|
|
|
| THE CULTURAL SPATIAL COGNITIVE STRUCTURE OF ANCIENT CITY BASED ON REGIONAL “LANDSCAPE GENE” THEORY——A Case Study of Architectural Style of Xi'an City |
| ZHAIWen-yan1, ZHANG Kan-kan2, CHANG Fang3 |
1. Architecture Worker's University of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an 710068, China;
2. School of urban and Environment, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China;
3 School of Tourism and Institute of Human Geography Xi'an International Studies University, Xi'an 710128, China |
|
|
|
|
Abstract City image makes positive contribution to form local self-identity of urban residents' and carries forward history and culture. "Landscape gene" theory, established by Chinese scholars, is a new way to explain the phenomenon mentioned above. This paper takes Xi'an ancient city as an example for the first time to verify the "landscape gene" theory, making researches on pattern of city layout, landmarks and traditional folk house to learn the special cognitive structure of Xi'an City. Xi'an is an ancient capital of 12 dynasties. All of these powerful and prosperous dynasties produced far-reaching effects on urban cultural and structure of Xi'an City. From Han Dynasty to Ming and Qing Dynasty, Xi'an City's location doesn't change much. The long history brings Xi'an unique special cognitive structure comparing with other city. City is an organic whole, which is developing and updating all the time. Hence, we should find a better way to coordinate history and reality when make a urban planning. As far as Xi'an, the new architectures and urban pattern should inherit and develop "landscape gene" to upgrade urban image. It is also helpful to feature city's characters. The conclusions have been found as follows: 1) Natural environment effect on Xi'an location, especially for the "feng-shui" elements. 2) The layers of halls and palaces spreading out on either side of an invisible central axis. 3) The height, dimensions, colors and other characteristics of Xi'an ancient architectures all have some common ground, which can be regarded as "landscape gene".
|
|
Received: 02 April 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010, Vol. 25 
