Si He Yuan

Si He Yuan

Si He Yuan, or courtyard surrounded by buildings on all four sides, is a traditional Chinese style of architecture. Com- plete versions of Si He Yuan have existed in China for over 3,000 years. Due to varying geographical and climatic condi- tions, Si He Yuan display distinct forms in different regions. Beijing's Si He Yuan are the best-known example of this archi- tectural style.

A Si He Yuan is a family-based dwelling with a square courtyard in the center. It emphasizes symmetry, with clear functions and partitions. It consists of a main house for family elders, which is typically positioned to the north and south-facing with a large living room, and side houses for younger family members. There are also guest rooms, kitchens, servants' quarters, and storage rooms. A Si He Yuan typically features only one entrance, which is normally located on the southeast side rather than in the center of the courtyard. A screen wall is often placed behind the entrance for beautification and privacy purposes. The doors of the rooms inside a Si He Yuan all facethe courtyard, emphasizing family unity and harmony. The courtyard is often decorated with plants, trees, bird houses, fish tanks, and rock formations, creating a serene and peaceful environment. The idea of the basic layout of the courtyard dwelling has influenced the formation of social networks in China from extended families to neighborhoods to larger communities.

As a residential architectural form, Si He Yuan can serve as a simple, ordinary dwelling or a grand palace for royals and nobles. The feng shui principles incorporated into its architecture are a fundamental aspect of traditional Chinese architectural theory. Si He Yuan decorations, carving, and painting reflect traditional culture and folk customs, expressing people's pursuit of a happy and beautiful life.

四合院

四合院是一种中国传统合院式建筑。“四”指东、西、南、北四面，“合”即四面房屋围在一起。早在3000多年前，中国就有完整的四合院出现。根据不同的地理气候条件，各地四合院呈现出不同的形态。其中以北京四合院最为典型。

四合院以家庭为单位建造，通常坐北朝南，庭院方正，空间讲究对称，功能和分区明确。整个院落以“院”为中心，长辈居住正房（北房），有大客厅，晚辈居住厢房。另有客房、厨房、佣人房、贮藏间等，各自独立，起居方便。四合院只开一个大门，通常位于东南侧而非正中，门后设有影壁，用于美化院落、遮挡视线。院内房门都开向院落，促使一家人和美相亲、其乐融融。庭院内可以植树栽花、饲鸟养鱼、叠石造景，美化生活环境。基于四合院方正合围的基本格局，中国社会逐渐形成了以家庭院落为中心，街坊邻里为干线，社区地域为平面的社会网络系统。

作为居住建筑形态，四合院小可作普通民居，大可作皇宫王府。其营造建筑所讲究的风水学，是中国传统建筑理论的重要组成部分。四合院装修、雕饰、彩绘等体现着传统文化和民间习俗，表达了人们对幸福美好生活的追求。