/ The Yingzao fashi project
/ Teaching materials / Coursework
/ Reaction / Papers / Who's
who / Related sites /
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Title page / Introduction / Approach
/ Assignments / Findings
and discussion / Conclusion / Notes
& References /
Since 1993, we have been developing a technically simple but innovative approach to teaching traditional Chinese wood construction. Our approach uses virtual models to demonstrate the most interesting and significant aspect of this subject, namely its rule-based nature. We have used this approach in a variety of assignments and courses and have found that, despite unforeseen shortcomings, it is highly effective in communicating the principles of the rule-based system. In addition, our students were unexpectedly enthusiastic about Chinese architecture as a result of these assignments. In this paper, we discuss the theoretical basis for our approach, the teaching tool and how we have used it in our teaching, our findings, and our plans for future development.
We are pleased to thank our research assistants, Mr. Ng Lung Wai, Mr. Patrick Lau Man Chun, and Mr. Eric Ngai Lik Tsang; and our students in Introduction to Computer-aided Design, fall 1994-95, and in Architectural History and Theory II, spring 1995-96. This project was funded by two UGC Direct Grants for Research from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, which we acknowledge with thanks.
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