Concentric cores : towards an architectural typology of Chinese compound houses

Abstract

This thesis presents the intention of a theory and method in the studies of architectural types. It is believed in this theory that architectural types must be understood in cultural terms but described by means of geometric systems. The theory deals with two major subject matters: 1) the basic geometric form, in which a general type is presented, and 2) the transformations beginning with this geometric origin, in which various types are discovered. The starting point in chapter 2 is the ideal form of the Chinese compound houses, transformed from the cultural and social theme of family structure but represented by means of a series of geometric models. The geometric rules, transformed from social codes, conventions and agreements, dominate the typological transformations of these models, in which different patterns of transformation are classified. The classification of these patterns reveals the associations and distinctions between types. In chapter 3 the Taiwan area is taken as a regional example to demonstrate this theory and method, in which the regional interpretations of the ideal forms and the local transformation patterns are explored. The exploration of these local patterns establishes a basis on which further typological systems may be developed. Finally, two immediate issues are raised for further research: 1) about studies on settlement typology, in which the types of villages, towns and cities will be dealt with on the general basis of this theory, and 2) about an approach to design methodology by means of creating building types on the basis of the theoretical understanding and geometric analyses presented in this thesis.