Chinese Structure

When one hears the word "Structure" the image of a building of some kind or a naturally occurring form is what automatically forms in their mental vision. In Chinese architecture, just like Chinese art, structure or organization within a form is key. Balance also prevails in the architecture of China as well as Chinese Art. The bi-lateral symmetry of Chinese architecture represents the balance that is personified throughout artistic history of China. Numerology became a huge influence in Chinese archtitecture thus several buildings are based on the number 9. The Forbidden City is said to have 9,999 rooms.

A picture of the front stairway of the Forbidden City.

A diagram of a Siheyuan in Beijing that demonstrates the bi-lateral symmetry found in most ancient Chinese buildings.

Images:
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/architecture/pictures/forbiddencity.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Siheyuan_model.jpg
http://www.crystalinks.com/chinesearchitecture.jpg
Citations:
"Chinese Architecture." Wikipedia. Web. 28 Sept. 2009. .
"Chinese Architecture." ThinkQuest. Web. 28 Sept. 2009. .