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). 🧵⤵️
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.
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.
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.
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.
5. The use of gardens on rooftops in Chinese architecture, like the Thammasat University, could insulate buildings and reduce runoff, exemplifying green roofs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Reading dismantles ignorance; forcing minds to confront uncomfortable truths and shatter narrow perspectives.
Frank Zappa, a fervent reader himself, famously lamented, "So many books, so little time."
Friends, reading, if important, is simply about prioritizing. 🧵⤵️
As I prioritize reading, anxiety peaks with the realization: "I'm a slow reader. How do I learn to read fast?"
Speed reading is a great way to read because it maximizes efficiency by enabling us to consume more content in less time.
Here is how I approach speed reading: 1. I set goals and understand the purpose of what I am reading. 2. Next, I would look through the entire text to get an overview. 3. I try not to silently pronounce each word. 4. I focus on visual recognition of words and phrases. 5. I might use a pointer while reading to guide my eyes across the text.
The goal of this exercise is to read fast while maintaining comprehension.
"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." - Frederick Douglass
An average book of 200-300 pages typically takes 6-10 hours to finish for an adult reader with a reading speed of 200-300 words per minute.
To manage time effectively, consider setting a reading goal: 20 minutes daily for a month, 40 minutes daily for two weeks, or an hour daily for one week, ensuring successful completion of the book.
"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." - C.S. Lewis
Greek and Roman myths cut deep into the human psyche, weaving tales of gods, heroes, and epic quests with raw emotions like love, betrayal, and the quest for justice.
They inspire artists to capture our fears and aspirations.
Let's explore these inspired artworks. 🧵⤵️
1. The Odyssey: Odysseus's journey home takes ten years, which is actually longer than the entire Trojan War itself, emphasizing the theme of perseverance and the struggles of returning home.
2. The Iliad: Achilles' heel, the only vulnerable spot on his body, has become a metaphor for a critical weakness, despite overall strength. This detail, however, is not found in the Iliad itself but originates from later Greek mythology.
Spring is a fierce reminder that from the barren comes the bloom, challenging the gloom to surrender to life.
This eternal cycle of rebirth and renewal is captured in the world's most beautiful spring paintings, each a tribute to nature's resilience and beauty. 🧵⤵️
1. "Primavera" by Sandro Botticelli - A Renaissance masterpiece filled with mythological symbolism and lush, spring imagery.
2. "Almond Blossom" by Vincent van Gogh - This painting is a celebration of spring and new life, with vibrant blue skies and blossoming almond trees.
A film like "The Godfather" masterfully translates novels to screen, preserving the heart and message.
They blend faithful adaptation with visual storytelling, delighting both critics and fans.
These ten movies exemplify how to bring literary worlds to life. 🧵⤵️
1) "To Kill a Mockingbird": Viewers and critics appreciated how the film kept the book's strong messages about justice and morality, highlighting Gregory Peck's role as Atticus Finch.
2) "Pride and Prejudice" (2005): The film's faithful representation of the novel's romantic dynamics and characters, especially through the performances of Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, was well-received.
The artworks inspired by Ovid's "Metamorphoses" confront us with an unsettling truth: life is defined by unending change and disorder.
They challenge us to find beauty in impermanence, questioning our very essence.
Let's delve into these masterpieces inspired by Ovid: 🧵⤵️
1. "Apollo and Daphne" by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1622-1625): Bernini's masterpiece vividly brings to life the moment Daphne is transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo, capturing the drama and emotion of Ovid's tale with detail and dynamic movement.
2. "The Rape of Europa" by Titian (1562): This painting depicts the story of Jupiter's seduction of Europa in the form of a bull. Titian's mastery of color and form, along with the sensuous and dramatic depiction of the myth, makes this work a quintessential representation of Ovid's influence.