This detailed study of Chinese architecture, examines some of the most powerful buildings and landscape gardens of Beijing and Chengde.
Discussing not only the tangible and functional qualities but also the intangible and metaphysical it outlines the general characteristics of Chinese architecture including the environment, planning, construction, decoration, colour and Feng Shui - the art of placing, siting and designing a building so that it is in harmony with everything that surrounds it.
Detailed descriptions highlight the importance of Gugong, the most important group of historical and classical buldings in Beijing: the magnificent landscaped imperial gardens of the Ming and Quing dynasties, and the Tiantan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. With numerous illustrations this book provides a fascinating explanation of a style of architecture deeply rooted in the cultural, social and political systems of China.
Discussing not only the tangible and functional qualities but also the intangible and metaphysical it outlines the general characteristics of Chinese architecture including the environment, planning, construction, decoration, colour and Feng Shui - the art of placing, siting and designing a building so that it is in harmony with everything that surrounds it.
Detailed descriptions highlight the importance of Gugong, the most important group of historical and classical buldings in Beijing: the magnificent landscaped imperial gardens of the Ming and Quing dynasties, and the Tiantan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. With numerous illustrations this book provides a fascinating explanation of a style of architecture deeply rooted in the cultural, social and political systems of China.