Emotive architecture: Design strategies for urbanization and rural revitalization in China
Taking a specific lens on China’s unique and intricate interplay between urbanization and rural revitalization, this article traces these dynamics back to the nation’s social-cultural fabric. It contextualizes the coexistence of urban and rural identities within the broader Chinese cultural tapestry, underscoring their shared heritage within a collective consciousness shaped by an agrarian legacy. This culminates in the philosophical concept of “Oneness of Heaven and Humanity,” the apex of Chinese cultural aspirations, deeply rooted in the relationship between humans and the land, and calibrated by a state of harmony. Emotion is not merely a tool for achieving this ideal but also a phenomenon shaped by it. Through a comparative analysis of two architectural projects – one urban and one rural – this study examines the practical application and influence of emotive architecture. This approach, sensitive to emotional undercurrents, employs precision akin to acupuncture in diagnosing and addressing regional challenges. It accentuates the meticulous interpretation of emotional resonance, a sensory comprehension of place, and the harmonious fusion of digital craftsmanship with local construction techniques. By positioning architecture as the interface between individuals and their broader environment, the study reveals how emotion-centric design can evoke profound emotional responses, foster community engagement, nurture a collective sense of belonging, and contribute to the economic and cultural vibrancy of specific locales. Particularly pertinent amid the significant sociocultural and environmental shifts in both urban and rural China, this research advocates for a reevaluation of architectural practices that prioritize understanding and addressing the emotional dimensions of space. It offers a strategic framework for navigating the complexities of modern development in China.
Barbalet, J., (ed.). (2021). Renqing as Guanxi and in Guanxi. In. The Theory of Guanxi and Chinese Society. Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 92-120. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198808732.003.0005
Barrett, L. F. (2017). How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain. United States: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Blowers, G. H. (2010). The continuing prospects for a Chinese psychology. In MH Bond (ed.). Oxford Handbook of Chinese Psychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199541850.013.0002
Boden, M. A. (2009). Computer models of creativity. AI Magazine, 30(3):23. https://doi.org/10.1609/aimag.v30i3.2254
Bondi, L. (2016). Emotional Geographies. England, UK: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315579245
Cabanac, M. (2002). What is emotion? Behavioural Processes, 60(2):69-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0376-6357(02)00078-5
Canepa, E., Scelsi, V., Fassio, A., Avanzino, L., Lagravinese, G., & Chiorri, C. (2019). Atmospheres: Feeling architecture by emotions. Ambiances. Environnement Sensible, Architecture et Espace Urbain, 5:5. https://doi.org/10.4000/ambiances.2907
Carpo, M. (2011). The Alphabet and the Algorithm. United States: MIT Press.
Chan, D. K. S., Ng, T. T. T., & Hui, C. M. (2010). Interpersonal relationships in rapidly changing Chinese societies. In MH Bond (ed.), Oxford Handbook of Chinese Psychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199541850.013.0031
Chatterjee, A., Coburn, A., & Weinberger, A. (2021). The neuroaesthetics of architectural spaces. Cognitive Processing, 22(1):115-120. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10339-021-01043-4
Cheung, C. (2013). Social Change and Psychosocial Responses: Social Force Theory Applied to Chinese Modernization and Postmodernization. United States: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Chun, S. (2012). Chinese faith triangle: Confucianism, daoism, and buddhism. In C. Shan (ed.), Major Aspects of Chinese Religion and Philosophy: Dao of Inner Saint and Outer King. Springer, pp. 3-22. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-29317-7_1
Deleuze, G., & Guattari, F. (1987). A Thousand Plateaus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
Di Clemente, R., Strano, E., & Batty, M. (2021). Urbanization and economic complexity. Scientific Reports, 11(1):1. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-83238-5
Dixon, T. (2003). From Passions to Emotions: The Creation of a Secular Psychological Category. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511490514
Fei, X., Hamilton, G. G., & Wang, Z. (1992). From the Soil, the Foundations of Chinese Society: A Translation of Fei Xiaotong’s Xiangtu Zhongguo, with an Introduction and Epilogue. United States: University of California Press.
Feng, Y., & Bodde, D. (1952). A History of Chinese Philosophy. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Gourdoukis, D. (2017). Digital Craftsmanship: From the Arts and Crafts to Digital Fabrication. Available from: https://www. academia.edu/65889767/digital_craftsmanship_from_the_ arts_and_crafts_to_digital_fabrication [Last accessed on 2024 Mar 18].
Government of China. (2018). Zhonggong Zhongyang, Guowuyuan Yinfa “Xiangcun zhenxing zhanlüe guihua (2018-2022 Nian)” [The CPC Central Committee and State Council issued the “Rural Revitalization Strategy Plan (2018-2022)]. Available from: https://www.gov.cn/ zhengce/2018-09/26/content_5325534.htm [Last accessed on 2024 Mar 18] [Document in Chinese]
Government of China. (2019). Lüyou Hangye Biaozhun LB/T 065- 2019 Lüyou Minsu Jiben Yaoqiu yu Pingjia [Tourism Industry Standard LB/T 065-2019 Basic Requirements and evaluation of Tourism Minsus]. Available from: https://www. mct.gov.cn/whzx/zxgz/wlbzhgz/201907/t20190719_845179. htm [Last accessed on 2024 Mar 18] [Document in Chinese]
Government of China. (2020). Woguo Suoyou Pinkun Xian Quanbu Tuopin [All Impoverished Counties in Our Country have been Lifted Out of Poverty]. Available from: https://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2020-11/23/content_5563620. htm [Last accessed on 2024 Mar 18] [Document in Chinese]
Government of China. (2021). Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Guomin Jingji he Shehui Fazhan di Shisi ge Wunian Guihua he 2035 Nian Yuanjing Mubiao Gangyao [The 14th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035]. Available from https://www.gov.cn/ xinwen/2021-03/13/content_5592681.htm [Last accessed on 2024 Mar 18] [Document in Chinese]
Government of China. (2023a). Xi Jinping Guanyu “Sannong” Gongzuo de Zhongyao Lunshu Xuexi Duben Chuban Faxing [Publication of the Study Book on Xi Jinping’s Important Discourse on “Agriculture, Rural Areas, and Farmers”]. Available from: https://www.gov.cn/ yaowen/2023-04/17/content_5751843.htm [Last accessed on 2024 Mar 18] [Document in Chinese]
Government of China. (2023b). Xi Jinping Lun “Sannong” Gongzuo he Xiangcun Zhenxing Zhanlüe (2022 Nian) [Xi Jinping on the Work of “Agriculture, Rural Areas, and Farmers” and the Rural Revitalization Strategy (2022)]. Available from: https://www.moa.gov.cn/ztzl/xjpgysngzzyls/zyll/202301/ t20230130_6419423.htm [Last accessed on 2024 Mar 18] [Document in Chinese]
Graham, A. C. (1990). Studies in Chinese Philosophy and Philosophical Literature. United States: State University of New York Press.
Griffero, T. (2016). Atmospheres: Aesthetics of Emotional Spaces. England, UK: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315568287
Guan, C. H. (2023). Zhongguo chengshihua jincheng xin tezheng [new characteristics of china’s urbanization process]. Renmin Luntan [People’s Forum], 2:62-65.
Han, W., & Zhao, Y. F. (2023). Xiangcun zhenxing beijing xia da chengshi bianyuanqu xiangcun kongjian zhili jizhi yu moshi Yanjiu [Research on the governance mechanism and model of rural space in the periphery of large cities under the background of rural revitalization]. Dili Kexue [Geographical Science], 43(8):1340-1349. [Article in Chinese] https://doi.org/10.13249/j.cnki.sgs.2023.08.003
He, F. (2022). How heaven and humanity are united as one: Tong as an alternative to tianren heyi. The Philosophical Forum, 53(1):47-61. https://doi.org/10.1111/phil.12308
He, J., & Van de Vijver, F. (2012). Bias and equivalence in cross-cultural research. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.9707/2307-0919.1111
Hu, H. L. (2018). The construction of urban cultural space: Cultural issues in the process of urbanization. Si Xiang Zhan Xian [Ideological Front], 44(4), 126-138. [Article in Chinese]
Hwang, K. K. (2000). Chinese Relationalism: Theoretical Construction and Methodological Considerations. Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, 30(2):155. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5914.00124
Ji, L.J., Lee, A., & Guo, T. (2010). The thinking styles of Chinese people. In M. H. Bond (ed.), Oxford Handbook of Chinese Psychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199541850.013.0012
Jin, W. (2022). Qingdong yu qinggan: Wenxue qinggan yanjiu ji qi fangfalun qishi [Emotion and Feeling: Insights into the Methodology of Literary Emotional Research]. Wenhua Yishu Yanjiu [Cultural Art Research], 15(1):44-55+113. [Article in Chinese]
Koolhaas, R. (2014). Delirious New York: A Retroactive Manifesto for Manhattan. United States: Monacelli Press.
Lewis, M., Haviland-Jones, J. M., & Barrett, L. F. (eds.). (2010). Handbook of Emotions. 3rd ed. New York: Guilford Press.
Li, G. P. (2000). Tianren Heyi yu Sancai Lilun-Wei Shenme Yao Taolun Zhongguo Jingjishi Shang de Tianren Guanxi [“Unity of Heaven and Man” and “Three Talents” Theory- Why Discuss the “Relationship between Heaven and Man” in Chinese Economic History]. Zhongguo Jingjishi Yanjiu [Studies in Chinese Economic History], 3:5-15. [Article in Chinese]
Liu, Y. S., & Zhou, Y. (2015). Zhongguo Meili Xiangcun Jianshe de Tiaozhan yu Duice [Challenges and Countermeasures in the Construction of Beautiful Rural China]. Nongye Ziyuan Yu Huanjing Xuebao [Journal of Agricultural Resources and Environment], 32(2):97-105. [Article in Chinese]
Mallgrave, H. F. (2018). From Object to Experience: The New Culture of Architectural Design. USA: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Ni, P. F., & Xu, H. D. (2022). Mianxiang 2035 Nian de Zhongguo Chengzhenhua [Urbanization in China Towards 2035]. Gaige [Reform], 8:98-110. [Article in Chinese]
Norberg-Schulz, C. (1971). Existence, Space and Architecture. United States: Praeger.
Oxman, N. (2006). Digital Craft: Fabrication Based Design in the Age of Digital Production. Computer-Aided Design, 38(7), 677–688.
Parkinson, B. (2010). Recognizing desirability: Is goal comparison necessary? Emotion Review, 2(2):159-160. https://doi.org/10.1177/1754073909355009
Qian, Z. (2004). Fortress Besieged. United Kingdom: New Directions.
Qiu, B. X. (2003). Woguo chengzhenhua gaosu fazhan qi mianlin de suogan tiaozhan [Several challenges faced during the rapid urbanization period in our country]. Chengshi Fazhan Yanjiu [Urban Development Studies], 6:1-15. [Article in Chinese]
Rossi, A. (1982). The Architecture of the City. United Kingdom: MIT Press.
Scheurer, F. (2012). Digital craftsmanship: From thinking to modeling to building. In: Digital Craftsmanship: From Thinking to Modeling to Building. Switzerland: Birkhäuser, pp. 110-131. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783034612173.110
Shiqiao, L. (2014). Understanding the Chinese City. 1st ed. United States: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Sun, A. (2013). Confucianism As a World Religion: Contested Histories and Contemporary Realities. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Sundararajan, L. (2015). Understanding Emotion in Chinese Culture: Thinking through Psychology. Germany: Springer.
Tang, Y. (2015). Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, Christianity and Chinese Culture. Germany: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-45533-3
Verebes, T. (2015). Mass-Customised Cities. United States: John Wiley and Sons, Incorporated.
Wang, S. J. (2016). Chixi: Zhongguo Fupin di yi Cun Jishi [Chixi: A Record of “China’s First Poverty Alleviation Village]. China: Fujian Renmin Chubanshe [Fujian People’s Publishing House]. [Book in Chinese]
Wei, N. (2019). Mi Man Kong Jian [Suffused Space]. China: China Building Industry Press. [Book in Chinese]
Wu, W., & Gaubatz, P. (2020). The Chinese City. 2nd ed. England, UK: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429829550
Yue, X., & Cheung, C. (2018). Idol Worship in Chinese Society: A Psychological Approach. England, UK: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315223124
Zhao, T. (2021). All Under Heaven: The Tianxia System for a Possible World Order. In: All Under Heaven. California: University of California Press. https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520974210