Digital Development and Application of Song Dynasty Wooden Architecture Craftsmanship Based on Experiential Education
Pubblicato online: 27 feb 2025
Ricevuto: 11 ott 2024
Accettato: 26 gen 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/amns-2025-0151
Parole chiave
© 2025 Liu Mingguo, published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The Song Dynasty was an important period in Chinese history, characterized by economic prosperity, technological progress, and cultural flourishing. Architectural art achieved remarkable development on the basis of inheriting tradition, with many outstanding architectural works emerging, such as the Shengmu Hall of Jin Ancestral Temple and the Moni Hall of Longxing Temple in Zhengding. The publication of "Yingzao Fashi" marked the maturity of architectural theory and promoted the development of craftsmanship. Compared with the Tang Dynasty, the Song Dynasty has more abundant architectural remains, providing opportunities for studying the architectural styles and techniques of this period. Song Dynasty architecture is exquisite in structure, and its decoration reflects the elegant Song style, showcasing unique aesthetic values. [01,02,03]
The Song Dynasty emphasized civil governance and suppressed military power. The civil service system was perfected, and the status of the literati class was elevated, providing a good foundation for architectural project management and promoting the standardization and specialization of the architectural industry. Urban construction in the Song Dynasty occupies an important position in history, with the Eastern Capital (Kaifeng) of the Northern Song and Linan (Hangzhou) of the Southern Song being typical representatives. Kaifeng had a dense population and an open street layout, as depicted in Zhang Zeduan's "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," showcasing the prosperity of the city. Linan, on the other hand, was located by the West Lake, displaying the unique urban style of Jiangnan. Urban construction in the Song Dynasty not only reflected the characteristics of the times in terms of scale and layout but also demonstrated rich connotations in culture, economy, and defense, laying the foundation for future urban planning.
Song Dynasty architecture reached new heights in design, structure, and decoration, reflecting the prosperity of social culture and aesthetic pursuits. Compared with the Tang Dynasty, the architectural style of the Song Dynasty was more mellow and elegant, with shortened dougong, reduced eave dimensions, and complex overall structures with rich decorations. Li Jie's "Yingzao Fashi" became an important work for architectural design and construction, detailing design concepts and construction methods. Existing Song Dynasty buildings, such as the Moni Hall of Longxing Temple in Zhengding, Hebei, and the Chuzu An Main Hall of Shaolin Temple in Henan, showcase exquisite architectural craftsmanship and diversity. [04,05] Song Dynasty garden design emphasized the combination of nature and humanity, with the ingenious use of stones, water features, and plants creating unique landscapes. Du Wan's "Yunlin Shipu" praised Taihu stones, while Emperor Huizong of Song displayed the beauty of stones in imperial gardens. Water feature design focused on fluidity, with the design concepts of flowing cup channels and winding water banquets bringing gardens to life. Existing garden remains, such as the Deshou Palace and Sima Guang's Dule Garden, reflect the artistic achievements of Song Dynasty gardens.
The construction of Song Dynasty architecture and gardens not only embodied people's pursuit of nature and beauty at that time but also reflected profound cultural heritage and artistic achievements, laying an important foundation for the development of architecture and garden art in later generations.
China's traditional wooden construction technology has a long history. The mortise and tenon structure appeared as early as 7,000 years ago in the Hemudu culture site. Through the development of the Shang, Zhou, Han, and Tang dynasties, the technology reached maturity in the Song Dynasty, forming a standardized, modularized, and systematized technical system. The "Yingzao Fashi" represents the peak of architectural development in the Song Dynasty, reflecting the high-level architectural technology, economic prosperity, and cultural development of that time. Song Dynasty architecture is systematic in design thinking, with diverse functions and decorative arts. The flourishing of architectural forms such as city towers and colorful buildings reflects the social atmosphere and cultural inheritance of that time.
Song Dynasty wooden architecture, with its exquisite and complex structural system, is regarded as a treasure of Chinese culture, showcasing superb construction techniques and profound cultural connotations. The "Yingzao Fashi" records various aspects of architectural craftsmanship in detail, becoming the national standard of the architectural industry. Craftsmen used the unit of "cai" to achieve accurate calculations and designs in architecture, ensuring the optimization of materials and costs and promoting architectural sustainability. The "Yingzao Fashi" comprehensively documents design principles, structural layouts, and construction guidelines, especially the craftsmanship of dougong and juansha, reflecting the combination of practicality and aesthetics. Dougong not only supports the roof but also symbolizes the ancients' respect for the ritual system; the juansha craftsmanship embodies the concept of moderate decoration, showcasing the unique charm of traditional architecture in modern society. Moreover, the emergence of the painting system provided a standardized and normalized basis for architectural beautification. Different architectural types correspond to different painting styles and specifications, enhancing the artistic appeal of architecture. Song Dynasty architecture not only pursued aesthetics in form but also profoundly reflected the ideological concepts and social culture of that time. Confucian thought emphasized social order and ritual norms, influencing the structure and layout of architecture; Taoist thought pursued nature and harmony, emphasizing conformity with natural laws; Mohist thought advocated frugality and rational use of resources, promoting the emergence of standardized designs. [06,07,08]
Song Dynasty wooden architecture, with its exquisite technology and profound cultural connotations, showcases the wisdom and aesthetic pursuits of ancient craftsmen. These buildings not only meet functional requirements but also achieve harmonious unity of beauty in form and spirit, which is worth exploring and inheriting in modern design. By drawing on traditional wisdom, modern architecture can better serve human life and promote social harmony and development.
With the rapid development of AR and VR technologies, the digitalization of traditional culture has been infused with unprecedented vitality and brilliance. The seamless integration of AR/VR technology with traditional culture has greatly enriched cultural experiences and promoted the widespread dissemination of culture.
This project takes the architectural cultural resources in the "Yingzao Fashi" as the carrier and extracts the design thoughts such as systematic beauty, scientific beauty, artistic beauty, and humanistic beauty in Song Dynasty wooden architecture craftsmanship. By utilizing the interactivity and immersion characteristics of digital technologies (AR\VR\MR), virtual scenes are constructed to display and present the construction craftsmanship of Song Dynasty architecture. Digital cultural and creative products targeting young people are developed, allowing them to intuitively experience the creative thoughts of the ancients, understand the relationship between ancient people and nature, and achieve the effects of experiencing aesthetics, inspiring wisdom, and reflecting on contemporary life. This truly enables "cultural education" to "enter the mind and heart."
Extraction of Design Thoughts in Song Dynasty Wooden Architecture Craftsmanship
| Research Object | Content of Design Thought Extraction |
|---|---|
| Research results on Tang and Song architectural craftsmanship by architectural scholars such as Liang Sicheng, Chen Mingda, Pan Guxi, and Li Luke | Extract the scientific principles, aesthetic spirit, and humanistic sentiments inherent in traditional ancient building craftsmanship. |
| Existing Tang and Song buildings (Nanchan Temple, Foguang Temple Main Hall, Dule Temple Guanyin Pavilion, Jin Ancestral Temple Moni Hall, Zhengding Moni Hall, Shaolin Temple Chuzu An, etc.) | Analyze the adaptability and flexibility of the ancients' creation by cross-referencing the "Yingzao Fashi" with physical objects. |
| Buildings in Tang and Song paintings (Painting of Palace Towers and Imperial Procession, River Sails and Pavilions, Four Scenes of Landscapes, Along the River During the Qingming Festival", etc.) combined with the study of garden layout in "Yuanzhi" | Analyze the architectural structure and garden layout in Song Dynasty paintings, and utilize the principles of garden layout in "Yuanzhi" to analyze the wisdom of the ancients in creating scenes and summarize the expression strategies of artistic conception beauty. |
Extract the patterns of platforms, large woodwork, small woodwork, carvings, and paintings from the book "Yingzao Fashi" and establish a digital model database categorized by type.
Digital Modeling of Architectural Components in the Book "Yingzao Fashi"
| Category | Component | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Balustrade panel, steps or stairs, platform or terrace, railing or balustrade, etc. | |
| Large Woodwork Small Woodwork Carvings | Bracket set or corbel bracket system | Various bracket sets composed of dou (blocks), gong (arms), ang (cantilevers), jue tou (decorative end pieces), and other elements. |
| Large wooden framework | Beams, columns, purlin, rafters, etc. | |
| Roof | Roof styles, ridge decorations, eaves, etc. | |
| Others Platforms Large Woodwork | Doors and windows | Door types, window types, etc. |
| Partitions and barriers | Partition types, barrier types, etc. | |
| Miscellaneous items | Ladders, plaques, etc. | |
| Small Woodwork Carvings | Wood carvings | Doors and windows, beams and lintels |
| Stone carvings, brick carvings | Gate towers, column types, wall surfaces | |
| Others | Paintings, tile work, walls and brickwork, etc. | |
Based on the research results of modern scholars (such as Liang Sicheng, Chen Mingda, Pan Guxi, etc.), digitally restore the construction process of existing Song Dynasty buildings. Infer the platform, large woodwork, small woodwork, carvings, and painting patterns of buildings in Song paintings based on the "Yingzao Fashi," establish digital models, and restore the buildings and towers in Song paintings. Complete the construction of the digital model database.
Digital Model Database of Song Dynasty Wooden Architecture
| Tang and Song Architectural Structure Resources | Category | Component | Content | Assembly and 3D Restoration |
| Architectural components | Individual components such as large woodwork, small woodwork, paintings, stonework, carvings, etc. | Digital carving and 3D printing of architectural components 3D model restoration of Liang Sicheng's hand-drawn hypothetical drawings of Song Dynasty buildings 3D model restoration of existing Tang and Song buildings, and comparison of differences with physical objects 3D model restoration of buildings in paintings Based on Tang and Song architectural principles, deconstruct and reconstruct the design of children's toys and picture books. |
||
| Existing buildings Buildings in paintings | Tang Dynasty buildings | Nanchan Temple Main Hall, Foguang Temple Main Hall, etc. | ||
| Song Dynasty buildings | Chuzu An, Jin Ancestral Temple Moni Hall, Longxing Temple | |||
| Moni Hall, Dule Temple Guanyin Pavilion, etc. | ||||
| Painted decorations Structure optimization design | Tang Dynasty paintings | Tower buildings in Quelou Yizhang Tu, Jiangfan Louge Tu, etc. | ||
| Song Dynasty paintings | Hall towers, workshops, city gates, civilian residences, shops, etc. in Ruihe Tu, Zhakou Panche Tu, Along the River During the Qingming Festival, etc. | |||
| Existing buildings Buildings in paintings | Tang Dynasty patterns | Common, decorative, and suitable patterns in architectural paintings in Dunhuang murals | ||
| Song Dynasty patterns | Wucai Bianzhuang, Nianyu Zhuang, Dieyun Lengjian Zhuang, Jielv Zhuang, Shuashi, etc. in the Song Dynasty "Yingzao Fashi" | |||
| Painted decorations | Architectural components | Development of architectural structure toys based on the mental characteristics of young people | ||
| Pattern designs | Development of painting picture books based on the mental characteristics of young people | |||
This project conducts an in-depth analysis of the physical, psychological, and philosophical connotations of traditional craftsmanship [09, 10], explores its integration paths with modern ideological and political education, researches Chinese traditional innovative thinking and its impact on ideological and political education for young people, and discusses the changes in aesthetic psychology between ancient and modern times and their reasons. The project aims to help young people avoid the pursuit of utilitarian values, enhance their personality perfection and happiness index, and develop digital construction of Song Dynasty wooden architecture cultural and creative products—"Smart Creation," which specifically includes:
AR\VR\MR interactive storytelling is utilized to recreate the construction process of Tang and Song wooden architecture. The audience, assuming the role of a construction supervisor (official position), presides over the construction of ancient building projects, allowing them to deeply experience the standardized design in ancient architecture—the modular system. Figure 1 shows that via the usage of the cross-sectional specifications of a single architectural component (bracket), the labor and materials of the entire building can be inferred, the project cost can be calculated, and the entire building can be constructed in a coordinated manner under strict proportions. [11]
Narrative Interactive Game
Through AR\VR\MR interactive games, the structure of ancient buildings is restored in three dimensions, interactively displaying the frame structure, beam and column joints, and bracket combinations within the building, allowing the audience to intuitively experience its ingenious structure and scientific stress distribution. Figure 2 shows that virtual simulation means are employed to simulate the architectural structural mysteries of "walls falling but the house not collapsing" under earthquake conditions, as well as the drainage systems and ventilation layouts of ancient buildings under natural conditions. [12]
Assembly Interactive Game
Patterns from Dunhuang murals, Tang and Song paintings, and the "Yingzao Fashi" that embody the aspirations of ancient people for a better life are selected, and the surface paintings of individual buildings are digitally restored. The audience can select and match painting patterns to decorate building facades through digital interactive games, as shown in Figure 3.
Interactive Dressing Game
Taking the craftsmanship of large woodwork, small woodwork, and painting in Tang and Song wooden architecture as a blueprint, the three-dimensional structure of buildings in Tang and Song paintings is inferred, completing the three-dimensional restoration of buildings in ancient paintings. The beauty of the layout and artistic conception of ancient architecture and gardens is experienced through AR\VR\MR digital roaming, as shown in Figure 4.
Virtual Roaming Animation
Building block toys with Chinese characteristics are developed referencing the design concept of Lego toys. Based on the architectural craftsmanship in the "Yingzao Fashi," assembly toys with joinery are designed. According to the principles of scenery in Tang and Song paintings, landscape building block toys are designed. Figure 5 shows that AR\VR\MR technology is utilized to combine real scenes with virtual scenes, showcasing the harmonious beauty of the trinity of architecture, planning, and natural environment, allowing students to experience the creative wisdom of "Unity of Heaven And Man" of the ancient Chinese.
Dougong Bracket System Building Toy
Main Contents of Digital Construction of Song Dynasty Wooden Architecture Cultural and Creative Products—"Smart Creation"
| Framework | Wooden Architecture Carrier | Aesthetic Education Display Content | Expression of Beauty | Presentation Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beauty of the System— Taking Materials as the Ancestor Beauty of Science— Investigating Things to Gain Knowledge | The core idea of "taking materials as the ancestor" | Using "cai" as the basic unit to demonstrate the calculation and construction of architectural components and building (group) data. Using interactive games to showcase the assembly and joinery methods of mortise and tenon structures such as columns, beams, purlins, rafters, doors, and windows. | The systematic beauty, scientific beauty, and artistic beauty of standardized architectural craftsmanship Displaying the combination of structural beauty and modeling beauty in ancient buildings | Animation demonstration Digital assembly interactive game |
| Restoration of standard Song Dynasty architectural hypothetical drawings (Liang Sicheng's manuscripts) | ||||
| Beauty of Art—Praying for Blessings and Welcoming Good Fortune Beauty of Humanities— Entering the "Painting" Beauty of Structure— Ingenious Craftsmanship Beauty of the System— Taking Materials as the Ancestor Beauty of Science— Investigating Things to Gain Knowledge | Large woodwork craftsmanship | Using "cai" as the basic unit to demonstrate the calculation and construction of architectural components and building (group) data. | The natural beauty and scientific beauty of the ancients' harmony with the natural environment through adapting to local conditions and taking advantage of the situation. The systematic beauty, scientific beauty, and artistic beauty of standardized architectural craftsmanship | Digital assembly interactive game |
| Small woodwork craftsmanship | ||||
| Mortise and tenon structure of dougong and large wooden frames | Simulated demonstrations of protection under natural conditions such as earthquakes, displaying the scientific principles of "walls falling but the house not collapsing" | Displaying the combination of structural beauty and modeling beauty in ancient buildings | Simulation demonstration Digital interactive game | |
| Roof lifting and folding Door and window installation | Simulated demonstrations of ventilation, lighting, and drainage systems in ancient buildings | |||
| Three-dimensional digital visualization and restoration of existing Tang and Song ancient buildings | Dissecting ancient architecture, viewing the frame structure inside the building through walls and floors, revealing the inner workings of the architecture. | Analyzing the wisdom of the ancients' adaptability and flexibility in creation by comparing the craftsmanship of existing ancient buildings with the "Yingzao Fashi." | VR interactive demonstration Digital interactive demonstration | |
| Beauty of Art—Praying for Blessings and Welcoming Good Fortune Beauty of Humanities— Entering the "Painting" Beauty of Structure— Ingenious Craftsmanship | Stonework, carvings, bricks, and tiles | Employing interactive games, users can select and match door and window styles and paintings from the resource library to replace and configure on individual buildings. | Displaying the psychology and value pursuits of the ancients' aspirations for a better life through the decorative beauty of ancient buildings. | Digital dressing interactive game |
| Painting craftsmanship | ||||
| Painting craftsmanship Roof lifting and folding | Simulated demonstrations of ventilation, lighting, and drainage systems in ancient buildings | |||
| Beauty of the System— Taking Materials as the Ancestor Beauty of Science— Investigating Things to Gain Knowledge Beauty of Art—Praying for Blessings and Welcoming Good Fortune | Three-dimensional digital visualization and restoration of buildings in paintings | Taking the craftsmanship of large woodwork, small woodwork, and painting in Tang and Song wooden architecture as a blueprint, inferring the three-dimensional structure of buildings in Song paintings, completing the three-dimensional restoration of buildings in ancient paintings. Profoundly explaining the significance of learning traditional wooden structure architecture. | Showcasing the artistic conception beauty and humanistic beauty of ancient building construction through the site selection, layout, and other contents in Song Dynasty paintings. | VR interactive demonstration Digital interactive demonstration |
| Dialogue between Li Jie, the author of "Yingzao Fashi," and the architectural master Liang Sicheng | Profoundly explaining the significance of learning traditional wooden structure architecture. | Seeking the ancient and questioning the present: reflecting on the creative thoughts of the ancients and attending to modern life. Children experiencing the structural beauty of dougong assembly and the artistic conception beauty of garden layout through play | Open online interactive discussion Digital interaction + animation demonstration | |
| Selection of classic works in modern design that embody the creative concept of "unity of heaven and man" | Showcasing examples of inheriting the creative spirit of the ancients in modern society. | |||
| Beauty of Humanities— Entering the "Painting" | Referencing the design concept of Lego toys, designing landscape building block toys with Chinese aesthetic taste | Mortise and tenon structure assembly toys | Seeking the ancient and questioning the present: reflecting on the creative thoughts of the ancients and attending to modern life. | Physical building block toys Digital interactive picture book |
| Garden layout toys |
This paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the cultural resources and craftsmanship design thoughts of Song Dynasty wooden architecture, utilizes digital technology for resource construction and creative development, and successfully develops a series of digital cultural and creative products. These products not only contribute to the inheritance and promotion of Song Dynasty architectural culture but also enhance young people's understanding and aesthetic ability of traditional culture, achieving the goal of "entering the mind and heart" in cultural education. Through the combination of modern technology and traditional culture, the digital development and application of Song Dynasty wooden architecture provide new perspectives and methods for the dissemination and education of traditional culture.