The downturn in China’s real estate sector over the past couple of years, coupled with the news of Evergrande’s bankruptcy last week, has prompted me to draw intriguing parallels between Eastern and Western architecture and culture. Throughout history, architecture, technology, economy, and culture have consistently intertwined, fostering organic interactions. Architecture, in particular, serves as a reflection of contemporary societal norms and a manifestation of prevailing values.

In the script of the Han Dynasty, the artistry of calligraphy finds its quintessence in the horizontal strokes. These strokes offer equilibrium to the vertical and horizontal aspects of bamboo slips, a reflection of the nuanced Eastern values of harmony and restraint. Architectural scholars dub the “flying eaves” of Han Dynasty structures as “concave roofs.” By employing rising bracket arches, these roofs elongate and gracefully arch at their terminus, resembling the outstretched wings of a bird in mid-flight. This begets a distinct charm inherent to Eastern architecture. This aesthetic symbiosis parallels the horizontal “wave” present in the script of Chinese characters, echoing the era’s aesthetics. Contemporary Central Asian architecture, while adapting to modernity, has harmoniously assimilated Western aesthetics. Nonetheless, within the intricacies of our daily affairs, the millennia-spanning national character remains palpable.

Western architecture strives for vertical ascent, an endeavor that challenges gravity’s might with a sense of awe. From the medieval Gothic cathedrals with their interplay of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, to the latest ultra-thin high-rise in New York City (432 Park Avenue), the quest is evident. This is especially pronounced in contemporary skyscrapers, conceived primarily for profit, maximizing land usage to generate a high volume of saleable units. 

From the heights of these structures, the curvature of the Earth becomes palpable, offering a sensory thrill that provides humans with a sense of dominion. It entices individuals to experience this while navigating the shiver of fear. Yet, these towering structures also raise safety concerns, such as the potential threat of falling ice to pedestrians during winter. Skyscrapers, born of advanced technology and materials, have become real due to their development. However, getting higher and higher without any border, these innovations could eventually steer architecture toward a loss of control as technology and materials continue to surge forward.

There’s a saying in ancient China: “In the realm of nature, extremes beget reversals.” While we can’t precisely predict the direction architecture will take, in a world undergoing rapid transformation, continually contrasting, critiquing, and exploring the diversity of aesthetics is our duty. It can aid in fostering healthier societal development. I will share more related to this in the following posts, stay tuned.