When Traditional Chinese Architecture Integrates with CCNU!

Editor's Note:

Do you know that the historic buildings on our campus were selected as the seventh batch of "China's 20th-century Architectural Heritage?"

Could you recognize these buildings?

Can you imagine that the simple pattern "卍" actually contain special connotation?

We'd be honored to answer all these questions!

Part 1 · Pattern 卍

Slow down your pace to observe carefully the buildings in CCNU, you will surprisingly find the pattern "卍" can be seen everywhere! Why do Chinese architects love to apply "卍" to buildings so much?

卍

In fact, "卍" is a Chinese character, pronounced "wàn". It originates from ancient India, universally considered as the symbol of sun or fire and the collection of all luck. It has the connotation of auspiciousness and good fortune. During the Tang Dynasty, the empress of China, Wu Zetian specified the pronunciation of "卍"——"wàn". Since then, "卍" has become a common element in Chinese architecture by virtue of its favorable meaning.

Part 2 · Ruyi Moire pattern

In addition to the pattern "卍", there are some other traditional Chinese patterns in CCNU. Let's have a look! 

The Ruyi Moire pattern, which you can find on the wall of the Building No.2 (the teaching building of the School of Chinese Language and Literature), is one of those quaint and intriguing patterns.

Ruyi Moire pattern

Ruyi is a Chinese term which means everything turns out as you wish. Therefore, the Ruyi Moire pattern symbolizes prosperity, auspiciousness, good luck and longevity.

All these patterns are the vital elements of Chinese architectural culture. If you want to appreciate the beauty of it further, please follow the next close-up.

Part 3 · Building No.2

As a university with a long history, CCNU is full of historic buildings. What must be mentioned is the foregoing building of the School of Chinese Language and Literature.

Even at a long distance, you can see this unique building at a glance. What attracts you most may be those six red columns, which seem to hold up the whole building's grandeur. Between the columns are classical windows and Ruyi Moire patterns, adding a strong literary color to the building. Looking down from the columns are three arches. So mysterious and elegant are they that they seem to be the entrance to a secret world.

The overall atmosphere of the building is magnificent. Besides, the windows and door bars are full of details that make people stop here, wondering about stepping into it so that they could explore the world of literature.

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This building, together with the Building No.1 —— the School of History and Culture, was listed as the first-class outstanding historic building in Wuhan in December 2012 and became an immovable cultural relic.

Part 4 ·Building No.1

Building No.1

Compared with the teaching building of the School of Chinese Language and Literature, the teaching building of the School of History and Culture looks more sedate and grave. In fact, it was completed in 1956 and was one of the first buildings built on Mount. Guizi. 

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With a distinctly ethnic architectural style, it follows classical Chinese customs. Built with green bricks and tiles, decorated by flying eaves and arches, and constructed by different roof angles between the main building and the parts on either side, it is more than staggering and full of the beauty of flexibility. 

Building No.1

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CCNU is full of the beauty of Chinese architectural culture, and all you need to do is find it! 

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Editor: Lydia(trainee),Steve(trainee)

Reviser: Luyu(trainee)

Designer:Ashes(trainee)