Resonance of literati spirit and space: investigating the cultural atmosphere within traditional Chinese academy architecture

Abstract

Traditional Chinese academies have historically played a vital role in nurturing intellectual elites and preserving the literati spirit, with their architectural remnants continuing to imbue contemporary settings with a distinct cultural essence. This research aims to revisit and reinterpret the “literati ambiance” through a multidisciplinary lens, integrating literature research and case studies. It explores the nature and generative mechanisms of the cultural atmosphere inherent in traditional Chinese academy architecture, providing a new interpretation of constructing and experiencing this unique ambiance. By drawing on atmospheric aesthetics and the concept of Genius Loci, the study analyzes the interplay between the physical environment, human emotions, and cultural contexts in generating the literati ambiance. The findings enhance comprehension of this ambiance and offer insights into its conservation and dissemination. The research also addresses potential constraints and suggests areas for further study, including verification through case studies, cross-cultural comparisons, and detailed examinations of specific locations.

Keywords

• literati ambiance
• traditional chinese academies
• atmospheric aesthetics
• genius loci