Culture Explorer Profile picture
Mar 2, 2024 15 tweets 6 min read Read on X
Can ancient Chinese architecture revolutionize Western design and sustainability?

Ancient Chinese buildings valued nature and detail, unlike Western focus on symmetry and structure.

Laojun Mountain has been a Taoist pilgrimage site since the Wei Dynasty (386-534). 🧵⤵️ Credit: Trip/luanchuan/luoyang-laojun-mountain-77806
1. Chinese architecture often blends seamlessly with its environment, as seen in the Yuyuan Garden, which carefully integrate with the natural landscape.

The Yu Garden was built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty by Pan Yunduan to honor his father and provide comfort in his old age and was completed in 1577 after a delay due to Yunduan's official duties.By Stefan Fussan - Own work - My images are also available on MyPortfolio, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82137401
2. Ancient Chinese constructions emphasized sustainability by utilizing materials available in their surroundings, like the Great Wall of China, which used local stones, bricks, and other materials.

The Great Wall of China was a monumental feat of ancient engineering stretching over 13,000 miles. It was built across several dynasties to protect against invasions and symbolize the might of Chinese civilization.By Jakub Hałun - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6909926
3. The traditional dougong bracket system in Chinese buildings, such as the Yuantong Temple, allowed for structures that could withstand earthquakes thanks to their flexible wooden frameworks.

Dougong is a traditional Chinese architectural element consisting of interlocking wooden brackets that support a building's roof and eaves without the use of nails. Built during the the Tang dynasty (618-907), the Yuantong Temple serves as a classic example of dougong.By Gisling - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8502174
4. Buildings were designed to enhance airflow and natural light, reducing the need for artificial climate control and lighting, demonstrated by the layout of traditional Siheyuan courtyards. A traditional-style hotel in Beijing. Some of Beijing's historic siheyuans have been purchased and renovated by hotel chains and now function as hotels. The hotel is converted from a classic 19th century traditional courtyard house.  By Willem vdh - Lusongyuan Hotel courtyard, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6877096
5. The use of gardens on rooftops in Chinese architecture, like the Thammasat University, could insulate buildings and reduce runoff, exemplifying green roofs.
Thammasat University Credit: https://worldlandscapearchitect.com/thammasat-university-the-largest-urban-rooftop-farm-in-asia/?v=7516fd43adaa
Wuhan North Pavilion by 5+design.  Credit: 5+ design
6. Ancient Chinese gardens and palaces, such as the imperial Summer Palace in Beijing, were designed with sophisticated water features that recycled and conserved water. By Peter K Burian - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74635082
7. Many ancient Chinese buildings, including traditional Hakka Tulou, were constructed using modular units, allowing for easier repair and adaptation, showcasing modular design.

Hakka Tulou are unique, large, circular or square communal dwellings in southeastern China, made of earth and wood, designed for communal living and defense.Image
8. The strategic orientation of buildings to take advantage of seasonal changes in the sun's path for heating and cooling is evident in the design of the Tulou homes, enhancing energy efficiency.  More details A tulou outer building encloses a smaller circular building, which encloses an ancestral hall and courtyard in the center.
9. The concept of designing outdoor spaces to be functional and harmonious with the natural world is embodied in the classical Chinese garden, like the Lion Grove Garden, as a microcosm of the natural world. Image
10. Embedding cultural, spiritual, and philosophical meanings into architectural designs fosters a deeper connection between inhabitants and their living spaces. This is seen in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, designed to symbolize the relationship between heaven and earth. By Fong Chen - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9940972
The Confucius Temple or Kong Miao in Qufu is dedicated to Confucius and was built in 478 BC. It's a place for ceremonies and education, reflecting traditional Chinese architecture and respect for learning. By User:Vmenkov - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14624597
Nanputuo Temple, located in Xiamen, is a famous Buddhist temple founded in the Tang Dynasty, renowned for its rich history and serene setting at the foot of Wulao Peak. By Zhangzhugang - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=98578990
The Mazu Temple in Chiayi City, Taiwan, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu and known for its intricate architecture, was established in the 17th century, reflecting its deep roots in local maritime culture and history. By Peellden - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5976421
The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, near Turpan in China's Xinjiang region, date from the 5th to 14th centuries and feature Buddhist murals.

The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves were used for Buddhist worship and meditation, serving as a monastic complex where monks lived, prayed, and created religious art.CC BY-SA 2.5 es, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=468053

• • •

Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to force a refresh
 

Keep Current with Culture Explorer

Culture Explorer Profile picture

Stay in touch and get notified when new unrolls are available from this author!

Read all threads

This Thread may be Removed Anytime!

PDF

Twitter may remove this content at anytime! Save it as PDF for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video
  1. Follow @ThreadReaderApp to mention us!

  2. From a Twitter thread mention us with a keyword "unroll"
@threadreaderapp unroll

Practice here first or read more on our help page!

More from @CultureExploreX

Apr 27
They turned it into a battlefield.

But Kashmir was never meant for blood. It was meant for paradise.

And once you see what was lost, your heart will never forget. 🧵 Pahalgam, Indian controlled Kashmir - region of the terrorist attack by separatist rebels in Indian-controlled Kashmir
Before soldiers marched its valleys and borders tore its soul, Kashmir was a place where poets wept at the beauty of a single sunrise.

Today, it’s a land split by wire and war.

But hidden beyond the headlines, the old magic still breathes — if you dare to look deeper. Arang Kel, Neelum Valley, Pakistan Controlled Kashmir
Autumn in Skardu, Pakistan
Hunza City, Pakistan controlled Kashmir and northern areas.
Sonmarg, Indian controlled Kashmir
Imagine valleys where rivers shine like molten silver under the sun.

Snow peaks that scrape the sky.
Fields of saffron blooming purple gold.

This isn’t fantasy.

This is Kashmir. Bangus Valley, India Occupied Kashmir. It is situated in the Pir Panjal range and is known for its breath-taking natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and crystal clear streams.
Read 18 tweets
Apr 26
Everyone told us: “Beauty is outdated. Skill is irrelevant. Tradition is dead.”

They were wrong.

A new generation of sculptors is rising and they’re proving that Classical art never dies.

You just have to know where to look. 🧵 King Arthur at Tintagel Castle, Cornwall, England, sculpted by Rubin Eynon (2016)
1. Hossein Behzadi

Behzadi doesn’t just recreate the past—he brings it into the bloodstream of today.

Renaissance soul. Modern heartbeat.
2. Benjamin Victor

His work is enshrined in the U.S. Capitol for a reason.

Victor captures dignity, pain, and hope with a chisel—and makes marble bleed emotion. Image
Read 22 tweets
Apr 25
Most people think they’re just decorative guards in funny uniforms.

But the truth?

They’re trained killers who’d take a bullet for the Pope—without blinking.

Let me show you what 99% of people miss about the Swiss Guard.
🧵👇 The Swiss Guard ...Guardsmen guarding the Vatican.
Their colors are loud. Their movements are silent.

When Pope Francis died, they didn’t flinch.

But once you understand who they really are, you’ll never see a Vatican photo the same way again.

Here’s the full story…
They were founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II.

He needed men who wouldn’t run when the swords came out.

So he summoned 150 Swiss mercenaries.

Only 42 survived the Sack of Rome in 1527.

They died at the altar—buying the Pope just enough time to escape. Sack of Rome, by Francisco Javier Amérigo, 1884. Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer
Read 11 tweets
Apr 25
Most people think they’re just decorative guards in funny uniforms.

But the truth?

They’re trained killers who’d take a bullet for the Pope—without blinking.

Let me show you what 99% of people miss about the Swiss Guard.
🧵👇 The Swiss Guard ...Guardsmen guarding the Vatican.
Their colors are loud. Their movements are silent.

When Pope Francis died, they didn’t flinch.

But once you understand who they really are, you’ll never see a Vatican photo the same way again.

Here’s the full story…
They were founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II.

He needed men who wouldn’t run when the swords came out.

So he summoned 150 Swiss mercenaries.

Only 42 survived the Sack of Rome in 1527.

They died at the altar—buying the Pope just enough time to escape. Sack of Rome, by Francisco Javier Amérigo, 1884. Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer
Read 10 tweets
Apr 25
You’ve seen the photos.
But no one tells you how it feels.

Switzerland doesn’t just look like heaven—
It hurts how beautiful it is.

Let me show you why. 🧵👇 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland Credit: journeyranger on IG
Think picture-perfect lakes, towering peaks, and towns that seem frozen in time.

But behind the calm lies something deeper:
A country that stuns your eyes… and stirs your soul.

Here are the places that prove it— Interlaken – Sandwiched between two lakes, Interlaken is the gateway to the Swiss Alps and endless outdoor adventures.
Zermatt & The Matterhorn

It’s the mountain you’ve seen on chocolate bars.
But in person, the Matterhorn doesn’t feel real.

Zermatt below is car-free, peaceful, and pure alpine wonder. Credit: @MagicalEurope
Read 18 tweets
Apr 24
You’ve seen his words quoted.
His plays re-staged.
His characters meme-ified.

But what if I told you Shakespeare shaped the way painters, sculptors, and illustrators captured emotion for centuries?

This isn’t just about literature. It’s about art history. 🧵 King Lear: By William Shakespeare (Annotated Edition with In-Depth Literary Critique and Historical Context) https://amzn.to/4jHuS4t
Most people never notice this—but walk through any European gallery, and you’ll find ghosts of Hamlet, Macbeth, or Lear staring back at you.

Here’s the story of how Shakespeare became one of the most powerful muses in visual art… The Plays of William Shakespeare, a painting containing scenes and characters from several plays of Shakespeare; by Sir John Gilbert, c. 1849
In the 18th century, British painters didn’t just revere Shakespeare—they canonized him.

Artists like Joshua Reynolds and Henry Fuseli created paintings so dramatic, they looked like staged scenes from Shakespeare’s mind.

Why? Because he gave them license to go wild. Macbeth Consulting the Vision of the Armed Head. By Henry Fuseli, 1793–1794.
Read 15 tweets

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3/month or $30/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Don't want to be a Premium member but still want to support us?

Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal

Or Donate anonymously using crypto!

Ethereum

0xfe58350B80634f60Fa6Dc149a72b4DFbc17D341E copy

Bitcoin

3ATGMxNzCUFzxpMCHL5sWSt4DVtS8UqXpi copy

Thank you for your support!

Follow Us!

:(