The loss and return of national traditions in the modernization of Сhinese architecture

Abstract

This article examines the discontinuities in and revivals of national architectural traditions in the modernization process, following the introduction of modernist architectural theories and methods in China in the early 20th century. Through detailed introductions and analyses of multiple architectural cases, the paper articulates the exploratory journey of local and diasporic Chinese architects in integrating national identity with modernity. It also discusses the temporal limitations of integration designs in earlier phases. In the new era of global sustainable development, traditional Chinese architecture aligns closely with contemporary concepts of ecology, resilience, and low-carbon design. The intrinsic natural philosophy and green construction techniques of traditional Chinese architecture hold trans-era value.

Keywords

• chinese architectural tradition
• modernization of chinese architecture
• naturalism in traditional architecture
• integration of tradition and modernity