Research On The Granitic Plaster Decoration Of Modern Architecture In Kulangsu

Kulangsu,an island located along the coast of southern Fujian Province,is one of the earliest open treaty ports in China.In the context of the collision,exchange and integration of modern Chinese and Western architectural cultures,a variety of granitic plaster decoration had emerged,combining Chinese and Western elements.The research perspective of the paper is the effect of the integration of Chinese and Western architectural cultures on the diversity of granitic plaster decoration.On the basis of field investigation,the paper analyzes the reasons for the difference of granitic plaster decoration in modern architecture in Kulangsu from the whole to the part,and then discusses the regional characteristic of granitic plaster decoration.The elevation composition,decorative performance,materials and crafts of granitic plaster decoration of modern architecture in Kulangsu can basically constitute an analysis system from the whole to the part.The elevation composition with granitic plaster is based on western architecture,derives the space characteristic of “Ta Xiu”(an entrance with a concave form)and the elevation composition technique of “Zan Zhuan Du”(a structure form for vertical dividing elevation)on the wall from traditional vernacular dwellings in southern Fujian,and combines with the composite pattern of red bricks interspersed with white stones,and transplants the traditional single-storey elevation decorated with bricks and stones to the modern multilayer elevation with brick-concrete structure,finally creates various and abundant forms of composition.The decorative performance of granitic plaster is rooted in the Minnan traditional architectural decoration in style,image,technique and distribution position.It is based on the red and white color contrast from bricks and granitic plaster,focuses on the decoration of pediment,column,beam,window casing,wall,and courtyard gate,and finally forms a unique style of diverse integration.The materials and crafts of granitic plaster is based on the advantages of coastal areas and traditional brick and stone crafts in southern Fujian.It allows local craftsmen in southern Fujian to adapt quickly and skillfully when new materials appeared,and leds to the rapid development of various forms of granitic plaster decoration during the first 30 years of the 20 th century.In the protection of the original appearance of granitic plaster decoration,the paper proposes that targeted treatment measures should be taken according to different damage phenomena and degrees,the participation of experienced craftsmen should be increased,the importance of making test specimens before construction should be emphasized.At the same time,the method of sampling with square grid and the analysis of surface properties index should be introduced to analyze the original appearance,to achieve the purpose of reducing the difference between the new work and the original one.The granitic plaster decoration of modern architecture in Kulangsu,based on inheriting the aesthetics and craftsmanship of traditional architectural decoration in southern Fujian,actively blends in the external decoration style and shows the diversity far beyond other regions.Its dissemination and development exemplifies the extraordinary economic strength and innovative spirit of the Minnan overseas Chinese community that promoted the modern construction in Kulangsu,as well as the construction ideas of the local craftsmen who are proactive,make the best use of everything,and adapt to local conditions when facing new demands and challenges.The process of granitic plaster decoration from the beginning to the prevalence has distinctive regional and modern characteristics.It is an active exploration and attempt of the construction group.Although it is limited to a specific era,the sense of digesting the ancient and modern,local and foreign architectural cultures can be a useful reference for contemporary regional architecture design.