ARC 4301A
Issues in architectural theory and design
Fall 2004–05

4, The plan diagram in the Yingzao fashi

Introduction

We’ve looked at building sections and how we can understand them with a generative definition. Now we do the same for plan diagrams.

The plan diagram has two parameters: the number u of bays in width and the number v of rafters in depth. We are not concerned with the sizes of the bays or rafters.

A nonmathematical approach to the problem was undertaken by Chen (1993, 30–32).

Making observations

Look for relevant information in the text of the Yingzao fashi. We restrict ourselves to chapters 4 and 5 on structural carpentry.

For an English translation and explanation of terms, see Guo (1999), chapter 6, 245–280. For an explanation (in Chinese) of technical terms, see Xu and Guo (1984).

Proposing a hypothesis

Analyze the information. Look for patterns; it may help to do this graphically.

To understand the graphic presentation of information, Tufte (1990; 1997; 2001) is indispensable.

Testing and revising the hypothesis

Stiny and Mitchell’s (1978) three criteria of understanding:

1. Create a new design in the style. Standard of stylistic correctness?

2. Evaluate a previously unknown design. Standard of stylistic correctness?

3. Explain the underlying similarity.

What relevant information exists? Are extant buildings relevant?

What information would you like, and where would you find it?

For dimensional information on extant buildings, see Chen (1992). For general discussions of, and pointers to primary literature on, some relevant buildings, see Steinhardt (1997).

Reading

Read Booth et al. (1995), chapter 15, “Introductions.”

Assignment 2 out

Write an introduction to a paper that presents today’s work. You will write the paper later.

List of references

Booth, Wayne C., Gregory M. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. 1995. The craft of research. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Chen Mingda 陳明達. 1992. Tang Song mu jiegou jianzhu shice jilu biao [Field measurements of Tang and Song wood frame buildings] 唐宋木結構建築實測記錄表. In Jianzhu lishi yanjiu [Studies in architectural history] 建築歷史研究, edited by He Yeju 賀業鉅, 231–261. Beijing: Zhongguo jianzhu gongye.

Chen Mingda 陳明達. 1993. Yingzao fashi da muzuo zhidu yanjiu [A study of structural carpentry in the Yingzao fashi] 營造法式大木作制度研究. 2nd ed. Beijing: Wenwu.

Guo, Qinghua. 1999. The structure of Chinese timber architecture. London: Minerva.

Steinhardt, Nancy Shatzman. 1997. Liao architecture. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.

Stiny, George, and William J. Mitchell. 1978. The Palladian grammar. Environment and planning B: planning & design 5: 5–18.

Tufte, Edward R. 1990. Envisioning information. Cheshire, Conn.: Graphics Press.

———. 1997. Visual explanations: images and quantities, evidence and narrative. Cheshire, Conn.: Graphics Press.

———. 2001. The visual display of quantitative information. Cheshire, Conn.: Graphics Press.

Xu Bo’an 徐伯安 and Guo Daiheng 郭黛姮. 1984. Song Yingzao fashi shuyu huishi – haozhai, shizuo, da muzuo zhidu bufen [A glossary of technical terms in the Yingzao fashi – sections on fortifications, stonework, and structural carpentry] 宋《營造法式》術語匯釋：壕寨、石作、大木作制度部分. Jianzhu shi lunwen ji [Essays on architectural history] 建築史論文集 6: 1–79.