Cultural Pattern
by Fei A
Title
Cultural Pattern
Artist
Fei A
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Dougong ( dǒugǒng 'cap block') was a special kind of joint that played an important role in the survivability of wooden structures. It is a distinctive construction technique. The dugong braces were set on top of columns to enable the horizontal beams to uphold the heavy roofs by transferring the weight and any impinging stresses over a larger area to more vertical columns than would otherwise be possible.
The pieces are fitted together without using glue or any fasteners and fabricating the intricate pieces so that the joints were flexible but secure required much skill and precision. The loose dougong roof framework was flexible enough to ride through earthquakes and strong storms.
Sets of dougong brackets formed a flexible system, and this is one of the most important elements in traditional Chinese architecture. Builders in Japan, Korea, and other Sinicized countries on the 'Ring of Fire' earthquake zone built using the same basic style.
Uploaded
December 10th, 2018
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Viewed 3,293 Times - Last Visitor from Murphy, NC on 03/18/2024 at 2:25 PM
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Comments (8)
Nancy Kane Chapman
Love this beautiful structure and your clear definition of its purpose. What intelligence! Imagine designing for earthquakes....so brilliant!! F/L++
Fei A replied:
Yes, the ancestors were way brilliant in so many ways... appreciated the wonderful sharing and visit dear Nancy !!!