Spatial Characteristics of Traditional Private Gardens from the Qing Dynasty in North China Considering the Architectural Orientation and Layout

Abstract

This thesis explores the spatial characteristics of private gardens in northern China, with a focus on the orientation and layout. The spatial nature of 22 private gardens is categorised on the basis of the architectural disposition form, axis and spatial definition, and the gardens are divided into 3 groups. The identity of the owner, the location of the garden and the position of the garden entrance have an influence on the spatial layout of each garden and its buildings. In group A, the buildings have a variety of layout forms and are deliberately offset to the East, dividing the garden into a variety of spatial configurations. In group B, the buildings are evenly distributed to the east and west of a square courtyard, which encloses the landscape elements of the gardens. In group C, a large building is located to the north of the garden where it maintains a unified axis with the garden landscape elements, creating a bright open space to the south of the garden.