Read hierarchy, ritual, climate and daily life in roof forms, courtyards, gates, brackets and carefully framed garden views.
13 guides · Page 2 of 2
Pagoda structure
Why Do Chinese Pagodas Have So Many Tiers?
Pavilion floors · compressed eaves · hidden levels
Palace doors
What Are the Gold Studs on Forbidden City Doors For?
Plank fasteners · gilding · ranked grids
Reading historic houses
How Did Feng Shui Affect House Design?
Recorded choice · physical effects · other constraints
Materials and structure
Why Did Chinese Buildings Use Timber Frames?
Load-bearing frame · mixed materials · selective survival
Orientation and planning
Why Do Chinese Buildings Often Face South?
Winter sun · ritual order · real-site exceptions