Research on architectural style and formative causes of traditional Tujia residence

Abstract

The paper intends to expound the architectural style and formative causes of the traditional Tujia residence. Displaying the diligence and intelligence of the Tujia people, Diaojiaolou or stilt house epitomizes their traditional residence. Its construction process is difficult and complicated, teeming with ceremonies and beliefs. Boasting a number of advantages, Diaojiaolou is the stilt (ganlan) framing house that incorporates some characteristics of the pillars-and-transverse-tie-beams (chuantou) and pillars-and-beams (tailiang) framing systems. It can be mainly classified as the individual building, the corner-turning building and the courtyard building. It is often well-decorated. Diaojiaolou is the tangible carrier and manifestation of the Tujia culture and it reflects, or rather, is determined by their architectural ideas, culture, for that matter, social being. It is a product of the integration of their geography, climate, philosophy, ethics and religion. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.