Ecological Culture in Traditional Chinese Vernacular Dwellings

Traditional Chinese vernacular dwellings take root in farming culture with profound connotations. Through analyzing ecological thoughts and cultural ideas in traditional vernacular dwellings, this study aims to provide references for the design of modern vernacular dwellings. It is proposed in this study that ① Ecological thoughts of traditional vernacular dwellings include the simple eco-thought of 'human-nature oneness', Fengshui (traditional Chinese ideas hold that the location of a house or tomb is supposed to have an influence on the fortune of a family) theories of 'balance of yin and yang', energy-saving thought of 'making the best use of local advantages'. Traditional vernacular dwellings are mainly constructed according to local conditions, facing the sunny side and water, backing on the shady side and mountains, with local materials and suitable construction structures for local environment and climatic conditions, which enable residents to enjoy warm winter and cool summer, sufficient sunshine, excellent ventilation and heat-proof, wind and humidity proof, that is, a natural ecological living environment. ② Cultural thoughts of traditional vernacular dwellings include the strict and square philosophical ideas as well as harmonious artistic thoughts. Traditional Chinese vernacular dwellings demonstrate morals and ethics by strict and square patterns and strong sense of hierarchy, most of them have definite axes in spatial patterns to show the hierarchy and core of construction groups; abstract patterns of flower, grass, animal or human beings are also often applied in detailed designs, showing esthetic tastes. The formation of traditional Chinese vernacular dwellings has been closely linked with social and cultural factors, living habits, geographical, water and soil, environmental and climatic conditions as well as folk customs, which can provide significant references for the design and reformation of modern new-type vernacular dwellings.

Evolution of Fire-sealing Gable Walls' Diversity in Leizhou Traditional Vernacular Red-brick Dwellings

Peculiar color and form of Leizhou red-brick folk dwelling distinguishes it from other vernacular dwellings in Lingnan region(south of the Five Ridges, referring to the current Guangdong and Guangxi). The fi re-sealing gable wall(hereinafter referred to as fi re-sealing wall) in brilliant colors, diversifi ed forms and exaggerated shapes is a remarkable symbol of local dwellings. Originating from Fulao traditional vernacular dwelling and inheriting its advantages, fi re-sealing wall of Leizhou red-brick vernacular dwelling has shown diversity for the infl uence of immigrants, regional cultures, social background and economic status, and formed its own features in color, form and decoration. On the basis of fi eld investigation, this paper described diversifi ed features of the fi re-sealing wall of Leizhou red-brick vernacular dwelling, analyzed the causes of its diversity from the perspectives of aesthetics, function and technology, and explored the harmonious living philosophy implied by its function, form and art.