Asian Architecture Project 1

research title

Effects of Different Climatic Conditions on Courtyard Element of Chinese Vernacular Siheyuan in Beijing and Chaozhou

image source: http://www.baike.com/wiki/四合院

introduction

introduction keywords, research questions, methodology

introduction

四合院 siheyuan

A siheyuan which translates to ‘courtyard house’, is a Chinese historical residential dwelling which dates back 2000 years ago as early as the Western Zhou period.

image source: www.xinminju.com/xinminju-224.html

introduction

四合院 siheyuan

As its name states, this type of traditional house features a courtyard surrounded by four houses with its arrangement of spaces heavily influenced by a cultural hierarchical system and ‘Feng Shui’.

The Beijing courtyard house is one of the commonly known layouts.

image source: www.igande.cn/list/kw-北京四合院.html

introduction

Beijing

气候 Climatic conditions

However, due to China’s vast territory which leads to a diversified climate, the courtyard of the siheyuan has been adapted to fit the local climate of different regions. Thus, this study endeavors to understand how the climatic conditions of the identified regions of China, Beijing and Chaozhou, acts as one of the factors that attributes to the variation in the elements of courtyard of the siheyuan typology.

image source: https://pixabay.com/en/china-map-world-map-of-the-world-714768/

Chaozhou

research questions

This research will be based on the following questions: 1. What are the climatic conditions in Beijing, China?

2. What are the climatic conditions in Chaozhou, China?

3. What are the characteristics of the courtyard in a siheyuan located in Beijing?

4. What are the characteristics of the courtyard in a siheyuan located in Chaozhou?

5. How does the climatic adaptations of a Beijing siheyuan compare to the Chaozhou siheyuan in relation to the difference in climatic conditions?

methodology

We have chosen both qualitative and quantitative approach for our research. Firstly, quantitative methods are used to obtain climatic data of Beijing and Chaozhou. The obtained data is then plotted into bar charts and graphs to show the differences of their climatic conditions in both regions.

Then, qualitative methods offers a complete description and analysis without limiting the scope of the research (Collis & Hussey, 2003). Hence, qualitative methods were used to find information about climatic adaptations made to the courtyard of a siheyuan in different climatic regions. Materials such as online journals, books and theses were referred to.

Once the collection and analysis of data is complete, we compared the characteristics of the courtyards in Beijing’s and Chaozhou’s siheyuan.

findings

findings climatic conditions, characteristics of courtyard element, comparison

findings: climatic conditions

Beijing has a general cold climate with a short warm period.

Prevailing winds are stronger during springtime and are usually accompanied by dust. Chaozhou lies in the monsoon tropical zone with no obvious change in seasons as the dominant weather is hot and humid throughout the year. It also has a destructive impact from typhoon, seven months a year.

findings: climatic conditions

Windrose of Beijing

image source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Wind-rose-of-Beijing-in-fourseasons-MAM-JJA-SON-and-DJF-for-the-period-of-2011-to_fig9_321048194

Windrose of Chaozhou

image source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Wind-rose-diagrams-for-thefrequencies-of-wind-direction-in-each-season-from-June-2011-to_fig2_278623046

findings: jian & jia

To understand the courtyard element of siheyuan, we need to take a look at jian and jia, the informal measurements of a built structure in China.

间 jian

架 jia

Jian (间) is a fundamental measure of width. It is the span between two lateral columns or pillars that constitutes a bay.

Jia (架) refers to one of the stepped roof purlins, the horizontal longitudinal timbers needed to support the common rafters of a rising roof.

Jian can also be viewed as the expanse between four columns, comprising both the two-dimensional floor space and the volumetric measure of the void defined by the floor and the walls.

image source: China’s Old Dwellings

findings: jian & jia

é—´ jian image source: http://www.sohu.com/a/167357073_159808

findings: jian & jia

ćžś jia image source: http://www.sohu.com/a/167357073_159808

findings: characteristics of courtyard in siheyuan

Our findings are categorized to the following properties of the courtyard:

1

Formation of the courtyard

2

Size and shape of courtyard

3

Configuration of building around courtyard

4

Height of surrounding buildings

5

image source: (left) www.to8to.com/yezhu/z30610.html; (second left) http://www.sohu.com/a/203686447_677651; (middle) www.culture.china.com/heritage/folklore/11170665/20160601/22788894/all.html; (second right) www.sohu.com/a/155321192_748641; (right) www.xinminju.com/xinminju-224.html

Fenestrations of building

findings: formation of the courtyard

1 Formation of the courtyard image source: www.sohu.com/a/155321192_748641

findings: formation of the courtyard

四合院 的开始

Courtyard formation

The formation of a siheyuan starts with a single jian, as it represents a nucleus of habitation in the smallest dwelling to provide a common space for living, sleeping and other activities.

The central jian of a three- or fivebay rectangular dwelling typically is wider than flanking jian.

image source: www.igande.cn/list/kw-北京四合院.html

findings: formation of the courtyard - comparison

Siheyuan of Beijing

Siheyuan of Chaozhou

Jian (间): 3.3m – 3.6m

Jian (间): 3.6m – 3.9m

Jia (架): Less than 4.8m

Jia (架): Up to 6.6m

Yuanzi (院子)

Tianjing (天井)

wei (围) Enclosing

wa (挖) Excavating

findings: formation of the courtyard - comparison

Siheyuan of Chaozhou Jian (间): 3.6m – 3.9m Jia (架): Up to 6.6m Tianjing (天井)

wa (挖) Excavating

findings: formation of the courtyard - comparison

Siheyuan of Beijing

Siheyuan of Chaozhou

image source: What Forces that Shape and Retain the Beijing Courtyard Houses?

image source: www.st.cutv.com/k/2018-1-30/1517280021894.shtml

findings: formation of the courtyard - comparison

Siheyuan of Chaozhou

image source: www.st.cutv.com/k/2018-1-30/1517280021894.shtml

findings: formation of the courtyard - comparison

Siheyuan of Beijing

Siheyuan of Chaozhou

image source: http://www.itailai.com/case/case.html

image source: http://cz.southcn.com/c/2014-09/02/content_107781995.htm

findings: size and shape of the courtyard

2 Size and shape of courtyard image source: www.acrossthegloble.blogspot.com/2016/01/blog-post.html

findings: size and shape of courtyard - comparison

Siheyuan of Beijing

Siheyuan of Chaozhou

Width: 7m – 20m

Width: 2m – 3m

Courtyard represents 40% of total ground area.

Courtyard represents less than 20% of total ground area.

Width = Length The large central courtyard allows ample solar access to warm up the house during winter.

Width < Length Due to the small and long nature of the tianjing, this limit the intense sun rays that penetrate the rooms.

findings: size and shape of courtyard - comparison

Siheyuan of Chaozhou Width: 2m â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3m Courtyard represents less than 20% of total ground area.

Width < Length Due to the small and long nature of the tianjing, this limit the intense sun rays that penetrate the rooms.

findings: size and shape of courtyard - comparison

Siheyuan of Beijing

Siheyuan of Chaozhou

image source: www.fanggugongcheng.com/jishu/gujian/599.html

image source: www.culture.china.com/heritage/folklore/11170665/20160601/22788894/all.html

findings: configuration of building around courtyard

3 Configuration of building around courtyard image source: http://k.sina.com.cn/article_1862600090_6f05059a001003jot.html

findings: configuration of building around courtyard - comparison

Siheyuan of Beijing Each of the four buildings of the siheyuan is separate. They are joined only by their connection to the outer walls.

Unconnected buildings leaves a small gap of a courtyard in between each building, thus increasing sunexposed surface area during winter.

Siheyuan of Chaozhou The roof lines and ends of each of the four enclosing structures actually intersect at right angles in order to bring about a complete enclosure of the courtyard by buildings.

The complete enclosure of the courtyard by buildings prevents excessive heat gain into the interior spaces.

findings: configuration of building around courtyard - comparison

Siheyuan of Chaozhou The roof lines and ends of each of the four enclosing structures actually intersect at right angles in order to bring about a complete enclosure of the courtyard by buildings.

The complete enclosure of the courtyard by buildings prevents excessive heat gain into the interior spaces.

findings: configuration of building around courtyard - comparison

Siheyuan of Beijing

Siheyuan of Chaozhou

image source: www.chinanews.com/tp/hd2011/2017/08-03/760663.shtml

image source: http://www.cslxw.net/jingdian/minju/57.html

findings: height of building

4 Height of building image source: https://lepaveblog.com/2016/10/18/vieux-pekin-disparaissant/

findings: height of building - comparison

Siheyuan of Beijing

Siheyuan of Chaozhou

The single-storey structure do not block the lower-angle sun rays of winter, enabling the courtyard to heat up during the winter.

Single-storey structures. It is less likely to block the passage of destructive tropical storms.

summer sun

winter sun

findings: height of building - comparison

Siheyuan of Chaozhou Single-storey structures. It is less likely to block the passage of destructive tropical storms.

findings: fenestrations of building

5 Fenestrations of building image source: www.dna.yiiuu.com/w/pp-918892.html

findings: fenestrations of building - comparison

Siheyuan of Beijing

Siheyuan of Chaozhou

All doors and windows face into the courtyard. During summer, the openings allow air ventilation of Southern winds from the courtyard into the interior.

Perforated door panels facing the tianijng controls airflow.

Windows on the encircling walls are placed high above ground level to draw in some ambient air.

During winter, the absence of openings in external walls blocks the cold northern winds from entering the house compound.

Southern winds flow through the north-south passage and enter from the top of the tianjing to ventilate the spaces.

findings: fenestrations of building - comparison

Siheyuan of Chaozhou Perforated door panels facing the tianijng controls airflow.

Windows on the encircling walls are placed high above ground level to draw in some ambient air.

Southern winds flow through the north-south passage and enter from the top of the tianjing to ventilate the spaces.

conclusion

conclusion

conclusion

This research has explored the climatic conditions of cities in Northern and Southern region of China, represented by Beijing and Chaozhou with it's respective climate response of Chinese traditional courtyard house. From the results, it is evident that the different climates has an effect on the courtyard as it is adapted to fit the region's local climate. With our findings and knowledge, a deeper appreciation for the courtyard dwellings can be cultivated as this typology is rationally and carefully planned for each local environment and can act as a catalyst for more climate responsive buildings in the future.

references

references

references

Books Knapp, R. G. (2000). China's Old Dwellings. Canada: University of Hawaii Press.

Shan, D. and Wang, D. (2004). Chinese vernacular dwelling. 2nd ed. [Beijing]: China Intercontinental Press.

Website Beijing Monthly Climate Averages. (n.d.). Retrieved Apr 13, 2018, from https://www.worldweatheronline.com/beijingweather-averages/beijing/cn.aspx Chan, C.S., Xiong, X. (2005) "What Forces that Shape and Retain the Beijing Courtyard Houses?". [online] Retrieved Apr 12, 2018 from https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=1058&context= arch_conf Ng, E., Yuan, Shi. (2014) The Climatic Design in Chinese Vernacular Courtyard House Settlement â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Wind Environmental Simulation. [online] Retrieved Apr 13, 2018, from http://www.plea2014.in/wpcontent/uploads/2014/12/Paper_3A_2257_PR.pdf Sun, F. (2013). Chinese Climate and Vernacular Dwellings. Buildings, [online] 3(1), pp.143-172. Retrieved Apr 12, 2018, from http://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/3/1/143/pdf

image references

Website China, Map, World, Map Of The World. (n.d.). Retrieved May 28, 2018, from https://pixabay.com/en/china-mapworld-map-of-the-world-714768/ Huang, J. (2017, January 05). Vieux Pékin Disparaissant. Retrieved June 2, 2018, from https://lepaveblog.com/2016/10/18/vieux-pekin-disparaissant/ 四合院. (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2018, from http://www.baike.com/wiki/四合院 北京四合院并非中国四合院的代表——北方四合院的特点. (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2018, from http://www.xinminju.com/xinminju-224.html 北京四合院卧房装修效果图 - 北京四合院. (n.d.) Retrieved June 1, 2018, from http://www.igande.cn/list/kw-北京四合 院.html 【首发】杭州所见·西溪酒店：安缦建筑师与卡纳设计五年联袂打造！. (2017, August 25). Retrieved from http://www.sohu.com/a/167357073_159808 北京四合院的结构. (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2018, from http://www.to8to.com/yezhu/z30610.html 雅居乐山湖城--茅山景区的四合院. (2017, November 11). Retrieved June 1, 2018, from http://www.sohu.com/a/203686447_677651 北京四合院270万/平？. (2017, July 07). Retrieved May 28, 2018, from http://www.sohu.com/a/155321192_748641 成功案例. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2, 2018, from http://www.itailai.com/case/case.html 廖. (n.d.). ［文化］"潮州民居"有何样式？. Retrieved June 2, 2018, from http://cz.southcn.com/c/201409/02/content_107781995.htm

image references

Website 世界那么大. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2, 2018, from http://www.acrossthegloble.blogspot.com/2016/01/blog-post.html 北京四合院概况. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2, 2018, from http://www.fanggugongcheng.com/jishu/gujian/599.html 从民居到博物馆 王百川居宅旧址 吉林市唯一尚存完好的四合院建筑. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2, 2018, from http://k.sina.com.cn/article_1862600090_6f05059a001003jot.html 蕴含着北京文化的四合院. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2, 2018, from http://www.chinanews.com/tp/hd2011/2017/0803/760663.shtml 潮汕传统民居建筑的主要样式. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2, 2018, from http://www.cslxw.net/jingdian/minju/57.html Online journal What Forces that Shape and Retain the Beijing Courtyard Houses? (Chan & Xiong, 2015). Retrieved Apr 12, 2018, from https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=1058&context=arch_conf