All architecture is essentially a mental attitude. It reflects what we are, who we are. It reflects societal values and self-image of a people at any given period of time. It can be examined to deduce the mental attitude during various periods of history. In traditional Chinese architecture, strength of government is reflected by the majesty of official buildings; military needs are shown by fortresses, defensive city gates and walls. Religious vigor is evident in the proliferation of temples and religious sculptures. Private wealth is reflected in gardens and dwellings, while basic family values are expressed in residential compounds consisting of extended family members. Aesthetic values come in expressions of personal scale and harmony with nature. In contemporary China, the major driving force is commercialism., expressed typically in high-rise buildings of anonymous, international styles, indistinguishable from those in cities around the world. Chinese architecture (and society) reflects a sense of wanting to be equal or just as good as the "best" of the Western world (i.e. the US). So how Chinese is Chinese architecture? Perhaps, the question ought to be: "How Chinese should Chinese architecture be?" How Chinese should we (ethnic Chinese) all be? As individuals, we go through certain stages. When young, we strive to conform to the larger norm, not to be different. We may deny, ignore or pay lip service to ethnicity. We may become militantly puritanical or xenophobic. Then, with maturity, comes an acceptance and transcendence of ethnicity. Transcending means emphasis on basic mental attitudes, which, in Chinese architecture are: personal scale, inner peace and harmony with nature. And these are good mental attitudes we could all embrace in our lives, thus becoming truly Chinese.
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发表于 2004-1-9 11:59:00
发表于 2007-6-8 16:00:00
