Representing Pasts – Visioning Futures

Abstract

The Chinese culture is one of the oldest and most complex in the world, and architecture stands out as one of its most relevant manifestations. It reflects the needs of society, in an aesthetic, symbolic, or religious manner. At the same time, it reveals the technical ingenuity, in the way of using certain materials and construction details are used, with differences that show its evolution throughout history. Therefore, it is a complex cultural manifestation. The study performed takes the general characteristics of this age-old architecture as its basis, to analyze a relevant case, Yonghe Temple in Beijing. Its architectural richness can be perceived in both the construction and the decorative elements. The aim of this work is to extract its values so as to make it easier to interpret for both the specialized and the general public. The results are the starting point for the generation of educational and dissemination materials, which can help understand and appreciate that society. It also contributes to promoting cultural diffusion and tourist activities. At the same time, the specific investigation of a building of singular relevance makes it possible to knowledge of Chinese architecture and to disseminate it at an international level.