Siheyuan Architecture in Urban Landscape of Beijing

Annotated Bibliography
Name
Instructor
Course
Date
Annotated Bibliography
Delsante, I., & Zheng, C. (2018). Contemporary Chinese Architects and Type:
Courtyard-based Case Studies in Shanghai Area. Athens Journal of
Architecture, 4(4), 389-404.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/75f4/a385b87eb2d3aba38e22b6872bddf1fff8c
1.pdf
The authors present the transformations of courtyard housing within China as a
representation of changes and their impact on cultural and architectural adaptation.
From the article, the case studies have presented the different ways architects have
used in response to environmental sustainability and the preservation of cultural
heritage.
In addition, there is a need to present that the authors have argued that new
possibilities are essential in the Future of courtyard housing within China.
Conclusively the article offers insights into the channels through that traditional
architectural typologies can be applied and used in a transformative way. This would
be used to meet the needs of contemporary society and preserve the environment by
reducing climate change and enhancing cultural heritage.
Hu, Y. (2022). Artists’ Community: Applying Chinese values to modern urban landscape architecture (Doctoral dissertation, ResearchSpace@ Auckland).
In their doctoral dissertation, Hu (2022) explores the contemporary use and adaptation of Siheyuan architecture in Beijing and its impact on the urban environment. The study contends that the Siheyuan architecture, initially designed as a residential building, has been repurposed for commercial and cultural activities, creating a distinct urban landscape showcasing the city's historical and cultural identity. According to the author, the repurposing process of Siheyuan architecture in Beijing is based on traditional Chinese values of balance, harmony, and order, which are reflected in the design and utilization of these spaces. The research concludes that the repurposing of Siheyuan architecture plays a crucial role in preserving Beijing's cultural heritage while simultaneously addressing the needs of modern urban development.
According to a relevant quote from Ying Hu's dissertation, adapting Siheyuan architecture for modern uses signifies preserving traditional Chinese cultural heritage in a contemporary context (p.3). As a PhD graduate from the University of Auckland's School of Architecture and Planning, Ying Hu's research, which is available on ResearchSpace@Auckland, sheds light on the repurposing and adaptation of traditional Chinese architecture for everyday use in Beijing, as well as the impact of Chinese values on urban landscapes. This source provides valuable insights into how traditional architecture can be adapted for modern use while preserving cultural heritage.
One point of inquiry that emerged from the dissertation was the impact of utilizing Siheyuan architecture for commercial and cultural purposes on the socio-economic dynamics of Beijing. Scholars such as Huang, B. X., Chiou, S. C., and Li, W. Y. can provide valuable insights into Siheyuan architecture and urban landscapes to facilitate further research. Siheyuan architecture refers to the traditional Chinese courtyard houses wher...