Re-understanding Of Architectural Regionality And Nationality From The Viewpoint Of Three Key Factors To Architecture

In the21st century, society develops at a breathtaking pace in its every aspect:economy in different countries closely connected, information and mass mediaspreading in various ways at an amazing speed, technology transmitting withoutborders, and cultures influencing each other. The whole society has gradually changedfrom highlighting individuality to allowing common values exist.Under this trend cities around the world appear to be close relatives. Thearchitecture in some countries and regions shows so much similarity that makes us tothink about their individuality. To control the spread of this phenomenon, somescholars set out the study of regionality and nationality of architecture. They try toinherit and develop the individuality of architecture under such historical background.However, general researches lead to confusion between the concept of ‘regionality’and ‘nationality’.China is a country that occupies a vast territory. Its varied climate crosses frigid,temperate, subtropical, and tropical zones from north to south, with land extendingacross plain, plateau and ocean from west to east. Its natural environment is complexand diverse and geographic features are distinct. China has56ethnic groups, eachwith a long cultural history. The geographical and national complexity leads to its‘regionality’ and ‘nationality’, which influence each other and exist peacefullymeanwhile.On account of the conceptual confusion between ‘regionality’ and ‘nationality’,this paper first presents the definition of related concepts, focusing on distinguishingtheir definitions, and then lists architecture examples with regional and nationalfeatures. After such demonstration, it arrives at a conclusion that the two concepts areof great significance to maintaining architecture individuality. The paper afterwardsanalyzes examples regarding architecture function, technology and appearance, threekey factors to architecture, so as to study the expression and relation of regionalityand nationality in specific architecture. Finally, it discusses the reasonable applicationof the two concepts, exploring the trend of modern architecture in China, pointing out the priorities and difficulties that need architects attention. Meanwhile, it puts forwarda way to continue the regionality and nationality of architecture.