A Study Of Window In Guangzhou Modern Architecture

Guangzhou is a special city in Chinese modern history. It has long been not only a port for overseas trades but also the source of Chinese modern revolution. After the outbreak of the Opium War, Guangzhou began the process of modernization and the architecture form has been dispersed in the combination of Chinese and Western cultures.Window is an important part of architecture. The form of window can directly influence the exterior appearance and internal space of architecture. The structure of window can directly reflect the architecture technology. The material of window can directly reflect the application of architecture materials. Therefore, window is an important research topic in the study of modern architecture in Guangzhou.In this thesis, window in architecture is studied based on literature review and spot investigation. There are four chapters organized as follows:In Chapter One, the research object and frame are determined. The relative literatures are reviewed. The evolution process of window in modern architecture in Guangzhou is analyzed to provide the background materials for the following study by reviewing the literatures during the period of Republic of China.In Chapter Two, the elevation composition and decoration in modern architecture in Guangzhou are studied. The aesthetic characteristics in different architectural styles are summarized. Five decoration styles of window are summarized: introduction of prototype,imitation, simplification, reconstruction of symbol and derivation.Chapter Three is the core section in this thesis. The structure of window is studied in this chapter. The technical terms and purposes of the hardware in wooden and steel windows are clarified. Some pieces of missing hardware are tried to be restored and the chronological sequence of different pieces of hardware are determined. In addition, the area ratio of window to architecture, the technology of brick arch, the design of windowsill and other key points are studied.Chapter Four is about the suggestions for protection and repair. By elaborating the current protection, the reasons of damage on window are generalized and the corresponding suggestions for protection and repair are proposed.In the last, the currently existent styles of window and hardware are digitized by sorting out the investigation materials to provide the factual basis for further repair and study.