Ancient Chinese architecture in the future –An investigation with parametric modeling tools

¹ No.2 Department of Architectural Engineering, Planning and Design institute of Forest Products Industry, 100010 Beijing, China
² College of Animation and Digital Arts, Communication University of China, 100024 Beijing, China
³ No.1 Department of Urban Planning, Planning and Design institute of Forest Products Industry, 100010 Beijing, China

Abstract

With the flexibility and modularity of the construction system, the ancient Chinese architecture was a configurative system until the modern time when it became figurative with nationalistic symbolism, and lost its flexibility to adapt in different functions. Through this study, the researchers try to exploit and release the powerful adaptation of this configurative system by using the method of parametric design. First of all, according to the modern parametric theory, the logic of the traditional structural system is found out by abandoning the feudal social hierarchical factors. And then, a 3D model of parametric structure with wide adaptability is established in Rhino by using its parametric design plug-in Grasshopper. Finally, on the basis of the modern parametric skin theory, two skin systems are attached to this new structure separately, in order to prove the feasibility of the new skin idea to this structure. Through the introduction of parametric modeling steps, this paper focuses on mining the modern adaptability of Chinese traditional architecture.