The Cultural Significance and Order of Typical Courtyard Spaces in Shandong

The Cultural Significance and Order of Typical Courtyard Spaces in Shandong

【背景】山东民居院落外形平庸、装饰较少，难以受到设计师和研究者的青睐，研究成果也相对阙如。【目的】本研究试图回答山东城乡典型院落平庸的外形下特征何在，以及缺乏装饰的立面究竟蕴含什么语义。【方法】通过探究山东典型民居院落与空间文化的内在联系规律，结合文献调研、田野测绘及图像分析法，对山东省百余处城镇、村落选点考察，加之大量文献研究，梳理了山东典型院落的形式、分布、类型等与地域文化之间的关系。【结果】根据图像法，发现院落的结构分类与北宋时期地域划分相吻合，同时河流、海岸与山地等地形所形成的地域文化也是重要的分布影响因素。【结论】山东地区典型民居院落以外形弱化装饰性，强调向内求索的人群性格；空间强调秩序，既规范家庭也映射社会关系；技术崇尚可持续性暗喻“俭以养德”。

[Background] The residential courtyards in Shandong, characterized by their plain appearance and minimal decoration, are deeply rooted in the region's diverse natural conditions and profound local culture. The varied climate and topography of Shandong, along with its distinctive Qi-Lu culture, have shaped the unique characteristics of these courtyards.[Objective] This study aims to uncover the distinctive features beneath the unassuming appearance of typical courtyards in urban and rural Shandong, and to interpret the deeper meanings behind their undecorated facades.[Method] Through an in-depth examination of the intrinsic connection between typical residential courtyards in Shandong and their spatial culture, this research combines literature review, field mapping, and image analysis. Extensive investigations were conducted across numerous towns and villages in Shandong Province, exploring the relationship between the form, distribution, and types of typical courtyards and regional culture.[Results] The study reveals that the structural classification of courtyards aligns significantly with the regional divisions of the Northern Song Dynasty. Additionally, geographical features such as rivers, coasts, and mountains have a significant impact on the distribution of these courtyards.[Conclusion] Typical residential courtyards in Shandong downplay external decoration, emphasizing an introspective and communal character. Their spatial layout underscores order, regulating family life and reflecting social relationships. The sustainable techniques employed in these courtyards subtly suggest a cultural ethos of “frugality nurtures virtue(Jian yi yang de)”.