The Comparative Study Of Courtyard Space Between The Huizhou Merchants And The Shanxi Merchants

As an important component of the vernacular dwellings, the courtyard is the main space to live and carry out activities for the residents. The residences of Huizhou and Shanxi are two branches of the Chinese traditional local-style dwelling houses, which is known as "Nan Hui Bei Jin". During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Huizhou merchants and the Shanxi merchants rised one after another. It made a great contribution to the development of the residences in these two places. The article focuses on the courtyard space of the Huizhou merchants and the Shanxi merchants to make a better understanding of the factors leading to different performances. And that will be a chance to a better inheritance and protection of this treasure cultural heritage. The research on the courtyard will be a breakthrough point to help build a systemic method for the design of the complex which associates architecture, landscape, city and region together.In this paper, related data is collected, sorted and mapped. Then make a brief narrative of the function, sorting and elements of the courtyard, and turn to a deep research on the courtyard space of the Huizhou residences and the Shanxi folk houses. The research focusses on some existing residences of the Huizhou merchants and the Shanxi merchants. After a field survey, data is collected to make an analysis of the site selection, layout, space elements and spatial processing techniques. And then, contrast it between the Huizhou residence and the Shanxi residence to find out the reason resulted in the differences. In addition, choose the ChengZhiTang and ShiLvBao as the samples.Mapping and contrasting them from the aspect of scale, layout and spatial processing techniques. And the result is summarized as follows:1. Both of the reason to build the residences are showing their treasure and power.2. Both of the architectural form are adapted to the local environment, but expressive large difference with each other. The main influence comes from the nature and the culture, and related differences appear in color, material, decoration and door form.3. Both of the layout are primary and secondary distinct, improve the environment. But the way of using the space is different.4. Both of the traffic organization are closely related to the spatial layout, and pay attention to function and hierarchy. But each one has its own distinguishing feature.5. The space elements appear different, but the connotation of them is harmonious and unified.6. Both of them adapt to the environment and show particular styles, then form an identifiable space such as "courtyard-architecture-settlement". It can be a reference for the existing urban planning to change the city homogenization.