Using graphic comparison to explore the dynamic relationship between social conflicts and Fujian Defense-Dwellings in China. Issue 6 (2nd November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qin, Qiaohua; Xiao, Dawei; Ma, Junwei; Tao, Jin
• Is Part Of: Journal of Asian architecture and building engineering. Volume 21:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 2285
• Page End: 2305
• Publication Date: 2022-11-02
• Subjects: Cultural Geography -- Historical Villages -- Conflict -- Distribution Characteristics -- Spatial Form -- Ming and Qing Dynasties; Structural engineering -- East Asia -- Periodicals; Architectural design -- East Asia -- Periodicals; Architectural design; Structural engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 720.95
• DOI: 10.1080/13467581.2021.1982720
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1346-7581

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article focuses on the large number of existing defense-dwellings built in the Ming and Qing dynasties with distinct regional characteristics in Fujian, and explores the relationship between major conflicts and defense-dwellings. A four-year field survey involving 459 historic villages was conducted. ArcGis was used to superimpose the high-resolution satellite map of Fujian with the borders of towns to classify defense-dwellings and establish the attribute database. By comparing the spatial types and their provincial distribution characteristics, and analyzing them with the conflicts in Fujian history, this paper presents a unique relationship between the unity and diversity of space forms and how they changed or were maintained. The results show: 1. Major military conflicts had a profound and lasting impact on the spatial pattern, residential form, and daily life of historic villages in Fujian; 2. The time and space difference of regional conflicts makes defense-dwellings present a distribution state of different types of central gathering and edge transition; 3. Persistent conflict for limited resources between clan groups made defense-dwellings remain vital, finally forming a typical "architectural atlas". The results of this study are helpful in understanding the systematic view of morphological changes of historic villages in a highly conflicting social environment.