INTERNATIONAL CALLIGRAPHY CENTRE : CHINESE GARDEN, SINGAPORE

Abstract

This thesis concerns the advancement of art in Chinese architecture. The traditional form of Chinese architecture reached its climax during the Qing Dynasty. In order to break away from the traditional form of Chinese architecture, we have to draw from the inspiration of other art forms. I believe the true reflection of a culture is often clearer in its art form. As the functions of architecture becomes increasingly complex in more and more aspects involving more variables, the expression behind it becomes increasingly obscure. Whereas other Chinese art forms like calligraphy and painting has fewer contradictory variables and thus the message can be easily communicated. In this sense, art is always at the forefront of cultural developments, a step ahead of architectural development. In China, calligraphy is the most popular of all the arts. It is a common aesthetic instinct nourished in every Chinese from childhood. Due to its strong link with the past, Chinese calligraphy can be the source of inspiration for Chinese architecture and it can be the source of inspiration for a new expression in Chinese architecture. According to my research, there is evidence that the aesthetic expression in Chinese architecture has been, in one way or an ether, influenced by Chinese calligraphy. For example, Chiang Yee, the author of “Chinese Calligraphy", had observed that the roof form resembles the word "?" in calligraphy and the plan of ponds in Chinese gardens actually follow different calligraphic forms 1ike "?" and "?" depending on the purpose of the garden. In order to attain a high degree of originality and sophistication in architectural expression and at the same time reflect cultural identity of the place, it is therefore important for me to use and understand historical precedent in architecture and art. Thus the thesis is not an end in itself but means to further explore other possibilities in the development of new Chinese architecture. The project selected for demonstrating a new expression in Chinese architecture through calligraphy is the International Calligraphy Centre. It is a home for international calligraphers to communicate, to exchange ideas and to upgrade Chinese calligraphy. The site is in the Chinese Garden at Jurong Town. It is perhaps the more beautiful and natural landscape environment in Singapore