer bent wood support; the progress of the bucket itself represents most of the evolution of Chinese architecture in various eras.Fighting is not only a unique part of Chinese architecture, but also became a unique system of Chinese architecture later.As far as we know, since the Song Dynasty at the latest, there has been a certain balance between the size and size of the dou; one part of the dou is the basic unit for weighing the whole building, such as the "material" and "deed" of the Song style and the "Doukou" of the Qing style. .This system is very similar to the French formula formulated after the European Renaissance using ancient Greek and Roman objects as the standard, and the multiples or fractions of the column diameters are used to determine the certain weights of each part of the building.Therefore, this structure with buckets is really the essence of Chinese architecture.

Although Dou later became an extremely complex part of the structure, it was originally very simple. Its history can be said to be as long as Chinese culture.Before the Qin and Han Dynasties, we have not found any reliable materials for our research on the actual objects, but in the literature, there are too many words and sentences describing the structure and fighting, such as Zang Wenzhong's "Shanjiezao", Lu In Lingguang Hall, "the layers are steep, and the music is about to be introduced and the sentences are round..." and so on.However, relying solely on literati's words and phrases without physical evidence, it is extremely incomplete from the perspective of modern research work.Without real objects, we will never be able to truly know or prove what these parts such as "mountain section", "layer tree" and "qu" are, but it is probably not too fallacious to suspect that they are the upper part of the wooden structure.Now we can only hope that in the near future archaeologists will find something in the field excavation work, which can help us understand more definitely.

Objects that truly have "architectural" value can only reach the Eastern Han Dynasty.The reliefs on tomb walls (see Figure 2000 on the next page) often contain architectural figures; although the tombs in Shandong, Sichuan, and Henan are not real palaces, they use stone to imitate wooden objects (early wooden buildings, because of Due to the impermanence of wood, it cannot exist completely until today. Therefore, most of the ancient objects for our study are buildings made of stone that clearly imitate wood. And this example is not limited to ancient Chinese architecture).In these two different stone carvings, many important basic parts of the framework, such as columns, beams, foreheads, roofs, tile decorations, etc., have been shown; Although there are differences in balance and size, the basic concepts and shapes are always the same.

In the grottoes of Yungang, Longmen and Tianlong Mountain, we can see relics from the Six Dynasties.Among them, the Tianlongshan Grottoes are particularly complete. The entrance of the grottoes is hewn into the entire porch, with columns, foreheads, buckets, rafters, eaves, and tiles, everything is complete.This is the faithful stone shape of the wooden buildings at that time, from which we can see the shape of the bucket at that time, and the characteristics of a grand structure, simple and sparse.

Most of the physical objects left to future generations in the Tang Dynasty are brick pagodas, and wooden parts are carved on top of the bricks, such as columns, foreheads, and buckets.Although it is possible that the wooden buildings in the Tang Dynasty have existed intact to this day, no one has been found in China so far. Therefore, we often rely on the Jialan and temples depicted in the wall paintings of the Tang Dynasty for various references.From the stone carvings on the lintel of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an—an astonishingly clear and realistic depiction—studying Dou, we know that it has gone a step further than the Six Dynasties (see Figure [-] on the previous page).There are two layers of protruding warps on the bucket at the top of the column, and there is a horizontal box on the warp head.The painted walls of the Tang and Five Dynasties in the Dunhuang Grottoes use vivid and accurate colors and lines to show the palaces and pavilions at that time, and all the structures that can be seen on the exterior of the buildings are faithfully represented.Although the fighting is a difficult part to draw, it is clear in the painting and the scale can be seen.At that time, the maturity of the building was already considerable.

The whole wooden object, although it has not been seen before the Tang Dynasty in China, but there are many places in Japan, which still exist majestically.Among them, the famous ones, such as the Golden Hall of Horyuji Temple in Nara, the five-storied pagoda, and the central gate, are from the Asuka period, which is appropriate for the Sui Dynasty, and their builders were craftsmen who traveled east from Korea.The golden hall and lecture hall of Toshodai Temple in Nara were erected by Master Jianzhen, a monk of the Tang Dynasty.These are the Chinese architecture in the Sui and Tang Dynasties that have been handed down from afar, and they are extremely important materials for the study of the evolution of Chinese architecture, especially the golden hall of the Tangzhaoti Temple. —On the one hand, it proves the reliability of the depiction of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and on the other hand, it can be used to explore the interior of the structure at that time.

There are many relics from the Song and Liao Dynasties, that is, limited to the places that have been known, photographed, or surveyed by experts, the oldest relics are only a few decades from the end of the Tang Dynasty.Recently discovered and re-published Li Mingzhong's "Building French Style", which describes the "palace-style" buildings in the late Northern Song Dynasty in detail with drawings, is a rare and rare technical book.Therefore, the program of architectural transformation in the Song Dynasty is clear step by step, so that we have a very satisfactory grasp of the key to the success of the Han and Tang Dynasties and the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Although there are no Yuan and Ming art books, there are still many relics that can be confiscated, and it is not difficult to sort them out.In the 12th year of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty, the "Regulations on Engineering Practices" was officially announced. All public and private buildings in Beiping, as well as many "imperially built" buildings outside the capital, all adhere to the rules and dare not make any differences.The Forbidden City and countless temples in Beiping can be used for the study of the construction system and methods of the Qing Dynasty.Regardless of whether it is good or bad, there is absolutely no doubt that it is the heir of thousands of years of Chinese architecture.If you don't study Chinese architecture, it's enough. If you study seriously, you must be very familiar with the Qing Dynasty.It is not too far in age, and the relics of the art books are the most complete. It is inevitable to start studying the Qing Dynasty first.With the knowledge of modern architecture as the foundation, when studying ancient architecture, you will not be at a loss in terms of comparison. Therefore, studying Qing style code examples is also the first step that must be taken by those who study the history of Chinese architecture.

two

Ordinary people who pay attention to Chinese architecture from a modern perspective, although respecting the beauty of the special shape of Chinese architecture, often ignore its structural value.The reason for this neglect is often due to a general dissatisfaction with Chinese architecture.The most important ingredient in this dissatisfied prejudice is the perception that Chinese wooden buildings cannot last forever.The main reason why it cannot be permanent is the material itself or the crudeness of its construction method, but it has not been discussed in depth.Chinese architecture is discrete in plane, and several independent buildings are distributed in different parts of the courtyard. Therefore, although the main and majestic palace is a single structure, it can be compared with any prestigious stone building in Europe. From the outside, it is obviously small and simple, which seems to be inferior.This invisibly also affects people's suspicion or contempt for their own architecture.

Since Chinese architecture has the above two characteristics, wood is used as the main structural material, and it is a discrete and independent single building on the plane. things for any comparison.However, if we observe the reason why Chinese architecture itself is like this, the principles on which its structure has always been based, and the way it is taken from the perspective of today's Western architecture and aesthetics, then the content of this system of architecture is indeed the most worthy. Harsh analysis without shame.

We know that a perfect building must have three elements: applicable, sturdy and beautiful.But these three conditions are not absolute standards.Because any building cannot be separated from the era and environment in which it was produced.In fact, the building itself is often a reflection of the environment of the times.It is inevitable that buildings will reflect the knowledge, skills, ideas, systems, habits, and geographical climate of each era.Therefore, the so-called applicable ones are only suitable for the local people's living habits and climate environment at that time.The so-called sturdiness cannot be separated from the nature of the material; architectural art is produced under extremely severe physical constraints. There are many types of natural materials, and they may not all be used by chance, and the materials selected may not necessarily be the best. Sturdy and the easiest to ride.Even though the selected materials, people are often used to continue to use them for a very long time, although on the other hand, they may also use other materials and methods to remedy the shortcomings of the former within the scope of possibility.Therefore, most of the progress of architectural art is the test process of people choosing, controlling and conquering natural materials.The so-called sturdiness of a building is just that it does not violate the reasonable structural principles of the materials used, and uses common intellectual skills to make it have a relatively permanent lifespan under ordinary environments—except for weapons and fire.For example, stone itself is stronger than wood, but the method of using wood in China has reached a very high degree of perfection, while the method of using stone is not appropriate, and various problems in construction cannot be solved by using stone alone, even where stone is used. The disadvantage is that it is easier to damage than the wooden part.

As for the beauty of architecture, it is easy to see, of course, its outline, color, material, etc., but most of the spirit of beauty lies in its balance; the ratio of length to short, the distribution of large and small parts on the plane , the weight and weight of each volume and part are equal in three dimensions, the so-called mystery of adding one point is too long, and subtracting one point is too short.However, since architecture is an object constructed with materials to solve various practical problems in life, no matter how elusive the spirit of beauty is, the beauty of architecture cannot be separated from a rational, functional, and functional structure. And independent.Can present a stable, comfortable and natural appearance; can honestly reveal the internal organic structure, the function of each part, and the entire organization; do not cover up; do not affectation; can naturally play the essential characteristics of the materials used; only facilities Carved on the necessary structural parts, in order to seek more harmonious outlines and more harmonious colors; do not forcefully construct redundant decorations to increase magnificence; do not abuse curves or colors to flatter the vulgar; these are the "architectural beauty" conditions included.

There is no doubt that Chinese architecture once had the three elements mentioned above:

Applicable, strong and beautiful.Under the limitation of wood, various buildings with "beautiful balance" and "sturdy" structures were managed to meet the needs of various living habits in the local area at that time.We only say that it "used to" have these three elements; because the modern life in China is gradually different from the old ones.Therefore, the various allocations of old buildings gradually become inapplicable.Especially because of the sudden reform of the political system and social organization, it is completely different from before; on the one hand, many buildings have completely lost their original functions—such as palaces, temples, government offices, city towers, etc. Many public buildings—such as schools, hospitals, factories, post stations, libraries, gymnasiums, museums, shopping malls, etc.—have completely replaced the new questions under the applicable article, and the old answers cannot be adapted. Of course.

The problem of the solidity of Chinese buildings is indeed successful under the limitation of the nature of wood. The analysis below proves that it has made extremely arduous efforts in terms of skills, and has achieved many successful and proud achievements, such as " "Beam frame", such as "bucket", such as "wing angle up", various structural methods and materials.The impermanence of wooden buildings was unsatisfactory until the standards of sturdiness were suddenly raised by the advances of modern science.However, the new scientific materials invented in modern times, such as steel frames and steel-bone cement, are more economical and permanent substitutes for wood and stone, and the structural principles they apply are in line with the principles that our traditional wooden structures are based on.Therefore, even if the wood itself has regrets, the value of the Chinese structural system produced by the wood still exists, and the facilities of this system will continue to be applied to new materials to serve my country's future new buildings.This is really worth noting.

Even if the buildings in the past lose their original function due to the change of human living conditions, regardless of their historical value, whether they are handsome or burly, flexible or simple in structure, their pure art value cannot be denied.The mausoleums of ancient Egypt, the temples of Greece, the fortresses of the Middle Ages, and the palaces of the Renaissance are all architectural treasures, although their original functions have all been lost.Although the artistic value of a building will not be reduced due to the loss of its original function, the "beauty" of this building cannot be independent of a proper, organic and functional structure.

The beauty of Chinese architecture is in line with this principle; the harmony of its outlines and the beauty and magnificence of its balance are mostly the direct result of organic, useful, structures.We admire Chinese architecture not because of its color, or because of its special form; but because the inside that produces this special style is an intelligent organization, an honest effort.In Chinese wooden structures, beams, beams, purlins, rafters, their supports, and related structural parts are all exposed;

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Although Chinese architecture has the above-mentioned advantages, in the past 3000 years, there have been great differences between periods, and we cannot treat them in a general way.Generally speaking, the initial stages of any art are simple creations and frank attempts; after the scale has taken shape, it is gradually improved and perfected, and the evolution during that period is often full of vitality.Once the maturity period has been reached, there must be a considerable period of succession and inheritance. Regulations are stipulated. Even if there are changes to the previous system, they are limited to trivial details.Just focus on trivial details, "too much" to overcomplicate, over time, the original backbone spirit will be completely lost, and it will become a meaningless form.Chinese architectural art is no exception in this regard, and its evolution and degeneration are very obvious, which can be seen in the structures of various dynasties.Before the Tang Dynasty, we don't have the real objects to base it on, but comparing the objects we know between the early Tang and the early Song Dynasty, the obvious progress made us believe that this period must still be a period of vitality and rapid progress.The structure contains the straightforwardness and boldness of the early stage, and the technique has gradually matured.Comparing the real objects in the first 100 years of the Song Dynasty with the regulations stipulated in the late Northern Song Dynasty (Song Li Mingzhong's "Zao Fa Shi"), the differences between them just prove that after the maturity period is reached, the fate of art will inevitably tend to degenerate.

But the construction of a building is not easy and takes time. Its shortest life span is calculated in decades or half a century.Therefore, the evolution and degeneration are relatively gentle.Therefore, during the more than eight hundred years from the Southern Song Dynasty to the Yuan Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty, although the structural changes undoubtedly tended to regress, there were still ups and downs in the middle. Although most of the structural details have become non-structural forms, the materials used Although it has gradually become excessively uneconomical, most of the backbone still retains the functions of the original structure, and the spirit of the structure is still strong and healthy.

Now let’s make a simple analysis of each part of the large and small structure in the Chinese framework, and then briefly describe the evolution of several parts, so that readers who study Qing style rules and regulations can get acquainted with the predecessors of those strictly regulated large and small parts, and know what is the difference between them. Functional, burly and honest backbone, what is the degeneration of the functional part, becomes a delicate non-structural ornament.That is to say, when citing Qing-style rules and regulations, if it is necessary to increase, decrease, and transform at will, it can also rely on a little knowledge of its original function, or restore the importance of its structure and function, or correct its inappropriateness, or cut out Its unwisely extravagant materials.Knowing the balance of the Qing system, you can also know a little bit why.

(End of this chapter)