中国古代建筑 示范课程

中国古代建筑 示范课程 Ancient Chinese Architecture

在中国大地上有许多造型优美、色彩绚丽的古代建筑，这些建筑在世界建筑史上占有重要地位。本篇介绍独特的木结构、庭院式建筑的平面布局、各种屋顶样式及其丰富的色彩。

1.中国古建筑有什么基本特征？
What is the basic feature of ancient Chinese architecture?
Visitors who come to China for the first time may be struck by some traditional Chinese buildings with their curved roofs, bold colors and intricate outlines. They may wonder how the Chinese ever came up with this unique architectural style. In order to appreciate ancient buildings in China, visitors should know the prominent feature of such buildings as follows:
A. Most buildings are made of wood. A timber framework is a basic feature of ancient Chinese architecture.
B. Courtyard composition and layout is another feature. A courtyard is a space enclosed by walls, or a yard surrounded by buildings.
C. Varied roof patterns have been added to enhance the beauty of these ancient buildings.
D. Paint is much used as an architectural ornament.
E. Ancient Chinese buildings keep in harmony with their natural surroundings.

Notes：1）architectural建筑学的； 2）architecture建筑学； 3）intricate错综复杂的； 4）outline外形； 5）prominent显著的； 6）framework构架；
7）enclose围住； 8）surround围绕； 9）surroundings环境

2.中国古建筑木结构的特点是什么？
What are the features of the timber framework in ancient Chinese architecture?
Ancient Chinese buildings use timber extensively as a building material in
addition to bricks and tiles. Chinese wood represents“life.”Moreover, timber was easily available, transportable and practical at that time. The timber framework consists mainly of wooden vertical pillars and crossbeams. They are perfectly interlocked with brackets so that the whole weight of a house is transferred to its foundations through the pillars, beams, lintels and joists. Walls bear no load; they only separate space. The timber framework supports most of the weight of the house. There is an old saying that,“A house still stand even if its walls collapse (墙倒屋不塌 ).”

Two things are worth attention when you view ancient buildings. One is the wooden tenon (榫), and the end of a piece of wood perfectly shaped to fit into a corresponding wooden mortise (卯) in another piece of wood. This technique was invented 7,000 years ago. The other is the system of support brackets, called dougong (斗拱 ). These are wooden brackets on the top of a column to support the crossbeam; they rise up level by level from each pillar. These brackets both support the structure and are also a distinctive and attractive ornamentation. This invention came into being about 2,000 years ago, during the Warring States Period.

Notes：1）extensively广大地； 2）tile瓦； 3）transportable可运输的；
4）practical实际的； 5）crossbeam横梁； 6）interlock使连锁； 7）bracket托架； 8）lintel楣石； 9）joist托梁； 10）tenon榫； 11）corresponding相应的； 12）mortise卯； 13）column圆柱； 14）crossbeam横梁