Siheyuan: Silly Pillar is Kind

"Siheyuan Storm" As Siheyuan has achieved phased results in the exploration of environmental science and sustainable development, its innovative practices have attracted the attention of international organizations that focus on green buildings and cultural heritage. An International Green Building Cultural Alliance headquartered in Europe has invited Siheyuan to participate in the "Global Green Traditional Building Innovation Practice Tour" project organized by them to showcase Siheyuan's outstanding achievements in cultural heritage, green building technology application and community sustainable development around the world. After hearing the news, the residents of Siheyuan were excited and felt a great sense of responsibility. They had in-depth exchanges with representatives of the alliance. The alliance representative said: "Siheyuan's performance in integrating traditional culture with modern green concepts is remarkable. This time, we plan to use Siheyuan as a key display case in Asia and tour the exhibition in major cities in Europe, America, Africa and other continents. The exhibition will include physical model displays, multimedia demonstrations, cultural experience activities, and seminars with local architectural and cultural circles. We hope that through such a tour, more people around the world will understand the unique charm of Siheyuan culture and its innovative value in modern society, while also providing reference and ideas for the green transformation of other traditional buildings." Uncle Zhao, a resident, asked: "Will language communication and cultural differences be a big problem when touring abroad? How can we ensure that foreign audiences truly understand Siheyuan culture?" The alliance representative replied with a smile: "We have already considered this. We will equip each exhibition venue with a professional multilingual translation team, which can not only accurately translate the exhibition content and explanation information, but also help both sides better understand each other's views in the cultural exchange and interaction. In addition, we will fully integrate international elements and expressions in the planning and design of the exhibition to present the Siheyuan culture in a more easy-to-understand, vivid and interesting way. For example, using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology, foreign audiences can experience the life scenes and architectural features of the Siheyuan in person, rather than relying solely on text and pictures. " In the process of preparing for the tour, the Siheyuan residents worked together with domestic architectural experts, cultural scholars and the exhibition design team. An architectural expert said to the staff in charge of model making: "This physical model of the courtyard house used for the tour must accurately restore the architectural details and spatial layout of the courtyard house. From the tiles on the roof to the bricks and stones of the courtyard, every part must be refined. In addition, the portability and stability of the model must be taken into consideration so that it will not be damaged during long-distance transportation and the construction of different exhibition venues." The staff responded: "Don't worry, we will use advanced model making materials and processes to ensure the quality of the model. At the same time, when designing the structure of the model, we will fully consider the requirements of portability and adopt a detachable and assembled design." Xiao Ming, who is responsible for planning cultural experience activities, said to a folk artist: "In the cultural experience section of the tour, your traditional handicraft performance will be a highlight. You can display representative folk handicrafts such as paper cutting, embroidery, and sugar painting, so that foreign audiences can participate in the production and feel the charm of Chinese traditional culture. What do you think we need to pay attention to during the performance?" The folk artist said: "I think the most important thing is to make it easy for foreign friends to get started. I will prepare some simple templates and tools in advance, and slow down the demonstration process, using simple movements and expressions to convey the key points of production. At the same time, you can also prepare some exquisite handicrafts that have already been made as prizes to encourage their active participation." When the tour kicked off in Paris, France, its first stop in Europe, it attracted widespread attention from the local architectural and cultural circles. At the exhibition, a French architect said to the representatives of Siheyuan: "The spatial layout and green building concept of Siheyuan have inspired me a lot. In particular, its clever use of natural ventilation and lighting, as well as the design of the rainwater collection system, have many similarities with the energy-saving and environmental protection concepts that our traditional European architecture focuses on, but also have a unique oriental cultural charm. I want to know, in the process of modern transformation of Siheyuan, how to balance the relationship between traditional residential functions and modern life needs?" The representative of Siheyuan replied: "In the transformation of Siheyuan, we focus on introducing modern facilities moderately on the basis of retaining the original architectural structure and cultural characteristics. For example, without destroying the overall appearance of the Siheyuan, concealed air-conditioning systems, network lines, etc. are installed to meet the residents' needs for a comfortable life. At the same time, we also actively carry out community cultural activities to strengthen the neighborhood relationship and cultural inheritance function of Siheyuan, so that tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously in Siheyuan." At the seminar of the exhibition tour, an African cultural scholar said: "I am impressed by the family concept and community cohesion in the Siheyuan culture. In Africa, we also have similar traditional tribal culture, but in the process of modern urbanization, we are facing many challenges. The successful experience of Siheyuan may provide us with some new ideas to help us achieve sustainable development of the community while inheriting traditional culture." As the exhibition tour has been carried out in major cities around the world, the international reputation and influence of Siheyuan have been greatly enhanced. More and more international organizations, architectural institutions and cultural groups have established cooperative relations with Siheyuan to jointly explore the protection, inheritance and innovative development of traditional architectural culture around the world. Siheyuan continues to write a glorious chapter and has become a bright business card for Chinese traditional culture to go global. It plays an increasingly important role in the stage of international cultural exchange and cooperation and contributes to promoting global cultural diversity and sustainable development.

After completing the "Global Green Traditional Architecture Innovation Practice Tour", Siheyuan returned to its homeland with full international acclaim and rich exchange results. This series of experiences not only made Siheyuan shine on the world stage, but also made residents deeply aware that the inheritance and innovation of Siheyuan culture requires wider social participation and in-depth education. Therefore, they decided to join hands with local education departments and cultural institutions to launch a large-scale public welfare activity called "Siheyuan Culture into Campus". At the discussion meeting with the education department, the residents of Siheyuan took the lead in speaking: "We hope that through this activity, Siheyuan culture can be introduced into primary and secondary school classrooms and become an important part of children's quality education. Special Siheyuan cultural teaching materials can be compiled, covering the historical origins, architectural features, folk customs and traditional values ​​contained in Siheyuan. For example, it can tell how Siheyuan has developed from an ancient form of residence to the present, and how its layout reflects the family ethics and social order of ancient China; introduce the wood carving, brick carving and stone carving art in Siheyuan architecture, so that children can appreciate the exquisite skills of traditional handicrafts; tell about traditional festival celebrations in Siheyuan, such as the New Year's greetings during the Spring Festival and the rice dumpling wrapping competition during the Dragon Boat Festival, so that they can feel the charm of traditional culture." An official from the education department responded: "This idea is very good and will help cultivate children's love and identity for local culture. But in terms of teaching methods, we need to consider how to get children to participate more actively, rather than simply instilling theories." Resident Xiao Ming suggested: "Students can be organized to visit the Siheyuan in person to let them experience the atmosphere of the Siheyuan firsthand. During the visit, some interactive sessions can be arranged, such as asking children to look for specific decorative patterns in the Siheyuan buildings, or interviewing the residents of the Siheyuan to learn about their past life stories. After returning to the classroom, let them create based on what they have seen and heard, such as writing essays, drawing, making handicrafts, etc." During the textbook writing process, experts from cultural institutions worked closely with the residents of the Siheyuan. An expert said to a resident who was good at telling the historical story of Siheyuan: "Your story is very vivid. We want to incorporate it into the history chapter of the textbook. Can you tell me in more detail about the functional changes of Siheyuan in different historical periods, and the relationship between these changes and the social background at that time?" The resident replied: "In feudal society, Siheyuan was a place where families lived, reflecting the family's hierarchy and order. In modern times, with social changes, some Siheyuans began to become shops or small factories. After the founding of New China, Siheyuans became homes for ordinary people. Neighbors helped each other and formed a unique community culture. These changes reflect the impact of the development of the times on the form of residence." When the "Siheyuan Culture into Campus" activity was officially launched, various schools responded one after another. In a primary school classroom, the teacher held up a picture of a Siheyuan and said to the students: "Students, look at this Siheyuan, it is like a small society. The main house is usually where the elders live, and the wing rooms are the rooms for the younger generations. What does this reflect?" A student raised his hand and answered: "It reflects the traditional virtues of respecting the elderly and loving the young!" The teacher smiled and nodded: "Very correct. Then let's take a look at the gate of the Siheyuan. Its style and decoration are very particular. Who can guess why?" Another student rushed to say: "Is it to show the family's status and wealth?" The teacher explained: "There is a reason for this. In ancient times, the specifications of the gate were strictly regulated. Families of different identities could only use corresponding gate styles. This is also the architectural manifestation of the ancient Chinese hierarchy." During the field visit, the students excitedly walked into the Siheyuan. A student said to Grandma Zhang, a resident of the Siheyuan: "Grandma Zhang, how long have you lived in the Siheyuan? Are there any interesting stories here?" Grandma Zhang said lovingly: "I have lived here all my life. In the past, every summer night, everyone would enjoy the cool in the courtyard, fanning themselves and listening to the old people telling stories. It was so lively." The students carefully recorded these stories, and after returning to school, they actively created. Some students painted a night scene of the Siheyuan, with a bright moon, antique buildings and people chatting in the courtyard; some students wrote an essay describing what they saw and felt in the Siheyuan, expressing their yearning for traditional culture. As the activities deepened, some middle schools also carried out Siheyuan cultural research learning projects. Students divided into groups to conduct in-depth research on different aspects of the Siheyuan, such as the relationship between the architectural structure of the Siheyuan and modern architectural mechanics, and the inheritance and changes of the Siheyuan folk culture in contemporary society. At the research results exhibition, a group of students said to the teachers and students of the whole school: "Through our research, we found that although the mortise and tenon structure of the Siheyuan is ancient, the mechanical principles contained in it still have application value in modern architectural design. Moreover, the folk culture of the Siheyuan is also constantly adapting to modern society. For example, some traditional festival customs are combined with modern commercial activities to form a new cultural phenomenon." The continuous promotion of the "Siheyuan Culture into Campus" activity has planted the seeds of Siheyuan culture in the hearts of young people. These young people have become a new force in the inheritance and innovation of Siheyuan culture. They will take their love and understanding of Siheyuan culture to a broader world, so that Siheyuan culture will be more vigorous and energetic in the new era, continue to write a magnificent chapter in the inheritance and development of Siheyuan culture, lay a solid foundation for the great rejuvenation of Chinese national culture, and contribute unique strength to the protection and development of global cultural diversity.

"Siheyuan Storm" As the "Siheyuan Culture into Campus" activity is in full swing, Siheyuan has been involved in a big discussion on the protection and renewal of urban historical blocks. With the rapid development of the city, many ancient blocks are facing the fate of being demolished or over-commercialized, and the blocks where Siheyuan are located have become the focus of attention due to their unique cultural value and successful transformation examples. The urban planning department organized an expert seminar and invited architects, historians, sociologists and Siheyuan residents to participate. An architect spoke first: "The neighborhood where the Siheyuan is located is an important carrier of the city's history and culture. Its layout, architectural style and the lifestyle it embodies are of irreplaceable value. When we carry out urban renewal, we cannot simply tear it down and start over. Instead, we should learn from the protection and development model of the Siheyuan and focus on preserving the historical features and cultural characteristics of the neighborhood. For example, in terms of building renovation, we can adopt the principle of 'repairing the old as it is', repair and reinforce old buildings, and reasonably add modern facilities to meet the needs of residents and businesses." Grandpa Zhang, a resident representative of the Siheyuan, went on to say: "The development of our Siheyuan over the years has relied on the concerted efforts of the residents and their adherence to traditional culture. In the protection of the neighborhood, we must also pay attention to the willingness and participation of the residents. It cannot be the government and developers alone who have the final say. We must allow the old neighbors like us to continue to live in a familiar environment and benefit from protection and renewal." A historian added: "From a historical perspective, this block has witnessed the rise and fall of the city. Every building and every alley has a story. We should dig deep into these historical and cultural resources and create some public spaces with historical and cultural connotations, such as historical and cultural museums, folk culture display streets, etc. This will not only enhance the cultural quality of the block, but also attract more tourists and cultural enthusiasts." At this time, a developer expressed his concerns: "It is important to protect historical blocks, but economic benefits must also be considered. If we only emphasize protection and limit the scale and form of commercial development, who will pay for the renewal and transformation of the block?" In response to this issue, an urban planning expert said: "This requires us to find a balance between protection and development. We can introduce some commercial formats that are in line with the culture of the historical block, such as traditional handicraft shops, characteristic homestays, cultural and creative studios, etc. These commercial projects will not only not destroy the cultural atmosphere of the block, but will inject new vitality into it, and at the same time bring certain economic benefits." When discussing the traffic planning of the block, the traffic engineer said to everyone: "Since the road pattern of the historical block is relatively narrow and complex, the traffic needs of pedestrians and vehicles should be fully considered when planning traffic. Pedestrian blocks can be set up to restrict the passage of motor vehicles. At the same time, the public transportation network can be improved, and convenient bus stops and parking lots can be set up around the block to facilitate the travel of tourists and residents." Resident Uncle Zhao asked: "If the passage of motor vehicles is restricted, will it be inconvenient for us residents to purchase daily necessities?" The traffic engineer explained: "We will plan special logistics distribution channels and time to ensure that residents' daily necessities can be delivered in time. In addition, some small electric sightseeing vehicles or convenience service vehicles can be set up in the pedestrian block to provide residents with short-distance travel services." As the seminar progressed, all parties gradually reached a consensus and formed a comprehensive plan for the protection and renewal of the historical block where the courtyard is located. During the implementation of the plan, residents actively participated in it. They assisted construction workers in building repairs, provided collections and story materials for the History and Culture Museum, and participated in the organization and planning of community cultural activities. During the preparation for the construction of the History and Culture Museum, a cultural relic expert said to the residents: "If you have any old objects, old photos or family stories related to the history of the block, you can provide them to us. These are precious historical materials that can make the museum more rich and vivid in showing the past of the block." Grandma Li, a resident, took out a yellowed photo album and said: "These are photos of several generations of my family living in this block. There are old street scenes, group photos of neighbors, and some important festivals. I want to donate it to the museum so that more people can see the changes in our block." When the protection and renewal project of the historical block began to bear fruit, a brand new block full of historical charm appeared before people. The ancient courtyards are scattered on both sides of the street, and the newly opened traditional handicraft shops and characteristic homestays attract many tourists to experience them. In the pedestrian street, people strolled leisurely, enjoying the folk culture displays and street performers' performances on the street. A tourist said to the local residents: "This block is great! It not only preserves the memory of history, but also has modern convenience and vitality. Here, I can feel the strong cultural atmosphere, as if I have traveled back to the past, and can also enjoy the comfortable modern life." Resident Wang replied with a smile: "This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. We hope that this block can be passed down and let more people know the history and culture of our city." The successful protection and renewal of the historical block where the Siheyuan is located has provided valuable experience and reference for the historical blocks of other cities. It once again proves that traditional culture and modern urban development can coexist harmoniously, continues to write the glorious chapter of Siheyuan culture in the field of urban construction and cultural inheritance, becomes a vivid example of sustainable urban development, and inspires more cities to explore innovative ways in historical and cultural protection and modern construction.