A Study On The Chinese Architecture Terminology "Panjian"

“Cross section” is broadly discussed within the academic circle of Chinesearchitecture, for it is the main part of framework. By contrast,“longitudinal section”is rarely talked about, except for the type of “DianTang”（殿堂）or “Fengguo si”（奉国寺型）which has intertwining framework specially. This is the tendency of “thebeauty of structure” long been known. But since “longitudinal section” is also aninseparable part of framework, it can reflect the tectonic thinking definitely, on theother hand, as the main “canvas” set straightly ahead the audience, its visual valuealso deserve to be paid attention.This dissertation examined the name, form and meaning of panjian（襻间）, aswell as “longitudinal section”. It divides into three parts. First, examining the nameof panjian from the view of document, comparing the regulation and drawing inYingzao Fashi（营造法式）. Second，examining the form of panjian from the view offramework, comparing the case of the early architectures. Third, examining themeaning of panjian from the view of visual value, analysising the effects of individualarchitecture, proposeing different models and giving a historic profile of “longitudinalsection” development.