A Lesson in Traditional Taiwanese Architecture

Before you travel abroad, it is always best to do research on the country to which you are traveling. In my case, I tend to look into architecture, design, products, etc. because it is what interests me most. In my opinion, the best kind of education on design is actually seeing it in person. 

As I mentioned previously, I will be flying to Tunghai University in Taiwan with a small group of classmates this upcoming May. I am really looking forward to traveling to Asia and experiencing an entirely new culture. As part of my pre-departure research, I have been looking into Taiwanese architecture. From what I have seen thus far, it is entirely different than any designs I have seen in Pittsburgh, let alone the United States. 

From my understanding, traditional Taiwanese architecture was largely influenced by Chinese designs. Similarities between the two include building the structure along an axis of symmetry, enclosed courtyards, wood construction, key bricks, and roofing heights. Despite the commonalities, Taiwanese design has developed in a unique way. The modern population in Taiwan is descended from immigrants, who came from two southern Chinese provinces. When these immigrants began to create fresh structures in Taiwan, they produced buildings with inspiration from their homeland. They were also free to experiment in their designs now that they were not forced to follow strict Qing Dynasty construction regulations. 

Chinese and Taiwanese architecture can therefore be classified into separate distinctions:

The Chinese Northern Style utilizes rigid construction, gently curved eaves, and heavy materials, all characteristics of the Qing Dynasty.

Gently Curved Eaves at the Forbidden City - China

The Taiwanese Southern Approach illustrates deeply curved eaves and lighter materials. Without such strict construction mandates, fortunate dimensions were developed that outlined orientation, height, width, and depth measurements. If followed correctly, fortunate dimensions brought good luck and karma to the building dweller.

Sharply Curved Eaves at a Taiwanese Pond

Now that I have learned the differences, I will be sure to look for them while I am in Asia this spring! For readers of this blog who live in Taiwan, do buildings actually look this way, whether in rural or urban areas? What makes a structure perfectly classified as Taiwanese architecture in your opinion?

Research courtesy of S. C. Chiou's The Fortunate Dimensions of Taiwanese Traditional Architecture (Issue #5 - P. 547-562) and The Grammar of Taiwanese Traditional Vernacular Dwellings (Issue #6 - P. 689-720), both found in Volume #22 of Environment and Planning. 

Make it count.

RMS

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

In my East Asian Studies course, we read the first volume of Nausicaa Of the Valley of the Wind. When I first learned that we were scheduled to read it, I was interested. I do not usually read comic books, despite having the opportunity to read several American stories at any given time. I am usually more inclined to read adventure or mystery novels rather than panels. I am proud to say that I have read my first manga! 

For those of you who have not read it, the first volume of Nausicaa illustrates the tale of a young princess who is close to taking the throne. The setting is hinted to be in a futuristic world that is struggling under the burden of excessive pollution and poor environmental conditions. Due to the hazardous surroundings, Nausicaa is highly in tune with nature. She has the unique ability to communicate with animals and creatures in order to protect them from harm. 

Nausicaa - Nausicaa Of the Valley of the Wind

During the course of the story, Nausicaa, on her aircraft, is involved in battle multiple times. She is devoted to making morally correct decisions and protecting her community. Many her choices are critiqued by her dying father, the king, in order to prepare her for when she becomes queen. 

Overall, I enjoyed reading Nausicaa. At times, the plot was a bit confusing because I did not understand every creature, character, or idea introduced. I am sure that some of the answers to my questions would be revealed if I read the next volumes of the story. 

In our class discussion, we learned that the name "Nausicaa" has also appeared in Greek mythology. She appeared in Homer's The Odyssey as a young maiden who helps Odysseus obtain permission to stay as a guest on her island. As a character, she seems to value helping others and respects the rules in her society. The manga's Nausicaa is similar in personality, though she acts as the heroine rather than in a supporting role. Despite the similarities, it surprised me to see a reference to Greek mythology in East Asian literature. 

Have you read Nausicaa? What did you think of it?

Make it count.
RMS

A Trip to the Carnegie

This past Sunday, a group of students from my East Asian Studies course and I visited Pittsburgh's Carnegie Museum of Art. The museum is one of many in the area surrounding the city and is less than a ten-minute drive from Chatham. Although we mainly examined Chinese artifacts from antiquity, the building is filled with artwork, sculptures, paintings, and furniture from the United States and around the world. A person can learn so much about the United States and foreign culture just by spending an afternoon at the museum!

We began out visit by examining pottery pieces left behind by the Shang Dynasty. We discovered that many of the markings were geometric in nature, though some illustrations were of mythical creatures. Animals, on the other hand, largely influenced Jin Dynasty creations. They had more details in their craftsmanship and utilized glazing to protect the pottery from water damage.

Geometric Designs of the Shang Dynasty

Jin Dynasty's Animal-Influence 

When the Tang dynasty took control of China, the area experienced an expressive, innovative period similar to the Italian Renaissance. Artists experimented with non-traditional designs, patterns, colors, and textures. Guardians were depicted in sculptural form to protect residences and other significant places.

Innovative Colors & Shapes of Tang Dynasty

Once European powers began to infiltrate Asia, they were largely inspired by Chinese art. They began manufacturing pieces that appeared similar to their impressions of East Asia. Vases, for example, were depicted with scenes from Asian culture, whether or not they were actually accurate.

By living so close to China geographically, Taiwanese students may have a better grasp of these concepts. If you are reading this post as a student at Tunghai University, what is your opinion about the topics discussed here? Was our class accurate in our assessment?

Make it count,
RMS

Introduction

Hello! My name is Rachel Siefert and I am a senior in Chatham University’s interior design program. I have been interested in design since I was a child, so I am very excited to begin my career after graduation! In addition to attending my classes, I work on campus and am involved in a few clubs. I love to bake, read novels, and spend time with my friends and family.

This past summer, I studied  abroad at a university in Florence, Italy. It was a wonderful experience! I loved learning about another country and culture first-hand. One of my favorite parts about the trip was trying all of the delicious food! Ever since I returned from Italy, I have wanted to travel internationally again and learn about other cultures. As part of this course, I will be flying to Tunghai University in Taiwan in May with a group of other Chatham students. I am really looking forward to it!

My family is from a small town just outside of Pittsburgh. I am an only child and do not have any pets. Much of my extended family lives in the same area, so we see them often and are very close. My family is also from Italy, making cooking and eating two of our favorite activities!

Jackie & Bob, My Parents

When I am in Pittsburgh at Chatham, one of my most treasured activities is visiting the nearby Phipps Conservatory. Phipps is similar to a giant green house that contains a variety of beautiful plants, trees, and flowers from around the world. Every few months, they change the arrangements so that there is always something new to see! The building is also one of the most sustainable in the world!

Exterior of Phipps Conservatory - Pittsburgh, PA

Make it count.

RMS