Study on Composition Elements and Characteristics of External Space of Ancient Nanjing Government Buildings, Republic of China, dated 1912-1949

Abstract

In this study, the external space of government buildings in Nanjing, Republic of China (ROC), are analyzed as research objects. The composition elements, approach characteristics, and their composition relationship of these buildings are evaluated. Analytical results show that as compared to the same type of traditional spaces, the external space of Nanjing government buildings features symmetrical, regular, open, and sparse spaces of Western classical gardens, wherein the external space is designed around the axis of the building and the dimensional and plane elements are arranged symmetrically. This spatial pattern is mainly characterized by " a front garden with a rear building. "