Gable roofs, or pitched roofs, are traditional elements of architecture and construction that have been used by mankind throughout the world for thousands of years. In the case of traditional oriental architecture, they also become a distinctive and therefore emblematic element. After all, pitched roofs not only serve a functional purpose in Asia, but also reflect cultural and symbolic values.
Pitched roofs often have a steep slope to facilitate drainage in rainy climates or those with frequent snowfall. Eaves protect the walls and the base of the structure from these atmospheric agents. However, in Eastern architecture, the ends of the eaves are often curved slightly upwards.
In China, these customary roofs are supported by a timber structure with a nail-free assembly technique known as Dougong. The style symbolises status, for example, in imperial buildings such as temples and palaces. In these, the roofs are more elaborate, include several levels in the form of a ‘stacked roof’ and use the symbolic colour yellow. In contrast, ordinary buildings tend to have a single-level roof and use colours such as grey or black.
Modern architecture often takes inspiration from these traditional designs, reinterprets them and transforms them into new aesthetic trends. This is the case of the Tianfu Conference Centre, located in the northern part of the Tianfu New International Airport City in Chengdu. This building, in a suburban landscaped area next to a picturesque lake, draws on the calm waters of ancient Chinese buildings, its sloping roofs and landscaped courtyards, and presents a form that is both integrative and futuristic.
The façade of the building combines wood and glass in an intertwined design that evokes waves of water, rhythmically and harmoniously distributed. The wood integrates the building into its surroundings and represents the traditional component of architectural design, while the glass reflects the rippling water of the lake and the dense forests in the distance.
By Tianshu Liu, Senior Architect at Amusement Logic’s Architecture Dept.
Header photo: @TravelScape
