Significance and connotation of quadrangles
1. Cultural symbols in architectural patterns
Beijing quadrangle building is the carrier of China traditional culture. From the overall pattern to the detailed decoration, from the layout of primary and secondary houses to the definition of the inside and outside of the courtyard, from the orientation of the gate to the layout of wells, stoves and toilets, all of them reflect profound cultural connotations. The closeness of doors and walls conforms to the besieged urban complex of old Beijing. The economic foundation of China feudal orthodox culture is closed and conservative small-scale peasant economy, and the architectural reflection of this economic form is the prevalence of doors and walls.
It can be seen that the quadrangle itself is an idealized symbol of feng shui treasure land, and it has indeed achieved the function of hiding wind and gathering gas. Sitting in the main house facing south, surrounded by north, west and east, and opened at the door of the southeast corner, this layout not only ensures the lighting of the main house, but also avoids the cold, dry and sandy northwest wind in winter to the maximum extent. In summer, cool breeze blows in from the porch, enters the courtyard through the hanging flower gate, and turns into breeze, which can not only enjoy the cool, but also form a benign ecological environment.
The symbol of patriarchal clan system, the pecking order, the difference between inside and outside. Family is the cell of society and the epitome of society. In the Confucian concept, self-cultivation is the foundation of governing the country and the beginning of leveling the world. Therefore, maintaining the feudal patriarchal clan system within the family has been raised to an unprecedented height. Siheyuan, as a place where families live together, expounds the patriarchal clan system in architectural language.
2. Cultural symbols in detail decoration
Beijing Siheyuan is famous because it is a lively Beijing Folk Culture Museum. The Ming and Qing Dynasties were the times when auspicious patterns flooded in China. In the renovation of Beijing quadrangles, it has reached the point where the picture must be intentional and the implication must be auspicious. A dazzling array of cultural symbols makes people feel as if they have stepped into the palace of traditional folk art in China. The decorations, paintings, sculptures and even flowers and trees in quadrangles symbolize people's pursuit of a happy life everywhere.
Expect many children and many blessings. Many children and grandchildren are the embodiment of family prosperity. Pomegranate, gourd, melon, grape and other themes are symbols of many children and many blessings. These fruits and vegetables are the most common plants in quadrangles in old Beijing.
The auspicious pursuit of longevity Kangning. Longevity is the first in Five Blessingg and the most common theme in Beijing quadrangles. For example, 100 pictures of longevity figures with different shapes, pictures of pine cranes celebrating the New Year, pictures of cats and butterflies (homophonic) and pictures of Antarctic Weng (birthday girl) are often depicted on screen walls and brick walls.
Basic types of quadrangles in Beijing
1. There are many types of quadrangles in Beijing due to different scales and grades. Common types are: courtyard with one entrance, courtyard with two entrances, courtyard with three entrances, courtyard with four or more entrances, courtyard with one main entrance, courtyard with two or more parallel groups, courtyard with garden in the main courtyard, etc. Among them, the first courtyard is the most basic unit of quadrangles, while the third courtyard is the most standard quadrangles.
2. Once in the hospital, it is also called the basic hospital. Only the Intermediate People's Court, not the front yard and backyard. The gate is still open in the southeast corner, and part of the courtyard wall in the south is reserved, and part of it is built into a house. The second hospital has only the front yard and the intermediate court. There is no backyard or back building. Sanjin Courtyard is the most standard quadrangle, and the main buildings are the main entrance, screen wall, inverted house and hanging flower door in turn. The main hall, east wing and west wing of the Intermediate People's Court; The back building in the backyard. In addition to the front yard and backyard, the courtyard with four entrances has two entrances, that is, there are two main buildings.
There are few quadrangles with more than four entrances in Beijing, which is mainly restricted by the planning of streets and lanes in Beijing. The distance between hutongs is certain, about 70 meters. It is impossible for ordinary yamen to break the pattern of streets and lanes. If the houses continue to expand, only on the basis of these four basic types can a number of houses be horizontally connected in parallel. For example, two or three groups of three-way quadrangles are connected in parallel, and the east and west wings open channels. The most luxurious quadrangles can also be connected in parallel to form gardens, such as Keyuan in Wenyufu and Dongyuan in Wanrong's former residence.