Yingzao Fashi (Standards and Models for Architecture)

Yingzao Fashi (Standards and Models for Architecture)

Yingzao Fashi (Standards and Models for Architecture) is a set of books on standards and knowhows of architectures. It was compiled under the auspices of Li Jie (1035-1110), an offi- cial in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), and is crowned as the encyclopedia of ancient Chinese architecture.

The revision of Yingzao Fashi was finished in 1100, the third year of Yuanfu period of the Emperor Zhezong's reign in the Northern Song Dynasty. The book comprises 34 volumes, which are divided into four sections. The first two volumes are Zongshi (The General Glossary) and Zongli (The General Reg- ulations), which provide an explanation of the technical terms about constructions and components. Volume 3 to 15 introduces the construction norms regarding 13 types of construction work; volume16 to 28 are about the number of laborers and materials that should be used for each type of work, calculating methods and quality standards; volume 29 to 34 are illustrations of various constructions, including architectural plans, sections, colored plans, etc. Renowned historian of science Joseph Needham believed that these illustrations are much better than the western graphics of medieval cathedrals and the Arabic mechanic graphics in terms of framework combination and accuracy.

Yingzao Fashi systematically summarizes the methods and experience concerning architecture design and construction un- til the Northern Song Dynasty, which epitomizes the excellent talent and outstanding skills of ancient Chinese architects and craftsmen. Being the earliest and most comprehensive book on architecture, as well as the world's first printed and published architectural monograph, Yingzao Fashi has profound influence on the development of architectural craftsmanship in later times.

《营造法式》

中国古代建筑学著作《营造法式》由北宋官员李诫（1035—1110）主持编修，是北宋官方颁布的建筑设计资料集和建筑规范丛书，被誉为“中国古代建筑百科全书”。

《营造法式》成书于北宋元符三年（1100），正文共34卷，分为4个部分。第一、第二卷为《总释》《总例》，对书中的建筑和构件术语进行规范诠释；第三卷至第十五卷介绍了13个建筑工种的营造规范；第十六卷至第二十八卷规定了各工种的用工及用料的定额标准、计算方法以及质量标准；第二十九至第三十四卷是各类建筑及构件的平面图、剖面图、彩画图等图样。英国著名科技史学家李约瑟认为，这些图样在框架组合与精细程度上，远远超过西方中世纪大教堂的制图与阿拉伯机械图样。

《营造法式》系统总结了北宋及前代建筑设计施工的方法和经验，反映了中国古代建筑工匠的卓越才能和高超技艺，是中国古籍中最早、最完备的一部建筑技术专著，也是世界上正式印刷出版的第一部建筑学专著，对后世建筑技艺的发展具有重要影响。