Architecture and tradition

Abstract

The history of contemporary architecture in China begins in 1949. In that year, the country’s social infrastructure changes. In 1978 the Economic Reform brought on another important phase in the development of China and its architecture. Since 1978, the volume of construction has expanded dramatically. “However, many architectural critics, both in China and abroad, agree that contemporary Chinese architecture as an art has yet to develop a language specific to its own unique conditions”. The language should form from a Chinese unique tradition. This research is aimed at exploring the relationship between traditional architecture and contemporary architecture, and how to make good use of the essence of tradition to make architecture more meaningful.