The Symbolic Meaning Of Landmark Buildings In Contemporary Chinese Cities

In the 21 st century, the advance of the economy and technology has presented new development prospect and opportunities to China. The urban architecture in China has taken on a new look rapidly. However, the diversified forms and growing number of the urban buildings have also brought about all manner of problems. The landmark building that represents the city image has slid into the vicious circle of pursuing the towering and peculiar appearance. It has not only disturbed the overall urban image but also weakened the creation of the urban space.This paper aims to research the symbolic meaning embodied by the landmark building. By dissecting the symbolic meaning of the subjective and object elements comprising the landmark building, this paper has concluded that the landmark feature of the building is not merely determined by the form and function. As a matter of fact, the symbolic meaning of the building has played an even more important role in defining the landmark. Meanwhile, this paper will also research and summarize the lack of symbolic meaning in those landmark buildings in China. It is proposed that the urban landmark building with the symbolic meaning should adhere to the design concept of combining the excellent Chinese traditional culture with the western design. In this way, the landmark building can not only represent the Chinese characteristic but also better shape the spatial environment of Chinese cities.This paper consists of five parts:The introduction of this paper is concerned with the relevant background of the research which is the symbolic meaning of urban landmark building. In addition, this paper will introduce and analyze briefly the problems and research related to the symbolic meaning both at home and abroad during the course of the Chinese contemporary urban landmark buildings. After that, it will discuss the purpose and meaning of the research topic.The first chapter will summarize the landmark building and its symbolic meaning in terms of concept and classification. This chapter will also discuss the historical development of landmark building so as to provide the theoretical basis for the further research.The second chapter is devoted to analyzing the symbolic meaning of the landmark building subjectively and objectively from the perspective of form, function, culture, space and time. Some cases have been also held up for illustration. It has been further revealed how the symbolic meaning of the landmark building is reflected through the subjective and objective elements of the building. Based on the second chapter, the third chapter will make a study of the symbolic meaning of the Chinese landmark building in terms of form, function and culture. By providing some examples for illustration, this chapter will also reflect on the question as to the development direction of the landmark building design with the symbolic meaning in modern China.As the core of this paper, the fourth chapter will discuss the diachronism and synchronism in the symbolic meaning of the landmark building. It is concluded that the vitality of the symbolic meaning of the building should lies in its inheritance of the excellent Chinese traditional culture. Through the modern design method, it will also integrate the nationality with the world. From the angle of symbol, color, material and technique, this chapter will elaborate on the application of the symbolic meaning of the Chinese traditional culture to the design of landmark building. Under the new background, this paper will also propose that the design of landmark building should emphasize the participation of the public. Those modern designers should also innovate in the theoretical level. In conclusion, the landmark building with the symbolic meaning of the excellent Chinese traditional culture can shape the urban spatial environment suited to the public needs from the perspective of physical form and spatial essence.