Analysis of Kiln Dwelling Buildings in Shouyang, Shanxi, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jcte.202406209

Author(s)

Yanjun Li, Sizuo Wang*

Affiliation(s)

Design and Art Department, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China. Corresponding Author.

Abstract

This research analyzes four typical kiln dwellings in three traditional villages in Shaoyang County. Although kiln dwellings are the main architectural form in these villages, the architectural structures and courtyard features vary, all representing the conventional kiln dwellings of Jinzhong in Shanxi. The kiln site in Shouyang County of Jinzhong City is analyzed in detail by means of field investigation and data collection. Through on-site survey and interviews, the author documented the different types of kiln dwellings in Shouyang. The courtyards of kiln dwellings in Shouyang County mainly fall into three categories: subterranean pit kilns, cliff kilns, and courtyard-style kilns. The main feature is the integration of kilns and houses, with courtyard styles including kiln courtyards and compound courtyards, following a layout of axial symmetry. The dwellings reflect the traditional Chinese hierarchy of superiors and inferiors, with decorations combining practicality and aesthetics. This research provides a solid theoretical basis for further improving and enriching the theoretical achievements of traditional residential architecture in Jinzhong, and offers theoretical support for the protection, inheritance, and reuse of residential architecture in Shouyang.

Keywords

Shouyang; Traditional Dwellings; Kiln Dwellings; Architectural Forms; Morphological Characteristics

References

[1] Yan, S., & Kong, Y. (2015). Construction Patterns and Placemaking: Interpretation of Independent Kiln dwellings in Jinzhong Region. Architecture and Culture, (11), 168-170. [2] Zhao, T., Wang, J., & Tang, L. (2022). Analysis of Traditional Village Construction in Shanxi Province from the Perspective of Human Settlement Environment: A Case Study of Nandong Village in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. Urban Architecture Space, 29(12), 74-77. [3] Tian, Y. (2017). Geographic Study of Traditional Residential Buildings in Shanxi Province. Shaanxi Normal University. [4] Hu, Y. (2021). Study on Spatial Characteristics of Jin Merchant Villages along the Ancient Post Road in Shouyang County, Shanxi Province. Taiyuan University of Technology. [5] Wu L, Song B, Chen F et al. Study on roof adaptation of kiln buildings under climate change. Building Energy Conservation (Chinese and English), 2024, 52 (02): 92-99. [6] Ma, R. (2001). Preliminary Study on the Geography of Traditional Residential Buildings in Shanxi Province. Shaanxi Normal University. [7] Xu, C., & Wang, J. (2021). Research on Composition and Proportion of Traditional Residential Buildings with Front Courtyard in Jinzhong Region. Shanxi Architecture, 47(24), 1-4+12. [8] Yang, H. (2017). Optimization and Inheritance Study of Construction Techniques for Independent Kiln dwellings in Loess Plateau Region. Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology.