Western Architectural Thought Of The Modern Buildings In Kunming (1899-1999)

The architectural trends in the West used here means the main trends which have influenced the formation of modern architectural system of China , and which emerged after the 19th century chiefly in Europe and the United States. Kunming started her modernization progress since the end of the 19* century. In 1899 France established its consulate in Kunming , and this marked the beginning of a new era.Corresponding with the social and political background of neoteric China, there're some obvious stages in the development of Kunming's architectures, including mutation even retreat stages. The first influence from the West is in a form of France style, which was called Western-style house. showing the colonial form this influence took; As a rear city in the War of Resistance against Japan, Kunming got a big chance as never before, and building activities was on the upsurge . In the war, Modernism trend came in Kunming just in step with Europe, and this made Kunming's architectures of this period advanced in China; Since liberation, the development of Kunming's architectures kept step with inland cities on the whole . At first, we cut off all communication with Europe and the United States , learn completely from USSR , eclectic and classical trend prevailed as the result; Then came the huge retreat during the Cultural Revolution , when the affection from the West was diminished to the lightest degree ; After the reform since 1978 , we made up a missed lesson to Modernism. Followed this , New Classicism (or Postmodernism) entered quickly , greatly enriched our composition in architectures , but jumbled up the true order of history on the other hand . Modernism trend had no alternative but to go forward eclectically , and formed current style and features of architectures in Kunming.Inevitably, there are many characteristics for Kunming's architectures in responding the outside influence , such as time lag , eclectic tendency , monotone and conservatism in creation . Furthermore, the expression and attention to vernacular circumstances and nationality is particular to Kunming's architectures.When reviewing the architectural trends in the West, especially Modernism , New Classicism (or Postmodernism), New Modernism and Deconstruction , we can see an unbridled indefatigable critical spirit and innovational spirit throughout . Lack of this spirit will lead to imitation and commonplace. To learn from the West, we must grasp this spirit except for copying specific design skills . We need this brave revolutionary spirit to alter every original value, to change the declining tendency in architecture art and make it vivid.