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 where buildings surround a central courtyard.
Huang, B. X., Chiou, S. C., & Li, W. Y. (2019). Study on courtyard residence and
cultural sustainability: Reading traditional Chinese Siheyuan through Space Syntax.
Sustainability, 11(6), 1582.
Huang, Chiou, and Li examine the modern repurposing and adaptation of Siheyuan architecture in Beijing, highlighting its impact on the city's urban landscape. The authors contend that Siheyuan is a valuable cultural and architectural heritage that deserves preservation and adaptation for contemporary use. They note that repurposing Siheyuan architecture has been ongoing for decades but has recently intensified due to increased demand for housing, commercial space, and cultural venues. Huang, Chiou, and Li argue that repurposing and adapting Siheyuan architecture can promote cultural sustainability by preserving traditional architecture and culture, providing affordable housing and commercial space, and enhancing the livability of urban areas in Beijing.
According to an article in the peer-reviewed journal Sustainability, Huang, Chiou, and Li, all from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, argue that repurposing Siheyuan architecture can promote the sustainable development of urban areas while preserving traditional architecture and culture. The authors suggest that the transformation of Siheyuan structures has led to an increase in affordable housing and commercial space and improved urban areas' livability. The author's affiliation and the journal's reputation indicate that the article is a credible and valuable source of information on sustainability and sustainable development.
The article's limitations may be that it overlooks the challenges and downsides of repurposing Siheyuan, as it mainly emphasizes its positive aspects. Furthermore, its focus on Beijing may not apply to other Chinese regions or cities. Scholars in architecture, urban planning, and cultural heritage preservation may find the article helpful, along with studies on Chinese urbanization and cultural sustainability. Additional research on conserving and adapting traditional architecture and culture in other parts of the world could be valuable. Space Syntax, a technique for analyzing urban spatial configuration, may also be a helpful resource.
Jiang, Z., & Wang, F. (2022). Study on environmental art design based on ecology concept. Journal of Sensors, 2022, 1-8.
In this article, the authors discuss the modern repurposing of Siheyuan architecture in Beijing, revitalizing urban spaces and communities. They argue that this trend preserves cultural heritage and promotes sustainable development through eco-friendly design. The article provides case studies demonstrating how Siheyuan architecture can be adapted for residential, commercial, and cultural purposes. The authors suggest that this practice should be encouraged in other urban areas to promote sustainable architecture and align with the current green and low-carbon design trend.
A recent article in the Journal of Sensors by Jiang and Wang, scholars from the Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, analyzes the potential of Siheyuan architecture for contemporary use. This traditional Chinese style features a square courtyard surrounded by buildings. The authors address the challenges of adapting traditional architecture to modern needs and the impact of tourism on Siheyuan architecture. Future research could explore the perspectives of local communities. Recommended references for further reading include The Architecture of Beijing: From Ancient Times to the Present by Nancy S. Steinhardt and Siheyuan: The Traditional Chinese Courtyard House by Xiaoqing Chen. The authors prioritize sustainable development and low-carbon design, minimizing environmental impact while meeting modern needs.
Li, X. (2018). A Great Chinese ‘rural metropolis—the unity and Contradictions in Beijing’s urban identity. In Cities’ Identity Through Architecture and Arts (pp. 3-8). Routledge.
The article discusses the significance of preserving and repurposing Siheyuan architecture in Beijing to shape the urban landscape and create a unique sense of place. The author acknowledges the efforts to balance modernization and preservation through the adaptive reuse of Siheyuan buildings for contemporary purposes such as museums, hotels, and restaurants. Nevertheless, Li points out the contradictions in this process, including the loss of traditional social structures and the commodification of cultural heritage. The author emphasizes that the preservation and restoration of Siheyuan are not only for architectural and cultural identity reasons. Although the article lacks empirical research and relies on anecdotal evidence, it is written by a respected academic from the University of Virginia and published by Routledge, an esteemed academic publisher.
While the article gives a broad overview of Siheyuan architecture and its current uses, it needs more concrete research and a thorough examination of the contradictions involved in the process of repurposing these structures. Moreover, the article needs to address the impact of Siheyuan preservation on the real estate market and the difficulties involved in retrofitting these buildings to meet contemporary standards. For a more in-depth investigation into Siheyuan architecture and its influence on Beijing's urban landscape, researchers such as Bianca Bosker, author of "Original Copies: Architectural Mimicry in Contemporary China," and Jieheerah Yun, author of "Preserving Beijing's Old City: The Siheyuan as a Housing Form," could offer valuable insights.
Rock, M. Y. (2018). Interstitial spaces of caring and community: Commodification, modernization and the dislocations of everyday practice within Beijing’s hutong neighbourhoods. In Chinese Urbanism (pp. 86-106). Routledge.
The article explores the repurposing of Siheyuan architecture in Beijing and argues that converting these traditional courtyard homes into commercial and tourist establishments has resulted in the loss of community and the commercialization of cultural heritage. It highlights the tension between modernization and the preservation of historical architecture and the impact of these competing priorities on the city's urban landscape. A significant quote from the article emphasizes the commodification of heritage and the globalizing tendencies of contemporary Urbanism in converting Siheyuan into hotels, galleries, bars, and cafes.
Rock, an associate professor at the City University of Hong Kong, has researched urbanization in China, particularly the repurposing of Siheyuan architecture in contemporary Beijing. However, the c...