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History of Architecture
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Japanese Architecture and Chinese Architecture

Historical background :
The creations of the past
A glimpse to the
historical features of
Japanese and Chinese
Architect 06/15/2022
 Japanese Architecture
The Land of the Rising Sun
Influenced by its:
Geographical
Geoogical
Climate
Religion
Historical and;
Located in the north eastcoast of China and
Social
northeastern part of Asia andlocated near the pacific ring of fire,
mostly ecperince seismic activities

Climate:
Experience four Seasons:
summer, winter, spring and autumn
but some areas near the Korea An Overview
they experience Tropical Climates

Japanese architecture has traditionally been

Religion:
typified by wooden structures, elevated slightly off
Shinto, Taoism, Chyristian
Buddhism and Confucianism the ground, with tiled or thatched roofs. Sliding
doors (fusuma) were used in place of walls, allowing
the internal configuration of a space to be
customized for different occasions. People usually
Historical and Social: sat on cushions or otherwise on the floor,
traditionally; chairs and high tables were not widely
Kyuda system is a social
classes in Japanese History
used until the 20th century. Since the 19th century,
however, Japan has incorporated much of Western,
Emperor - the figure head
modern, and post-modern architecture into
Shokun - governs military
Daimyo - the nobles construction and design, and is today a leader in
Samurai - page soldiers cutting-edge architectural design and technology.
Ronin - samurai w/o Master
Peasants - fishermen and farmer
Artisan - Craftsmen
Merchants - sales man or people
 JAPANESE DYNASTY
TIMELINE
ASUKA PERIOD
(538AD-710AD)
JŌMON PERIOD KUFON(TUMULUS) ASHIKAGA PERIOD TAISHŌ PERIOD
(10,000BCE-300BCE) (250AD-538AD) (1912-1926)
(1336-1568)

POSTWAR PERIOD
YAMATO PERIOD HEIAN PERIOD TUKUGAWA PERIOD
(1945- PRESENT)
(250AD-710AD) (794AD-1185) (1603-1868)

NARA PERIOD AZUCHI-MOMOYAMA SHŌWA PERIOD

(710AD-794AD) (1568-1600) (1926-1989)

YAYOI PERIOD KAMAKURA PERIOD MEIJI PERIOD

(300BCE-250AD) (1185-1333) (1868-1912)

Positioning and Characteristics of

Japanese Architecture

Japanese architecture has developed with influences from China and the Korean Peninsula. Since
the modern era, western culture has also had an influence, but at the same time, a unique Japanese
style of architecture has developed that is integrated with the natural environment and culture of
Japan.
Japanese architecture, which mainly uses posts and beams, differs from Western architecture of
bricks and stones, and traditional Japanese architecture gained attention in 20th century
architectural modernism since it was ahead of its time in the use of modern architectural concepts.
Japanese Architectural History

During Ancient
During Asuka and Nara Periods, japan
adopted architectural styles from China
and Korean Peninsula. In 538AD, the
construction of temples began after the
introduction of Buddhism to Japan. The Times:
temple carpenters, makers of Buddha
image and artifacts were said to be
invited from the Paekche in 577.

Hokoji Temple or Gango-Ji temple, Asuka-dera temple (

Asuka-mura Village, Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture which was
built by Asuka Clan in the period from 588AD to 609AD and
Shitennoji Temple ( Tennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City, Osaka
Prefecture ) which said to be founded by Prince Shotoku, are
believe to be the oldest temples of Japanese Buddhist but the
original building not existing in either cases. Oldest temples
that exist in their original structure are Saiin Garan of Horyu-
ji Temple and the three-story Pagoda of Hokkji Temple bothe
located at Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture. Saiin
Garan of Horyu-ji Temple was once believed to have been built
in the age of Prince Shotoku, but it is now considered, thanks
to the development of research in the modern times, that the
complex was destroyed by fire in 670 and rebuilt sometime
between the late seventh and early eighth century. The
Three-Story Pagoda of Hokki-ji Temple was built in the early
eighth century. It should be noted that the building
techniques and positioning of Buddhist temples at that time
reflect the style of temples in Paekche. The influence of
Chinese architectural style grew during the Sui and Tong
Dynasties when Japanese envoys were sent to China.
During the aristocratic era of the Heian period, architectural
style came to possess typically Japanese features, where
rooms creating a serene atmosphere with thinner pillars and
lower ceilings were preferred. During and after the Heian
period, a unique Japanese style of architecture developed
called Wayo Kenchiku (Japanese-style architecture).
 During Medieval
Times

Chinese architectural style was reintroduced to japan, due to the

increasing trade with China in Kamakura Period.
The style brought to japan first was on which used in the restoration of
Todaji Temple. Todaji Temple and statue of Birushana Buddha, Both both built
in Tenpyo era, were destroyed by fire during Jisho-Juei war which happened
on the end of Heian Period. Chogen SHUNJOBO consecrated the newly made
Buddha image in 1185. The Great Hall of Buddha was rebuilt in 1195. A grand
memorial service was held in 1203. The Architectural style of Great hall of
Buddha and othe similar construction by Chogen was quite unique and has
commonalities with Fujian Province and other area surrounding China (Sung
Dynasty) architectural style.
Although the architectural style, incorporating rational structure and a bold
design, was suitable for the Great Buddha Hall, it was incompatible with the
Japanese preference for a serene space, and so Daibutsu-yo lost popularity
after the death of Chogen. The craftsmen who were engaged in the
restoration of the Great Buddha Hall moved to various places after that
project and a new Japanese architectural style, known as Setchu-yo (cross
style) was born with the influence of Daibutsu-yo.
Thereafter, Zen monks actively travelled between Japan and China, which
led to the introduction of Chinese temple architecture to Japan. This is often
used in the Buddha halls of Zen sect temples (Zenshu-yo or Kara-yo).
 EARLY MODERN TIMES

During this period, castle architecture was developed; castle

towers were built as a symbolic representation of power and
splendid paintings were drawn on partitions to represent the era
of unification of the country. Tea ceremonies, which started in the
Muromachi period, were developed to perfection by SEN no Rikyu
and a new architectural style for chashitsu (tea room) was born.
In the Edo period, when more popular culture flourished, a clear
tendency towards secularism is also observed in the field of
architecture. An example of this movement is the Sukiya-zukuri
style, where chashitsu features were incorporated into
residential structures as well as urban entertainment facilities
such as theaters and brothels. Private houses also developed
gradually, adopting the features of Shoin-zukuri style in part. In
the sector of temple architecture, large hondos (main halls), such
as that of Zenko-ji Temple and Senso-ji Temple, were built to
accommodate a large number of worshippers.

MODERN TIMES

Residences, trading houses and churches for foreign residents were built in the foreign
settlements which were established in the final days of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Japanese builders began to construct Western-style houses and buildings (Gi-yofu Kenchiku).
In the early Meiji period, the Japanese government was making desperate attempts to acquire
Western architectural technologies in order to develop the cities required to modernize the
country. Thomas WALTERS and Josiah CONDER were invited to Japan as foreign specialists in
government service. Conder put his efforts into training Japanese architects at the Imperial
College of Engineering and was therefore referred to as 'Father of Japanese architectural
studies. 'Kingo TATSUNO was one of the first graduates of the university.
Architecture was always considered a technology of modernization which was to be learned
from the West and the concept of architecture as art has not developed in JapanA great deal
of damage was caused to brick buildings during the Nobi Earthquake and the Great Kanto
Earthquake, which led to the development of quake-resistant technologies which are unique to
Japan.
Meanwhile, in 1920, the mid Taisho era, the first Japanese architectural design movement was
beginning with a group of graduates from the Department of Architecture of Tokyo Imperial
University including Sutemi HORIGUCHI, Mamoru YAMADA, Kikuji ISHIDA, Keiichi MORITA and
Mayumi TAKIZAWA; it was called Bunri-ha Kenchikukai.
 Contemporary Period

Having taken a severe blow during the Second World War, the
Japanese architectural movement found opportunities for
development during the postwar restoration and periods of high
economic growth. The use of ferroconcrete became common and
public facilities everywhere were being built in the modern
architectural style. Frequent earthquakes was a problem in Japan,
but, as quake-resistant technologies improved, the height
restriction of 100 shaku (31m) was eased and more high-rise
buildings were constructed. Japan began to foster many
internationally renowned architects such as Kenzo TANGE,
Fumihiko MAKI and Tadao ANDO, and the standard of modern
architecture in Japan improved.
Meanwhile, apart from some architects in the Taisho and early
Showa periods, the concept of scenic beauty in cities was all but
lost during wartime and the postwar restoration periods. Many of
the traditional cityscapes and beautiful old buildings and structures
were lost in the war or during the economic growth, and there was
a growing number of cheap structures that emphasized economic
rationality and repeated "scrap and build" constructions. People
began to voice concerns that Japanese cities had became ugly, and
so some measures were taken, such as the allocation of
preservation districts for groups of historic buildings and the
development of Landscape Law, which emphasizes the aesthetics
of cities and land.
 Japanese Architectural Styles
Shinden-zukuri ( 寝殿造)
Shinden-zukuri is a style of architecture used in
aristocratic mansions in the Heian period. The main
building called shinden (seiden) is built facing a south
garden with two subsidiary buildings called tainoya
to the east and west of the shinden, and two
corridors called wataridono connect the shinden
and the two tainoya, from which the wataridono
corridors extend south and end in tsuridono, or

武家造)
fishing pavilions.

Buke-zukuri (
The Buke-zukuri style was for samurai
residences in the Kamakura period. With
importance placed on practicability, the
simple style was considered to be fitting as
residences for samurai as opposed to
aristocratic culture.

Shuden-zukuri ( 主殿造)
Shuden-zukuri style is the term proposed in
architectural history for indicating the
architectural style of samurai residences
during the Muromachi period.

Shoin-zukuri ( 書院造)
Shoin-zukuri is one of the Japanese residential
architectural styles which were established after the
middle of the Muromachi Period. Shoin-zukuri has had a
strong influence on Japanese residential houses since
then.

Sukiya-zukuri ( 数寄屋造)
Sukiya-zukuri is one of the Japanese architectural styles,
and is characterized as a design of residential house in a
sukiya (teahouse) style.
Its name comes from 'suki' which means enjoying furyu
(elegant aestheticism), such as waka (31 syllable Japanese
poem), tea ceremony, and Japanese flower arrangement,
and 'sukiya' means 'a house built as you like,' or a
teahouse.
It is a house built by sukiya carpenters using a specific
method of timber-framework.
 Gassho-zukuri ( 合掌造)
Gassho-zukuri is a Japanese architectural style with a
distinct steep roof. The main feature is a steep, thatched
kirizuma yane (gable roof). It is said that the term of
Gassho-zukuri came from the fact that the shape of the

唐造)
roof resembles that of praying hands.

Kara-zukuri (
he Kara-zukuri style concerns castle buildings in Japan, the
external view of tenshu (the main keep or tower of a castle)
in particular. This is a style of uchimawarien (for whose
structure, refer to the description of the structure item
唐
below). The Chinese character (kara, indicating China) is

城
used because it gives a new or unusual external view.

Japanese Castles ( )
城
Japanese castle ( shiro) is a fortress and samurai lord’s resident
constructed with wood and stone. The first form of Japanese castle
was the wooden stockade in early centuries, then evolved into their
best-known form of powerful and beautiful structure in the 16th
century. The structure of Japanese castle is very different not only
from Western countries, but also from other Asian countries such as
China. Japanese castle was uniquely developed by Samurai and it has
reached the only one design in the world. According to the research,
there are about 25,000 castles all around Japan including ruins and

神社建築)
reconstructions.

Japanese Shrine Architecture (

In ancient times, Shinto ceremonies were held outdoors at temporarily
demarcated sites without buildings. Later, temporary structures were
used which eventually got replaced by permanent shrine buildings housing
the deity. Early shrine buildings predate the introduction of Buddhism and
reflect native Japanese architecture styles.

Japanese Temple Architecture

( ) 仏閣建築
Temples came along with the import of Buddhism from China around
the 6th century. At first, temples resembled those in China closely
in features, such as having wide courtyards and symmetrical
layouts. Some of the oldest surviving temple buildings exhibiting
these features can be found in Nara, in particular at Horyuji (the
world's oldest wooden structure), Todaiji (the world's largest
wooden structure), Yakushiji and Kofukuji. Asukadera, located
about 25 kilometers south of Nara City, is considered the oldest
Buddhist institution in Japan.
 CHINESE ARCHITECTURE
Walled compounds, raised pavilions, wooden columns and panelling, yellow
glazed roof tiles, landscaped gardens, and a careful application of town
planning and use of space are all notable features of the architecture of
ancient China, with many of them still playing an important part in modern
architecture across East Asia. Architects were influenced by ideas from India
and the Buddhism which originated there, but the buildings of ancient China
remained remarkably constant in fundamental appearance over the centuries,
inspiring much of the architecture of other neighbouring East Asian states,
especially in ancient Japan and Korea. Unfortunately, few ancient Chinese
buildings survive today, but reconstructions can be made based on clay models,
descriptions in contemporary texts, and depictions in art such as wall paintings
and engraved bronze vessels.

The geography of Ancient China shaped

the way the civilization and culture
developed. The large land was isolated
from much of the rest of the world by
dry deserts to the north and west, the
Pacific Ocean to the east, and impassable
mountains to the south.

Religious Influence:
Taoism
Buddhism
Confucianism

Climate:
In ancient China, the climate varied from hot and humid
summers to extreme cold and freezing temperatures in
the highlands. In ancient China, the climate was similar
to the tropics, with heavy precipitation that sometimes
accompanied typhoons.
Main Features:
Chinese architecture remained remarkably constant throughout the history of the country.
Beginning in the Yellow earth region, the same types of materials and structure were
employed for centuries. Wood was always preferred rather than stone, and the roof
material of choice was glazed ceramic tiles. The most typical building, at least for larger
structures for the elite or public use such as temples, halls, and gate towers, was built on a
raised platform made of compacted earth and faced with brick or stone. The earliest
examples date to the Shang dynasty (c. 1600 - 1046 BCE) and as time goes on they become larger
with more levels added to create an impressive stepped terrace. Examples of earth
foundations at Erlitou sites, which date to between c. 1900 and c. 1550 BCE, range in size from
300 square metres to 9,600 square metres and often include underground ceramic sewage
pipes.
The most common building type had regularly spaced timber posts which were strengthened by
horizontal cross-beams. In order to better protect the building from earthquake damage,
very few nails were used, and joins between wooden parts were made to interlock using
mortises and tenons which gave a greater flexibility. The most common building type had
regularly spaced timber posts which were strengthened by horizontal cross-beams. In order
to better protect the building from earthquake damage, very few nails were used, and joins
between wooden parts were made to interlock using mortises and tenons which gave a
greater flexibility.
 4 Features of Ancient Chinese Architecture
Fine Timber-work
Wooden architecture was the mainstay of traditional Chinese
buildings. Wood was preferred for most traditional architectural
structures, from the halls of the Forbidden City to common
houses.
The components were mainly columns, beams, and purlins, which
were connected by tenons and mortises. China’s ancient wooden
structures were quite intricately formed, sometimes without any
nails!
Elegant Exteriors
Existing examples of ancient Chinese architecture
are greatly praised for their elegant profiles and
varied features, such as overhanging eaves,
upturned roof corners, and different shapes of
roofs.
The unique exteriors not only satisfied a practical
function, but also had wonderful appearances.
They are good examples of practicality and beauty
combined.

Symmetrical Layout
Most traditional Chinese buildings strictly followed the axis-
centered principle with symmetrical wings. This reflected the
aesthetic standard of harmony and symmetry in ancient China.

Gorgeous Decoration
Column Decorative column.
Architects in ancient China paid special attention to color and
adornments, from the whole building to specific parts. They used
different colors or paintings according to particular building
functions or local customs.
Carved beams, painted rafters, various patterns, inscribed
boards, couplets hung on the pillars, and wall paintings were
used to add a colorful and beautiful style to interiors.
3 Architectural Styles
Ancient Chinese architecture includes palaces, city walls, temples, pagodas, and houses.
Their architectural styles varied with purpose. The main three types were imperial
administration buildings, traditional residences, and religious buildings.

Imperial Buildings
Ancient Chinese imperial buildings included palaces,
government offices, and military defensive projects. All
of them demonstrated the political control of the
particular era. Generally, their architectural style was
formal and solemn.

Traditional Residences
Cave Dwelling
The architectural style of traditional Chinese residences
was functional and suited to local conditions.
For example, in Southwest China, bamboo houses suited
the muggy environment and local resources well.
In the northern part of Shaanxi Province where the
weather is cold and dry in winter, the loess-carved
dwellings were good at retaining heat and were cheap to
construct.

Religious Buildings
China has four official religions. Taoism, Buddhism, Islam,
and Christianity have a long history in China.
Wong Tai Sin Temple in HongkongWong Tai Sin Temple in
Hongkong.
Since the Chinese imperial court contributed to the
introduction of Buddhism in China, Buddhist buildings in
China normally followed the imperial style of construction,
which was glorious and grand.
Taoist buildings in China were closer to the style of
buildings for commoners compared to the other religious
buildings.
Muslim architecture in China was a blend of traditional
Chinese and Middle Eastern styles.
As for Christianity, most churches in China follow a
Western architectural concept.
 TYPES OF CHINESE ARCHITECTURE
IMPERIAL PALACES
Imperial palaces were originally built to serve
the extravagant lifestyles of the emperors, as
well as to provide a centralized location for
demonstrating imperial political control.
The imperial palaces were built on a grand
scale, sparing no expense to display the
majesty and dignity of the imperial power of the
time.

Defensive Walls
Many ancient Chinese cities were surrounded by a set of
walls. Outside the cities, there were sometimes barrier
walls at the kingdom/empire borders. Most of them
originally served as defensive fortifications.

Pagodas
Pagodas are actually native to India. These octagonal
towers were introduced to China along with the
introduction and integration of Buddhism. The design of
the traditional Indian pagoda changed as the structure
was integrated into Chinese culture.

Altars and Temples

Altars and temples are important components
of Chinese culture. They provided ceremonial
sites for offering prayers and sacrifices to
heaven. Sacrifices were also offered to the
moon, the sun, the earth, the mountains,
scholars, and ancestors.
Mausoleums
Mausoleums are a very important aspect of Chinese culture and
architecture. The ancient Chinese believed that the spirit lived on
after the body passed away. Therefore, elaborate mausoleums were
built to honor those who had moved on to the other dimension.
body text
are commonly found on or by mountains
include a path leading up to the structure as well as statues of
humans and beasts on either side of the walkway. Trees are often
part of the landscaping around the mausoleum to create a quiet
and solemn atmosphere
 TRIVIAS AND
FACTS
DID YOU KNOW?
Tokyo SkyTree is the
tallest structure in
Japan

The most famous

architectural achievement of
the ancient Chinese is
undoubtedly the Great Wall
of China, largely built during
the reign of Qin Emperor Shi
Huangti in the closing
decades of the 3rd century
BCE.