Yellow Crane Tower

YELLOW CRANE TOWER

MEMBERS: Eric Lo Yann Shin Khoo Yung Keat Poh Jia Jou Tan Wei Sen Wong Lieng Kam Wong Lok Xuan TUTOR : M.R Koh Jing Hao

0324922 0324688 0327192 0324564 0323566 0325529

Shangri-la, 2018

“Negative Impacts of Inappropriate Contemporary Conservation Techniques of Traditional Chinese Tower on the Authenticity of Traditional Chinese Building: A Case Study of Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan District, Central China.”

NTDTV, 2002

LITERATURE REVIEW Conservation Conserving a heritage site is to preserve all physical evidence that testifies to the development of human history and reveals human creativity and cultural accomplishments. It should also aim to advance and enrich outstanding examples of human culture. Good conservation is the elimination or mitigation, through the use of technical and management measures, of elements that threaten the heritage site and its setting.

(Article 2, ICOMOS China, 2015)

Authenticity The principle of authenticity is the foundation for the conservation of a site’s physical remains. All cultural attributes and traditions should be conserved based on the overall understanding of a site’s values. The principle of authenticity relates to both tangible and intangible heritage.

(Article 10, ICOMOS China, 2015)

Cnhhl, 2018

1 / What is the historical significance of Yellow Crane Tower in terms of cultural and architectural aspects?

CONTEXT One of the Four Great Towers in China, built in AD 223.

Built atop Snake Hill, on the banks of the Yangtze River.

Was originally a watchtower to spot enemies from far away before serving as a gathering place for poets as it offers spectacular views for inspiration.

NTDTV, 2002

ORIENTATION South facing entrance captures fire energy which symbolizes fame and reputation according to Feng Shui.

NTDTV, 2002

HARMONY Symmetrical form that symbolizes harmony.

Yellow upturned eaves resemble yellow crane spreading its wings to fly.

Crane symbolizes auspicious, peace and longevity and its often depicted in paintings and poems.

Period90910, 2018

ElsewhereGreen, 2002

HIERARCHY 3 tiers, odd number.

According to principles of Feng Shui, odd numbers are considered Yang, that signifies positive energy.

Peroid90910, 2002

MATERIALITY Timber-framed structures are found throughout the tower.

The timber components are connected by tenon joints in a earthquake-resistant way.

Was destroyed 12 times, both by warfare and by fire, in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Was repaired on 10 separate occasions.

The last tower at the original site was burnt to ashes in 1884 during Qing dynasty. In 1981, the Wuhan City Government decided to reconstruct the tower.

Some conservation techniques used are inappropriate based on ICOMOS China guidelines.

ICOMOS CHINA GUIDELINES ‘Principles for the Conservation of Heritage Sites in China’ (Revised 2015).

Appropriate guidelines that should be followed for any conservation projects of heritage sites and buildings within mainland China.

Issued by ICOMOS China and approved by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

ORGANIZATIONS CHINA CULTURAL HERITAGE An administrative agency subordinate to the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China.

Responsible for the development and management of museums as well as the protection of cultural relics of national importance.

ICOMOS CHINA International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), China committee.

It adopts its own rules of procedure and elaborates its own program according to the goals and aims of ICOMOS.

2 / Why are the conservation and restoration techniques of Yellow Crane Tower considered inappropriate according to the ICOMOS China guidelines?

3 / What are the causes leading to the use of inappropriate contemporary conservation techniques in Yellow Crane Tower?

Pinimg, 2018

INAPPROPRIATE CONTEMPORARY CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES

RELOCATION OF THE TOWER Caused by the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge construction at original site in 1955.

1km

The Wuhan municipal government relocated and reconstructed the Yellow Crane Tower 1 km away, atop Snake Hill.

Wong, 2018

ICOMOS CHINA GUIDELINE Article 29: Only existing fabric should be relocated. It is not permitted to create new buildings in a traditional style on the pretext of restoring a site.

Thepaper China, 2018

MODIFICATION OF THE BUILDING LAYOUT 3 levels to 5 levels More majestic according to the reconstruction team, paying homage to the historical architecture style, while having contemporary changes.

5 visible levels with 9 levels inside.

Odd number - Yang Even number - Yin 9 - long lasting 5 - authority of the emperor

CchattyArticle, 2017

ICOMOS CHINA GUIDELINE Article 10: Authenticity resides in the original materials, workmanship and design of a site and its setting, as well as in its historical, cultural, and social characteristics and qualities.

Wong, 2018 Tripadvisor, 2017

INSTALLATION OF LIFTS Ease of movement for the elderly and the disabled to the upper floors of the tower.

ICOMOS CHINA GUIDELINE Article 10: Authenticity resides in the original materials, workmanship and design of a site and its setting, as well as in its historical, cultural, and social characteristics and qualities.

Xuite Blog, 2013

Wong, 2018

USE OF ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS Timber is replaced with reinforced concrete.

Reinforced concrete is less flammable, low maintenance and weather resistant compared to timber.

ICOMOS CHINA GUIDELINE Article 27: It is not permissible to replace old fabric or add large quantities of new fabric.

Xuite Blog, 2013 ChenZhongShenMingWanWuXin, 2018

Wong, 2018

Travelvv, 2018

4 / What are the negative impacts of inappropriate contemporary conservation?

NEGATIVE IMPACTS ARCHITECTURALLY - CRAFTSMANSHIP Architectural elements are reconstructed using contemporary construction techniques.

A bad example that timber construction craftsmanship is not needed.

Lost of need in traditional timber construction skill in the market.

Younger generations do not want to learn the skill as it’s not profitable.

The traditional construction technique of Chinese architecture will eventually be lost as they are not passed down to future generations.

NEGATIVE IMPACTS ARCHITECTURALLY - APPEARANCES The tower has misled the public with its conservation techniques of reconstruction, which are not authentic.

It does not showcase the true construction techniques of the past.

Yellow Crane Tower cannot be used as a traditional Qing style Chinese tower construction reference by the future generations.

NEGATIVE IMPACTS CULTURALLY The heritage significance of Yellow Crane Tower is strengthened by its related contexts and setting.

By relocating the building, the attributes that make it significant are reduced or lost altogether.

It is harder to understand how it once worked or appeared.

Dreamstime, 2013

5 / What are the recommendations to prevent inappropriate contemporary conservation techniques being used to conserve traditional Chinese architecture?

RECOMMENDATIONS REINFORCING LAW Law enforcement should be strengthened with priority placed on criminal investigation in cases of destruction and inappropriate conservation of heritage sites.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND EXCHANGE Professionals lack exposure to international practices and the guiding documents. Request foreign experts for guidance or through participation in international conference on heritage preservation.

EDUCATION Educate the public and stakeholders about the importance of appropriate conservation techniques in traditional Chinese buildings.

PROVIDE INCENTIVES Financial incentives for restoration projects using proper conservation techniques as stated in the guidelines issued by ICOMOS China.

CONCLUSION The contemporary conservation techniques of Yellow Crane Tower used are inappropriate, causing the tower to lose its authenticity.

In respect with these techniques, although a replicate can be reconstructed, the historical, cultural and architectural value is far less compared to the original.

Yellow Crane Tower is not being conserved appropriately, the Chinese history is unable to be traced back.

Therefore, it can no longer be considered as an authentic architectural heritage but a contemporary building attributed to the Yellow Crane Tower.

REFERENCES • Xie. (n.d.). Jingshan to Attract Wuhan tourists. Retrieved April 18, 2018, from http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/m/hubei/travel/2012-01/06/content_14103874.htm.

• Lou Zhi Qi Chu Xuan Zai She Shan Zui Gao Chu. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2018, from http://news.ifeng.com/a/20150611/43951566_0.shtml.

• Larsen, K. E., & Marstein, N. (2000). Conservation of Historic Timber Structures: An Ecological Approach. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann. (pp. 31-41).

• Principles for the Conservation of Heritage Sites in China. (2015). Beijing Shi: Wen Wu Chu Ban She. (pp. 24-34).

• Tnwinsto893, t. (2018). San Xia Zhi Lv(8)-----Huang He Lou. Sui Yi Wo Xuite Ri Zi. Retrieved 18 April 2018, from http://blog.xuite.net/tnwinsto893/twblog/.

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• Li, Z. (1990). Wu Han Shi Zhi. Wu Han: Wu Han Da Xue Chu Ban She. (p.46).

• QingShiYingZaoZheLie.pdf. (2018). Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxAaXYYhQzJEanJ1Q3VhbTQ1SGs/view