Form Study On Xi'an Traditional Dwellings In The Ancient City Zone Of Xi'an

Xi'an is one of the earliest inhabit areas and the local culture represents one of the source of Chinese culture., the inhabitants develop their own dwellings in thousands of years, which is similar to the dwellings nearby but have their own characteristics. The city zone was limited by the city wall, which was established in Ming dynasty and still existing today. From Ming dynasty, the name "Xi'an" was used for the city's name until now. Nowadays, as a famous historic city, Xi'an has an integrated historic structure and many well protected historic architecture in the ancient city zone of Xi'an, but by the economic and real estate development in resent 20 years, many traditional dwellings are disappearing. The research and protection works for the dwellings is a pressing need.This dissertation is mainly about the form research of the traditional dwellings in Xi'an ancient city zone. Firstly, from the viewpoint of history, a brief analysis of the traditional dwellings developed in Xi'an area was made to summarize the main characters of the dwellings in history. Secondly, from the viewpoint of the city, a brief analysis of relationship between the city and the dwellings developed in Ming, Qing dynasty and Republic of China( 1638 ~ 1949). Thirdly, from the viewpoint of architecture, the detailed form character analysis of the dwellings was made on the three points: The dwelling buildings located in the courtyard. The space created in the courtyard, (include the space structure, usages, order of the dwellings and the relationship between the dwellings and the street.) and the detailed structure and decorations used on the buildings.In the dissertation, it points out: First, the form of the traditional dwellings in the ancient Xi'an city zone was influenced by the long living history in the big Xi'an area. Second, in the more than 500 years development, in one hand, the distributing of the traditional living area in the inner city were partly centralized and partly separated because of the development of Xi'an city. In the other hand, the society and the traditional dwellings itself had influenced by the western aesthetics thoughts and modernization and developed into many directions in this period, especially the last part of this period. Third, this dissertation makes a conclusion about the form of the traditional dwellings in four aspects:1. "Venerable" for the whole style.2. "Simple" for the architecture and the courtyard composing.3. "Pristine" for the materials and structure using.4. "Elegant" for the details and decoration.This dissertation may support a foundation and have a positive impact for the protection and renewal of the traditional dwelling in the ancient city zone.