Introduction to History of Asian Architecture

INTRODUCTION
TO HISTORY
OF ASIAN

ARCHITECTURE:

an augmented reality experience

DR ZAINAL AZHAR
NOOR FARHANA ALIAS

Managing Editor
Ts. Harun Bin Sahat

Editor
Dr Syafizwan Nizam Bin Mohd Faroque
Mohd Ghanim Bin Ghazali
Mohd Rozaimin Bin Abdul Hamid

Writer
Dr Zainal Azhar Bin Zainal Abidin
Noor Farhana Binti Alias

Designer
Mohd Rozaimin Bin Abdul Hamid
Mazwina Hanim Binti Abu Bakar
Nur Liyana Binti Khalid Khan
Nurul Faiza Binti Mohd Zain

Application Publishers and Developers
Mohd Rozaimin Bin Abdul Hamid
Ts. Harun Bin Sahat

Terbitan Edisi 2018

Hak cipta terpelihara. Tiada bahagian daripada terbitan ini boleh diterbitkan semula, disimpan
untuk pengeluaran atau ditukarkan ke dalam sebarang bentuk atau dengan sebarang alat,
sama ada dengan cara elektronik, gambar dan rakaman serta sebagainya tanpa kebenaran
bertulis daripada Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti, Kementerian Pendidikan
Malaysia terlebih dahulu.

Diterbitkan oleh:
Bahagian Intstruksional dan Pembelajaran Digital,
Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti
Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia,
Aras 4, Galeria PjH.
Jalan P4W, Persiaran Perdana, Presint 4,
62100 Putrajaya

Introduction To History Of Asian Architecture: An Augmented Reality Experience

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER 1.0

INTRODUCTION

1.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AUGMENTED
REALITY

1.2 FACTORS INFLUENCING AUGMENTED
REALITY

CHAPTER 2.0

CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

2.1 PAGODA

2.2 TEMPLE

2.3 IMPERIAL PALACE AUGMENTED
REALITY

2.4 PAI-LOU (GATEWAY)

2.5 GREAT WALL OF CHINA AUGMENTED
REALITY

CHAPTER 3.0

JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

3.1 ISE GRAND SHRINE AUGMENTED
REALITY

3.2 KYOTO IMPERIAL PALACE AUGMENTED
REALITY

CHAPTER 4.0

INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

4.1 MEENAKSHI TEMPLE AUGMENTED
REALITY

4.2 TAJ MAHAL AUGMENTED
REALITY

CHAPTER 5.0

MALAYSIAN HERITAGE
ARCHITECTURE

5.1 THE MINANGKABAU HOUSE AUGMENTED
REALITY

5.2 ISTANA KENANGAN KUALA KANGSAR

5.2 SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING AUGMENTED
REALITY

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AUGMENTED REALITY
QUESTIONS

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GUIDE, SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW

DOWNLOAD POLI HISTORICAL APPS available on google play

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APPS TO VIEW AR CONTENTS and app store

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Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Thailand.

CHAPTER 1.0

INTRODUCTION

8 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
1.0 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1.0 AUGMENTED DOWNLOAD POLI HISTORICAL APPS available on google play
REALITY
TO VIEW AR CONTENTS and app store

INTRODUCTION

DEFINITION OF ARCHITECTURE

Architecture is the art and science of designing and erecting buildings. Architects provide care in the shaping of our
built environment. The earliest Architects were definitely not specialists, but someone who erects basic dwellings
using simple tools and materials found adjacent to the site.

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF ARCHITECTURE

The soul of architecture is to design a structure that will be suited for humans to live in, work in, play in, etc.

THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF
ASIAN ARCHITECTURE

The Asian continent encompasses many countries and a variety of ethnic groups with different cultures and histories.
Some of the oldest and most sophisticated societies on the planet, these ancient peoples built great wonders of
architecture dating back to 5,000 BCE. Stretching from the Indus valley to northern Mongolia, from Turkey to the
islands of Indonesia and Japan, ancient Asian architecture is known for its rich diversity.

From about 3,000 BCE to approximately 1,600 BCE, the two dominating ancient Indian cities were Harappa and
Mohenjo-Daro. They show extraordinary city planning, including a sewer drainage system. Although no palaces or
grand examples of ancient construction remain, the cities were laid out with indoor plumbing in virtually every home,
powered by a nearby well. Most homes were constructed with thatch or timber, although pieces of many remain from
carved stone.

Suzhou is one of the oldest towns in Yangtze Basin.

9INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Most Asian architecture was China is the largest single country in Yellow was always the official colour
influenced by ancient religions, Asia, and its architectural influence of the Emperor and was reserved for
with influences from Hinduism and overlaps current national borders. Imperial buildings. Some buildings
Buddhism becoming evident. Temples The ancient Chinese carved animals were U-shaped with courtyards in the
and worship sites incorporate or and creatures (such as dragons) centre, some were open pavilions,
heavily focus on the influences of into their temples and palaces, and some were pagodas that housed
nature, even being carved as tunnels and they decorated many homes religious texts and artefacts. As China
out of mountainsides. Buddhist and public buildings with symbolic conquered lands, Chinese architects
temples include large open pavilions ornamentation. and engineers incorporated the
to accommodate prayer or meditation designs of those lands and developed
in large groups and are likely to new styles according to the preference
incorporate acoustic elements into of the Emperor.
their design.

1.2 FACTORS INFLUENCING AUGMENTED DOWNLOAD POLI FACTOR APPS available on google play
REALITY TO VIEW AR CONTENTS and app store

1 Climate and geographical - to dictate
how building should be as to provide
the most suitable and comfortable
built environment according to
different climatic requirement.

2 Material – the envelope of a building can be
made of all kinds of building materials – brick,
stone, concrete, wood, glass, steel, plastic,…etc.
the choice of materials of the building depend on
a certain propriety, e.g. climate and surrounding.

3 Social / Culture – the complex
whole which includes
knowledge, belief, arts,
morals, law, custom and any
other capabilities and habits.

4 Religion – religion
as a way of life
influence the work
of architecture.

5 Science and
Technology –
helps to provide
the structural
logic of form.

Ancient Buddhist temples, Bagan Myanmar.

10 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE Capital and the largest
1.0 INTRODUCTION City
CHINESE ARCHITECTURE Beijing, Shanghai

INDIAN ARCHITECTURE National language
Standard Chinese

Recognised regional
languages
Mongol (Mongolian)
Uygur (Uyghur)
Zang (Tibetan)
Zhuang
Various Others

Ethnic Groups
91.51% Han
55 minorities
1.30% Zhuang
0.86% Man (Manchu)
0.79% Uygur (Uyghur)
0.79% Hui
0.72% Miao
0.65% Yi
0.62% Tujia
0.47% Mongol
0.44% Zang (Tibetan)
0.26% Buyei
0.15% Chosen (Korean)
1.05% others

Currency
Renminbi (yuan; ¥)

Capital and the largest
City
New Delhi, Mumbai

National language
Hindi
English

Religion
79.8% Hinduism
14.2% Islam
2.3% Christianity
1.7% Sikhism
0.7% Buddhism
0.4% Jainism
0.9% others

Currency
Indian rupee

11INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
1.0 INTRODUCTION

JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

Capital and the largest
city
Tokyo

National language
Japanese

Ethnic groups
98.5% Japanese
0.5% Korean
0.4% Chinese
0.6% Others

Religion
51.82% Shinto
34.9% Buddhism
4% Shinto sects
2.3% Christianity
7.0% Others

Currency
Yen (¥)

MALAYSIAN HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE

Capital
Kuala Lumpur
Putrajaya (administrative)

Official language
Malay

Ethnic groups
68.8% Bumiputera
23.2% Chinese
7.0% Indian
1.0% Others

Religion
61.3% Islam
19.8% Buddhism
9.2% Christianity
6.3% Hinduism
3.4% Others

Currency
Ringgit (RM) (MYR)

12 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE

AUGMENTED REALITY
QUESTIONS

Jam Gadang

Jam Gadang is located in central Bukittinggi, a city in the Minangkabau Highlands of West Sumatra. It sits in
the middle of the Sabai Nan Aluih Park, near the Ateh Market and palace of Mohammad Hatta. The structure
was built in 1926, during the Dutch colonial era, as a gift from Queen Wilhelmina to the city’s controleur. It was
designed by architects Yazin and Sutan Gigi Ameh, reportedly at a cost of 3,000 guilder. Originally a rooster
figure was placed on the apex, but it was changed into a Jinja-like ornament during the Japanese occupation
(1942–1945).
Following Indonesian independence, the tower’s top was reshaped to its present form, which resembles
traditional Minang roofs (see Rumah gadang). Local oral tradition holds that the internal mechanisms of the
clock are twin to those of Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) in London. On March 6, 2007, the Jam Gadang tower
was damaged by two earthquakes that struck western Sumatra. Over the following years it was refurbished
by the Indonesia Heritage Trust (Badan Pelestarian Pusaka Indonesia). Funding for the 600 million rupiah
(approximately 55 thousand Euros) restoration came from the Netherlands.

13

Temple Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, Bali Indonesia.

The Great Wall of China at Jinshanling.

CHAPTER 2.0

CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

16 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
2.0 CHINESE ARCHITECTURE
CHAPTER 2.0
CHINESE
ARCHITECTURE
ANCIENT CHINESE ARCHITECTURE
Together with European and Arabian architecture, ancient Chinese architecture is an important component of the
world architectural system. During its long development, it gradually formed into a style which featured timberwork
combining stone carving, rammed earth construction, bucket arch buildings and many other techniques. Industrious
Chinese laboring people created many architectural miracles such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and the Mausoleum
of the First Qin Emperor.
The most significant characteristic is the use of timber framework. Paintings and carvings were added to the
architectural work to make it more beautiful and attractive. Ancient Chinese buildings have a long history which can
be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (16th century BC - 771 BC). It has its own principles of structure and layout.
Through the long development, many wonders have been created by industrious and clever laboring people. Ancient
architectural miracles are innumerable ranging from Great Wall, White Horse Temple, Mogao Caves to Summer
Palace and Forbidden City.
Ancient Chinese architecture is mainly timberwork. Wooden posts, beams, lintels and joists make up the framework
of a house. Walls serve as the separation of rooms without bearing the weight of the whole house, which is unique
to China. As a famous saying goes, ‘Chinese houses will still stand when their walls collapse.’ The specialty of wood
requires antisepsis methods to be adopted, thus develops into Chinese own architectural painting decoration. Colored
glaze roofs, windows with exquisite applique design and beautiful flower patterns on wooden pillars reflect the high-
level of the craftsmen’s handicraft and their rich imagination.
The layout of a courtyard complex is also unique to China.
The main structure is located on the central axis of a court while less-important structures are located to the left
and right. The whole layout is symmetrical. Compared with European architectural style which is open and shut, a
courtyard is like a hand scroll of painting which should be unfolded little by little. The scenery is different in each
courtyard. Even in moving several steps within the court yard, you will be surprised at the changing of prospects.
Likewise from the interior of the buildings the view from no two windows is the same.

Classical gardens and pagodas in Changzhou, China.

17INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
2.0 CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

2.1 PAGODA

Pagoda is a fascinating example, in which the Indian-Buddhist monumental element of stupa integrated with Chinese
multi-storied watchtowers in military construction. Many Chinese Pagodas are multi-storied. They are also quadrangle,
hexangle, octagonal, and twelve sided ichnographies. Later they also added decorations such as flower pagodas,
honeycombed shrines, animals, Buddha, and disciple sculptures.

Yu Feng Pagoda (tower-style pagoda), Beijing.

2.1.1 SONGYUE PAGODA 2.1.2 PAGODA
PORCELAIN-YUAN
A circular-based stone-constructed Buddhist pagoda built in 523 AD during MING YUAN
the Southern and Northern Dynasties period. It is the oldest existent stone
Chinese pagoda, although wooden Chinese pagodas that existed beforehand The walls are made of porcelain-
have since been worn down and destroyed colored green, blue, yellow and blue
purple, which represent 5 colours
pearl of Buddhist Heaven

Songyue Pagoda

18 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
2.0 CHINESE ARCHITECTURE
2.2 TEMPLE
2.2.1 THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN
The Temple of Heaven is situated in the southern part of Beijing, about 6 km away from the center of the city. It is the
one of the largest parks in Beijing, built in 1420. The Temple of Heaven was the place where the emperors of the Ming
and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven and prayed for good harvests. The emperors visited the temple three times a year.
In imperial days, the Chinese people believed that the sky was in circular shape and the earth was square. On the basis
of this traditional concept, the circle was widely adopted in the design of the temple’s main building. It is in accord with
people’s imagination of heaven.

The Temple of Heaven interior

The Temple of Heaven

INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE 19
2.0 CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

2.3 IMPERIAL PALACE AUGMENTED DOWNLOAD POLI IMPERIAL PALACE available on google play
REALITY
APPS TO VIEW AR CONTENTS and app store

It is located in the centre of Beijing, China. It served as the home
of emperors and their households as well as the ceremonial and
political centre of Chinese government for almost 500 years.

Constructed from 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980
buildings and covers 72  ha (180 acres). The palace complex
exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has
influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia
and elsewhere.

Forbidden City Map

20 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE General Facts
2.0 CHINESE ARCHITECTURE
2.4 PAI-LOU (GATEWAY)

Pai-Lou China have in common with the Torana in India and Torii in Japan. Paifang or Pai Lou, meaning
Materials - wood and stone. The architecture is composed of beams and archway in English, is a
pillars to support the roof surmounted by a crown to match the multi-colored traditional Chinese gateway with
tiles a great example to mark the entrance to a place of honor. a memorial or decorative nature.
Traditional Chinese memorial
This magnificent marble pailou, erected in 1541, is considered by many to be the most archway could be made of wood,
beautiful pailou in all of China. At the Ming Tombs, north of Peking (Beijing). brick, stone or glaze, and is built
mainly to commemorate the
great achievements or loftiness
of a family’s ancestors. Most
Chinese archways are placed in
front of a tomb, temple, bridge,
and ancestral hall or along the
road.
A well-preserved pailou is the
one in front of the main entrance
to the Summer Palace Park. Built
200 years ago, it is composed
of four columns forming three
arches and carrying on top
seven roofed ornamental units.
Inscribed in front and at the
back are two Chinese classical
characters each, succinctly
summing up the beauty of the
hill and the lake in the park.

INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE 21
2.0 CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

2.5 GREAT WALL OF CHINA AUGMENTED DOWNLOAD POLI GREAT WALL available on google play
REALITY APPS TO VIEW AR CONTENTS and app store

The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago, by Qin Shi Huangdi General Facts
(10,000 Li = about 5,000 km). After subjugating and uniting China, the emperor
started to build the Great Wall to stop the foreign enemies from invading China. The official length is 21,196.18
km (13,170.7 mi) — (6+ dynasties’
The Great Wall extends across the mountains of northern China. It’s worth)
constructed of masonry, rocks, and packed-earth. During the Ming Dynasty Most of today’s relics are the
(1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) and Ming Dynasty Great Wall: length
renovated over a 200-year period. The Great Wall is the largest construction 8,851 km (5,500 mi).
project ever completed in the whole wide world. The Great Wall is more than
2,300 years old.
The Ming Great Wall crosses 9
provinces and municipalities:
Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, Beijing,
Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Shaanxi,
Ningxia, Gansu.
Badaling is the most visited
section (63,000,000 visitors in
2001). And in the first week of
May and October, the visitor flow
can be up to 70,000 per day.
The average height of the Great
Wall at Badaling and Juyong
Pass is 7.88 meters, and the
highest place is 14 meters high.
Nearly 1/3 of the Great Wall has
disappeared without trace.
Since 1644, when the Ming
Dynasty was overthrown, no
further work has been done
on the Great Wall (for military
purposes — some has been
restored for tourism).
Great Wall reconstruction and
protection began with Badaling
in 1957.
In December 1987 the Great
Wall was placed on the World
Heritage List by UNESCO.
The Great Wall of China cannot
be seen from space by the
human eye without aid.
The First Emperor of Qin was not
the first to build the Great Wall.

The Great Wall of China

22 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE

AUGMENTED REALITY
QUESTIONS

Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square

The Tiananmen (“Gate of Heavenly Peace”), a gate in the wall of the Imperial City, was built in 1415 during the
Ming dynasty. In the 17th century, fighting between Li Zicheng’s rebel forces and the forces of the Manchu-led
Qing dynasty caused heavy damage to, or even destroyed, the gate. Tiananmen Square was designed and built
in 1651, and has since been enlarged by four times its original size in the 1950s.[4][5]
Near the centre of the square stood the “Great Ming Gate”, the southern gate to the Imperial City, renamed
“Great Qing Gate” during the Qing dynasty, and “Gate of China” during the Republican era. Unlike the other
gates in Beijing, such as the Tiananmen and the Zhengyangmen, this was a purely ceremonial gateway, with
three arches but no ramparts, similar in style to the ceremonial gateways found in the Ming tombs. This gate
had a special status as the “Gate of the Nation”, as can be seen from its successive names. It normally remained
closed, except when the Emperor passed through. Commoner traffic was diverted to side gates at the western
and eastern ends of the square, respectively. Because of this diversion in traffic, a busy marketplace, called
“Chess Grid Streets”, was developed in the big, fenced square to the south of this gate.

23

Chi lin temple in nan lian garden.

Daigoji Temple in Kyoto Japan.

CHAPTER 3.0

JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

26 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
3.0 JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE
CHAPTER 3.0
JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE
INTRODUCTION
Japan consists of 4 main islands, namely Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. Lies off the eastern coast of Asia,
which is separated by the Sea of ​J​ apan the eastern shores of Japan is bounded by Pacific Ocean.
Geographical: hilly; 4/5 of the area is occupied by forest and wild vegetation. Only 1/5 is the inhabited area and
agriculture. Climate: Experienced 4 seasons - winter, summer, spring and autumn. Japan is influenced by a cold
airstream from Asia in winter and by warm moist air from pacific in summer.

The main religion in Japan is Buddhist or
known as Shinto.

Osaka Castle, Japan.

INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE 27
3.0 JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

THE EARLY PERIOD OF
JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE - NARA PERIOD

The Nara Period (Nara Jidai) of ancient Japan (710-794 CE), so called because for most of that time the capital was
located at Nara, then known as Heijokyo, was a short period of transition prior to the significant Heian Period.

Despite the period’s brevity it still
managed to produce arguably the most
famous works of Japanese literature
ever written and some of the most
important temples still in use today
including at Todaiji, the largest wooden
building in the world at that time, which
still houses the largest bronze statue
of Buddha ever made.

NARA TEMPLES

The Buddhist temple of Todaiji was
founded near Nara in 752 CE, east of
the imperial palace, hence its name
‘Great Eastern Temple’. The site
boasted the largest wooden building in
the world at that time.

The Great Buddha Hall or Daibutsuden Great Buddha Hall, Todaiji.
had to be big because it contained a
15-metre (49 ft) high bronze statue of
the seated Buddha, the largest such
statue in the world and weighing in at
around 500 tons.

The Todaiji was partially destroyed in a
fire during the Genpei War (1180-1185
CE) but was restored to its former
glory, albeit on a slightly smaller scale
but still housing the huge and partially
restored Buddha statue and still an
impressive 48 metres (157 ft) high and
57 metres (187 ft) long.

Another important Nara Period temple
is the Kasuga Taisha, a Shinto shrine
set in a forest near Nara, which was
officially founded in 768 CE

It was established by the powerful
Fujiwara clan after, as the legend goes,
a deity appeared at the site riding a
deer, which also explains why deer are
left to roam freely at the temple even
today.

The pathway to the shrine is lined with Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
stone lanterns donated by worshippers
over the centuries. Many of these
2,000 lanterns are decorated with an
image of a deer. Another 1,000 bronze
lanterns hang around the shrines and
gates at the site.

28 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
3.0 JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

THE EARLY PERIOD OF
JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

Kamakura period (1192 to 1333) during which the basis of feudalism was firmly
established. It was named for the city where Minamoto Yoritomo set up the
headquarters of his military government, commonly known as the Kamakura
shogunate. After his decisive victory over the rival Taira family at the battle of
Dannoura (1185), Yoritomo created his own military administration (bakufu)
to serve beside the imperial court. In 1192 his authority was given imperial
sanction when he was granted the official rank of shogun (hereditary military
dictator).

After Yoritomo’s death in 1199, however, real power in the bakufu was wielded
by members of the Hōjō family who acted as shogunal regents for the
remainder of the period. Two invasion attempts by the Mongols in 1274 and
1281 were thwarted by Japanese warriors with the aid of the “divine wind”
(kamikaze) of typhoons that decimated the enemy fleet.

The financial strain imposed by the defense efforts against the Mongol attacks, The Fall Of The Kamakura
however, exacerbated internal weaknesses in the regime. The revolt of the Kingdom Began
emperor Go-Daigo against the Kamakura shogunate in 1331 and ensuing When Minamoto Lost
factional struggles led to the collapse of the bakufu in 1333. Much Influence After
Experiencing Internal
Kamakura culture was largely defined by the rise of the warrior class, which Turmoil And The Threat Of
held martial skills and the ideals of duty, loyalty, and bravery in the highest Mongol Troops (Under The
regard. The practice of ritual suicide by disembowelment (seppuku) and the Emperor Kublai Khan). The
Power Was Handed Over To
cult of the sword both emerged during this period. Hojo’s Family Who Started
Zen Buddhism, which emphasized discipline, A Monarchy.
concentration, and direct action, became
influential as it appealed to warrior sensibilities,
while the new faith sects of True Pure Land
and Nichiren Buddhism found followers among
the populace. In literature military chronicles
that romantically depicted the heroic but often
unsuccessful exploits of famous warriors
developed into an important genre.

INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE 29
3.0 JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

THE STYLE AND CHARACTERS OF
JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

The architecture of Japan was derived from China, but maintained its own special characteristics of lightness as
delicacy.

Space Form and
planning Function

Facade Technology
&

Construction

THE BASIC ELEMENTS IN Walls
JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE Lightweight building materials such as bamboo
and timber are widely used
Wall The “fusuma” slide door is used as a wall and
space divider
Deco & Opening
Ornament Opening
Wide door
Elements
Roof
Column Roof Flat terrace roof that are dominant to form
contrast from Middle East and India
‘Iramoya gable’ at the upper part of roof while
the lower part of roof is in a hipped form. Roof
covering can be thatch, shingles or tiles.

Columns
that found in temples or gateway is followed from
Chinese form
‘Ken’ is known as standard measurement of
intercolumniation
‘Yariganna’ is used to split timber and beautify it

Decoration and ornamentations
refinement in Japanese architecture is combined
with carving and decoration which is noticeable in
timber construction

30 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
3.0 JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

NAMES OF ROOF COMPONENTS

Mune

Hafu

Hira TYPES OF ROOF

Tsuma Roof made
ROOF STYLE of plant
materials

Metal roof

Irimoya

Tiled roof

Kirizuma

Hogyo Roof made of
Yosemune wooden boards
weighted down
with rocks

31INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
3.0 JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

Residential buildings such as homes are given attention in terms of planning, craftsmanship and building materials
as they have a close relationship with human life. Nature is the most important element for humans (based on the Zen
concept). Therefore, home design is done to create a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere.
Spacious interior and exterior space - do not have many restrictions. Space flow to the park. Timber floors are used,
but since the 15th century, tatami mats became the main material for the floor Furniture such as tables and chairs
are not used - to make space more spacious and have multiple functions. Not much decoration, except for “tokonoma”
for paintings and flowers.

Spacious interior and exterior space.

32 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
3.0 JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE
CONSTRUCTION METHOD OF THE
JAPANESE TRADITIONAL HOUSE

Japanese cities have come to look like those of Europe because of the increase in the number of prefabricated and
ferroconcrete buildings. However, the style of the building that is the best suited to the Japanese climate and natural
conditions is probably still the traditional wooden house, and it is certainly nicer to look at.

33INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
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THE SAMURAI HOUSE

Space planning inside samurai house only differ in scale. The
principle is still the same as the chief clan house, where the living
room is separated.

The bedroom is directly connected with the store and dining room.
It has a covered corridor that connects one space to another,
compared to home “shinden zukiri” (aristocrats) and castles.

It is gated with wooden walls and surrounded by drainage systems
united under one roof. In addition, there are also several houses
connected with a covered corridor and a walled fence. Floors are
elevated to form a platform. Building materials: roof – thatch

Nomura Samurai House

34 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
3.0 JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

3.1 ISE GRAND SHRINE AUGMENTED DOWNLOAD POLI GRAND SHRINE available on google play
REALITY APPS TO VIEW AR CONTENTS and app store

RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS

The Ise Grand Shrine or Ise Jingu, located in the heart of a sacred forest in Japan, is the most important Shinto shrine
in the country and is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu with a separate shrine dedicated to Toyouke, the food
goddess. First built in 4 BCE, the present-day structures are based on the buildings erected in the 7th century CE.
Uniquely, 16 of the 125 buildings at the sprawling complex, as well as the Uju bridge and torii gateway, are rebuilt
exactly every 20 years, the last occasion being 2013. Ise Jingu is the ancestral shrine of the emperors of Japan.

The architectural style is yuiitsu shinmei-zukuri and copies the forms of ‘‘Every 20 years the site’s
ancient rice granary buildings. Made from cypress wood, the structure is a principal buildings are
rectangle (with a height of 10 m / 33 ft) with a veranda and gabled roof; there rebuilt exactly, using 12,000
are no windows. Beneath the flooring is a symbolic pole known as the shin no cypress logs, some of
mihashira or ‘heart pillar.’ which are from trees 400
years old’’
Decorative elements of the shrine include gold-plated caps on the post ends
and 33 suedama or flaming orbs along the veranda railings. The roof is made The Ise Grand Shrine
from thatch using kaya grass and the poles (chigi) of the sloping roof extend
beyond the ridgepole to form a row of external V forms. There are also 10
katsuogi or short horizontal poles laid across the roof ridge at right angles.
Two large columns without bases support the roof, one at each end of the
structure. The whole building rests on a stilt platform 2.4 m (8 ft.) high. The
entrance is at the side with a covered walkway leading to a staircase.

Ise Grand Shrine

35INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
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JAPANESE TEA HOUSE

36 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
3.0 JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

3.2 KYOTO IMPERIAL PALACE AUGMENTED DOWNLOAD POLI KYOTO IMPERIAL available on google play
REALITY APPS TO VIEW AR CONTENTS and app store

The Kyoto Imperial Palace is one of the active palaces of the Emperor of Japan and has the longest history as the
capital of Japan. The Emperor declared Meiji Restoration and Charter Oath at this place in 1868. The following year, the

Emperor moved into Edo castle, currently Tokyo Imperial Palace, but he ordered the preservation of the Kyoto Imperial
Palace in 1877, which is still used as an active palace.

The palace is situated in the, a large rectangular enclosure 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) north to south and 700 metres
(2,300 ft) east to west which also contains the Sentõ Imperial Palace gardens.

The estate dates from the early Edo Period when the residence of high court nobles were grouped close together with
the palace and the area walled.

37INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
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General Facts

The main gate, on Marutamachi
Street, on the south side, is
an impressive structure with
a beautiful cypress roof. In
the past, emperors received
dignitaries here. Beyond this
gate is a second gate, which
leads to the Shishinden, or Hall
for State Ceremonies. In the
south west corner of the Palace
grounds are the remains of the
Kujo Residence.

Kyoto Imperial Palace Interior

38 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
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JAPANESE GARDEN

The concept of Japanese garden art comes from various 3 types of parks:
elements. • Lake Garden
• Spacious space • Dry landscapes
• Zen concept and have artificial lakes • Horizontal garden
• Elements such as rocks, small trees, moss and sand

39INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
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CULTURE AND VALUES OF JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

Japanese Architecture has evolved greatly over the millennia, from the country’s prehistoric time Jōmon period, to
its contemporary modern culture, which absorbs influences from Asia, Europe, and North America. Strong Chinese
influences are still evident in traditional Japanese culture as China had historically been a regional powerhouse, which
has resulted in Japan absorbing many elements of Chinese culture first through Korea, then later through direct
cultural exchanges with China.

The inhabitants of Japan experienced a long period of relative isolation from the outside world during the Tokugawa
shogunate after Japanese missions to Imperial China, until the arrival of the “Black Ships” and the Meiji period. Today,
the culture of Japan stands as one of the leading and most prominent cultures around the world, mainly due to the
global reach of its popular culture.

40 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE

AUGMENTED REALITY
QUESTIONS

Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle refers to not only the castle structure called Tenshu (castle tower), but also to the entire
grounds of Hirosaki Park. The castle construction was planned in 1603 by the lord Tsugaru Tamenobu, who
successfully unified the Tsugaru region. The construction began in 1610 during reign of the 2nd lord Nobuhira,
and was completed in 1611. Unfortunately, the original impressive five story structure burnt down after being
struck by lightning in 1627. The single remaining structure, tenshu, has three stories and was rebuild in 1810.
The building is now the Hirosaki Park Historical Archive and exhibits historical material from the period under
Tsugaru clan rule.
Within the premises of Hirosaki Castle are three turrets and five castle gates, all designated as Important
Cultural Properties. Additionally, the remaining traces of the castle grounds was designated as a national
heritage site in 1952. Despite having been rebuilt, Hirosaki Castle Tenshu is the only remaining castle tower
build in Edo period in the Tohoku Area. It is considered a symbol of the city of Hirosaki. The castle is also famous
for its cherry blossoms with over 2600 trees, the largest scale in Japan.

41

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Kyoto.

Sri Harmandir Sahib, Punjab India.

CHAPTER 4.0

INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

44 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
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TEMPLE DESIGN &
ARCHITECTURE

The temple is designed based on the human body.
There are 5 main entrances based on the human senses
(see, hear, smell, taste and touch). There are 9 smaller
entrances to the inside complex that denote the 9
orifices of the human body (2 eyes, 2 nostrils, 2 ears,
mouth, urethra and anus).

The streets of Madurai are constructed as concentric
circles, with the temple at the center. This is also thought
of as a “Lotus Formation”. The temple is one of the
masterpieces of Dravidian architecture and many recent
temples abroad were constructed based on this style.
Siva Subramanya Temple in Fiji is such an example.

Jain Temple Column, Ranakpur

INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE 45
4.0 INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

KNOW THE HISTORY OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

The style and
characters of Indian

architecture and
its relation to local
architecture with

emphasis on.

4.1 KNOW THE HISTORY OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

46 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
4.0 INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

4.1 MEENAKSHI TEMPLE AUGMENTED DOWNLOAD POLI MEENAKSHI available on google play
REALITY
TEMPLE APPSTO VIEW AR CONTENTS and app store

Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Built By: Kulashekarar Pandyan
Architectural Style: Dravidian
Dedicated To: Meenakshi (Goddess Parvati) and Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva)
Tradition: Shaivism
Major Festival: Tirukalyanam Festival / Chithirai Thiruvizha

The oldest and most important
temples in India. Located in the
city of Madurai, the temple has a
great mythological and historical
significance. It is believed that
Lord Shiva assumed the form of
Sundareswarar (the handsome one)
and married Parvati (Meenakshi)
at the site where the temple is
currently located.

The temple is definitely one of the
‘Wonders of India’. It is also one
of the main attractions of South
India with thousands of devotees
thronging it every day. During the
‘Tirukalyanam Festival’ which takes
place over a period of 10 days, the
temple attracts more than a million
devotees. Despite many people
visiting it every day, the temple is
well-maintained and was named
the ‘cleanest iconic place’ in India.

47INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
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TEMPLE STRUCTURE 

The temple occupies a huge area in the heart
of Madurai as it spreads over 14 acres. The
temple is enclosed with huge walls, which were
built in response to the invasions. The entire
structure, when viewed from above, represents
a mandala. A mandala is a structure built
according to the laws of symmetry and loci.

There are various shrines built within the
temple complex. Apart from the two main
shrines, which are dedicated to Sundareswarar
and Meenakshi, the temple has shrines
dedicated to various other deities like Ganesha
and Murugan.
The temple also houses goddesses Lakshmi,
Rukmini, and Saraswati. 

The temple also has a consecrated pond
named ‘Porthamarai Kulam.’ The term
‘Potramarai Kulam’ is a literal translation of
‘pond with a golden lotus.’ The structure of
a golden lotus is placed at the center of the
pond. It is said that Lord Shiva blessed this
pond and declared that no marine life would
grow in it. In the Tamil folklore, the pond is
believed to be an evaluator for reviewing the
worth of any new literature

48 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
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TEMPLE STRUCTURE 

The temple has four main towering gateways (gopurams) that look identical to each other. Apart from the four
‘gopurams,’ the temple also houses many other ‘gopurams’ that serve as gateways to a number of shrines. The
temple has a total of 14 towering gateways. Each one of them is a multi-storey structure and displays thousands of
mythological stories and several other sculptures.

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The major ‘gopurams’ of the temple are listed below:

• Kadaka Gopuram – This towering gateway leads to the main shrine that
houses Goddess Meenakshi. The gateway was rebuilt by Tumpichi Nayakkar
during the mid-16th century. The ‘gopuram’ has five storeys.Sundareswarar
Shrine Gopuram – This is the oldest ‘gopuram’ of the temple and was built by
Kulasekara Pandya. The ‘gopuram’ serves as a gateway to the Sundareswarar
(Lord Shiva) shrine.

• Chitra Gopuram – Built by Maravarman Sundara Pandyan II, the gopuram
depicts the religious and secular essence of Hinduism.

• Nadukkattu Gopuram – Also called as the ‘Idaikattu Gopuram,’ this gateway
leads to the Ganesha shrine. The gateway is placed right in between the two
main shrines.

• Mottai Gopuram – This ‘gopuram’ has fewer stucco images when compared
to the other gateways. Interestingly, ‘Mottai gopuram’ had no roof for nearly
three centuries.

• Nayaka Gopuram – This ‘gopuram’ was built by Visvappa Nayakkar around
1530. The ‘gopuram’ is astonishingly similar to another gateway called
‘Palahai Gopuram.’

The temple also has numerous pillared halls called ‘Mandapams.’ These halls were built by various kings and emperors
and they serve as resting places for pilgrims and devotees. Some of the most important ‘mandapams’ are given below:

Ayirakkal Mandapam – It literally translates to ‘hall with thousand pillars.’ The hall, which was built by Ariyanatha
Mudaliar, is a true spectacle as it is supported by 985 pillars. Each and every pillar is sculpted magnificently and
has images of Yali, a mythological creature. Kilikoondu Mandapam – This ‘mandapam’ was originally built to house
hundreds of parrots. The parrots that were kept there in cages were trained to say ‘Meenakshi’.

The hall, which is next to the Meenakshi shrine, has sculptures of characters from Mahabharata. Ashta Shakthi
Mandapam – This hall houses the sculptures of eight goddesses. Built by two queens, the hall is placed in between the
main ‘gopuram’ and the gateway that leads to the Meenakshi shrine. Nayaka Mandapam – ‘Nayaka Mandapam’ was
built by Chinnappa Nayakkar. The hall is supported by 100 pillars and houses a Nataraja statue.

50 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE: AN AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
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FESTIVALS

Apart from the main festival, which is
basically the wedding ceremony of the deities,
a number of other festivals are celebrated in
the temple. Some of these include:

• Vasantham festival
• Unjal festival
• Mulai-Kottu festival
• Rudhra Dharsan festival
• Thai utsavam
• Kolattam festival

Each of these festivals has its own
significance and is celebrated during various
months throughout the year. The temple
also celebrates ‘Navarat hri festival.’ During
‘Navarathri’ the temple displays colorful
dolls which are collectively called ‘gollu.’
‘Gollu’ often convey stories from mythological
scenes.

GUARDIAN DEITIES
Fierce monster images, with protruding
eyes and borns, mark the arched end of
the vaulted roofs and serve as guardian
deities.

STUCCO WORK
The figures of deities on the
tower are repaired, repainted
and ritually reconsecrated
every 12 years.

Opening in the middle of the long
sides allow light to enter the
hollw chambers at each level.