"Survival Of The Fittest"--a Comparative Study Of Southwest And Northwest Vernacular Dwelling Architecture In China

Vernacular dwelling, as a civilization (culture) carrier, gradually results form the long-term practice of mankind under specific natural environment and social and economic conditions. Its rich history, art and aesthetic value are not only the foundation of traditional Chinese culture, but also the treasure of modern industrialized civilization. However, the old vernacular dwelling has showed its weakness and fragility. The existing old vernacular dwellings are mostly located in remote areas with the great fame and prosperity in history. The disappearance of old towns and vernacular dwellings as well as a way of living close to the nature merges within few decades and such separation takes places within about two generations. Therefore, we must admit that it is our obligation to preserve and develop the vernacular dwellings with the traditions and lifestyles in the tide of"modernization"and the carnival of"new value".The prevailing and dominating principle of"natural selection and survival of the fittest"makes both men and animals survive according to the environment. Animals change their physical structures to meet the environment, while people depend on creation and development to meet their own needs. Thus, this paper, based on the comparative studies between the southwest and northwest vernacular dwelling in China, aims at scientifically solving the protection and inheritance of the vernacular dwelling. Under the theory of survival of the fittest, this paper gives a specific analysis of the chronological and spatial adaptability of the vernacular dwelling from the three-group examples (soil caves in northwest and folk houses of Yi people in southwest; compounds of Shanxi businessmen in Middle , old townscape of Pingyao in northwest and Dali and Lijiang in southwest and Chenlu old townscape in northwest and Jianshui old townscape in southwest). And it offers a comparative study of the similarities and differences of southwest and northwest vernacular dwellings according to topography, climate, humanities, residence construction, building materials and cultural protection. This paper also explains the coexistence of the old vernacular dwelling factored by region and the present regional system in order to develop the vernacular dwelling in a scientific and dynamic way. And it suggests the detailed regeneration of frame construction, stereotype protection, function enrichment, organic update, image promotion and spatial integration. The paper predicts the tendency of modern vernacular dwelling improvement and transforms it as the specific reference of protection and development for other old vernacular dwelling and townscapes.