Hidden Meaning Behind Korean Traditional Architecture? | Eastern-Western Architecture Differences!

Summary

This video explores the fundamental differences between Western and Eastern architecture, focusing on how environmental factors like precipitation shape building styles. It contrasts how regions with high rainfall, like Korea, use wood and light materials, while areas with less rainfall, like Europe, rely on bricks and stone. The script discusses how these materials influence roof designs, window sizes, and overall building structures. Additionally, it delves into cultural elements like how Eastern architecture blends indoor and outdoor spaces, using features like long eaves and colorful dancheong to blur boundaries with nature. The video also touches on historical influences, such as the impact of the Tower of Babel in early architecture.

Takeaways

• 😀 The difference between Eastern and Western architecture starts with the impact of precipitation on building materials and farming methods.
• 😀 In regions with over 1,000mm of annual precipitation (like Korea), rice farming thrives, while areas with less (like Europe) focus on wheat farming.
• 😀 The first architecture in Mesopotamia, using baked mud bricks, influenced European architecture and eventually spread to Asia.
• 😀 Western buildings, especially in dry regions like the Middle East, prioritize walls and small windows to protect from heat.
• 😀 European architecture features thicker walls and smaller windows, which evolved to large vertical windows in grand buildings like Versailles.
• 😀 Asian architecture, particularly in Korea, uses wood to prevent buildings from collapsing in rainy conditions, with a focus on protecting wooden pillars from moisture.
• 😀 Steep roof slopes in European buildings are due to heavy snow, while in Asia, the roof slopes depend on precipitation and climate factors.
• 😀 Eastern architecture typically has larger, wooden windows due to the use of wooden pillars, and paper was used for window materials.
• 😀 In Western architecture, small windows and wooden shutters were used for insulation and security before glass became common in the Middle Ages.
• 😀 Korean architecture focuses on blending inside and outside through a design philosophy that integrates nature, including features like long eaves and the use of colorful dancheong patterns to connect the natural world to the home.

Q & A

What is the primary factor that divides Eastern and Western architecture?

The primary factor that divides Eastern and Western architecture is precipitation. Regions with more than 1,000mm of annual rainfall, like Korea, engage in rice farming, while areas with less rainfall, like Europe, tend to focus on wheat farming, which influences the materials and design of buildings.

Why does Western architecture often feature small windows?

Western architecture often features small windows because the buildings are made from brick or stone, which require thick walls for structural stability. Large windows would weaken the walls, so smaller windows are used to preserve the integrity of the structure.

How does the climate affect the roof design in European architecture?

In regions with moderate rainfall like Tuscany in Italy, the roofs are slightly sloped to allow water to drain efficiently. In contrast, areas with heavy snowfall, like Northern Europe, have steep roofs to prevent snow from accumulating and causing damage.

What role does wood play in Eastern architecture, particularly in Korea?

Wood plays a central role in Eastern architecture, especially in Korea, where it is used for building houses. To protect wood from rotting during the rainy season, wooden pillars are placed on stone foundations, and buildings are designed with features like long eaves and elevated floors to allow airflow and prevent moisture accumulation.

Why are eaves in Korean architecture particularly long?

The eaves in Korean architecture are long, typically 60 to 70 cm, to protect wooden pillars from rain. The extended eaves help to shield the wood, ensuring that it stays dry and prevents damage from frequent rainfall.

How does the window size in Eastern architecture relate to the outside scenery?

In Eastern architecture, particularly in Korea, windows are often large and made of paper, allowing for an open connection to nature. The large windows provide expansive views of the surrounding environment, reflecting the cultural value of harmonizing with nature.

What is the significance of the low fences in traditional Korean villages?

Low fences in traditional Korean villages are a practical response to the climate and foundation issues. Building high walls was difficult due to the weak foundations and cost, so low fences were used, allowing visibility of the surrounding landscape and creating a more open and connected feel between the inside and outside of the home.

Why do Korean architectural designs emphasize a gradual transition of views from distant to close-up?

Korean architecture emphasizes a gradual transition from distant views (such as mountains) to closer views (like a garden or bonsai). This design reflects the Korean value of blending nature into the home, allowing inhabitants to experience the outdoors in a step-by-step progression, bringing nature indoors in various forms.

What is the purpose of dancheong in Korean architecture?

Dancheong, the colorful traditional Korean patterns on wooden buildings, serves to enhance the aesthetic and symbolic connection between the structure and nature. The bright colors, inspired by nature's variations, blur the boundary between inside and outside, making the environment feel more integrated and vibrant.

How does the use of ondol heating influence building design in Korea compared to Japan?

The use of ondol heating in Korea influences building design by keeping buildings low, as the heating system requires warm floors. In contrast, Japan, with its frequent earthquakes, could not use ondol, leading to the development of higher-rise buildings without the need for such a heating system.