Research On Wharf Structure In Southern Sichuan

Among the various types of traditional Chinese architecture, wharf structures, due to their different geographical conditions and hinder lands, show different architectural forms. Wharf structure also show various settlement patterns due to the diverse shapes of rivers, lakes and landscapes. For instance, there are southern Chinese riverside towns with level terrain and crisscrossing rivers, villages flanked by hills and surrounded by rivers and towns along the riverbanks. These reasonable forms are relatively stable after numerous migrations of several generations and their gradual adaptation and utilization of natural environment in the long course of history.The fluctuating hills, numerous rivers, luxuriant forests, prosperous salt industry and developed salt transportation in southern Sichuan province provide favorable conditions for towns along riverbanks. These towns, along the contour of riverbanks or vertical to them, are in different forms. The thesis, taking the ancient street of Wutong Bridge for example, explores the cultural phenomenon and regional features of the wharf structure in southern Sichuan. The thesis consists of three parts. The first part is an introduction to the natural environment and history of watercourse in Wutong Bridge and points out the objective preconditions for the development of wharf structure in Wutong Bridge. The second part explores the causes for wharf structure from the perspective of salt industry and the influence of traditional Chinese Fengshui theory on wharf structure. The third part is a systematic analysis of the layout, architectural structure and exterior shape of wharf structure.The thesis focuses on the exploration of the multiple levels of significance of wharf structure patterns and aims to reveal the traditional culture of folk residence from a new perspective and have a thorough understanding of the harmony between human and environment, material and spirit.