Great Wall of China
Principles and Elements
This image of The Great Wall of China represents many different principles and elements that the designers wanted to include. The image above includes principles of contrast because the wall is man made and stands out against the natural forest around it. Another principle is rhythm is the repeating pattern of the bricks and stones throughout the whole length of the wall. It also includes elements of shape because the watchtowers throughout the wall are square while the whole wall follows a curvy path. Another element the wall has is texture the rough surface of the bricks combined with the soft leaves of the trees creates texture on the wall.
Connections
This close up image of the Great Wall of China represents connections. This image shows the connections between the materials used to build the wall. The connection between the materials of bricks, stones, and concrete show how the wall is built and how it stays together. The wall also has connections between the building materials and the ground it was built on. Connections between the earth and man-made materials.
Materials
The materials used to build The Great Wall of China were chosen for specific reasons mainly based on what was available in that time period. During the time when the wall was built there were limited materials. The wall was built out of stone and brick to make sure the wall can withhold erosion. The materials were selected based off the environment and local time periods. The materials throughout the whole wall are the same and they are equal and cohesive the whole time.
Light and Color
Light and color impacts the Great Wall of China significantly. When looking at this image the color of the wall is representing the true earthy tones that the builders wanted to incorporate into the wall. The light that reflects onto the wall throughout the day changes how people perceive the wall. The shadows throughout the day also show how big the wall is and how it looks against the sky. This shows just how big of a role light and color play into a image.
Experience
Visiting the Great Wall of China is a unique experience. The first thing you would notice when visiting this monument would be just how big it really is. The uneven steps leading up to the wall show just how old and weathered down the wall really is. The texture of the bricks and stones brings life into the wall, and they hold many stories from years ago. Walking the path of The Great Wall of China, allows for visitors to experience the true meaning behind the wall and why it was built. It allows visitors to realize just how important the wall is to the rich culture around it.
Theories
The Great Wall of China represents many different design theories but one that this image represents is the design adaptability theory. Instead of cutting down trees and running natural landscape the designers built the wall following the natural land. The wall was built following the natural curve of the land which is the builders adapting to the natural environment and not disturbing it. The materials used to build the wall are also natural materials you can find in the environment so that is also a form of the design adaptability theory.
Technology
Since the wall was built many years ago where there was no technology created yet, architects are now using new technology to help restore the wall to its natural beauty. Even though there was no technology the creators of the wall could use many years ago they had techniques to help with the construction of the wall. They had brick and stone masonry that helped making bricks easier, they also had engineering systems like the drainage systems they added into the watchtowers to help with the erosion on the wall. Fast forward to the present, architects after using 3D scanning technology to help preserve the natural beauty of the wall and to help fix any parts that are broken or too eroded.
Finishings
The finishings on The Great Wall of China was mostly dependent on the time period and materials that had on hand. This image represents finishings of The Great Wall of China to include surface materials and coatings. Showing the stonework technique used to structure the wall which is also used to reinforce the wall. The wall also had finishings of walkways allowing for people to walk the path of the Wall and it also helps for water drain to help prevent erosion. Over time, the wall has eroded and allowed for the finishings to become very natural looking and seamless.
Furnishings
There are very little furnishings in The Great Wall of China since it was built primarily as a military structure. This image represents one of the only furnishings in the wall, it’s a structure where soldiers can store their spare weapons and extra military equipment. The wall also offers hid out spaces for soldiers to hide during fighting. The wall itself was built so the military had a place of defense but it also provided spaces of comfort with cooking items, seating places, and lighting.
Telling Stories
The Great Wall of China has many different stories that represent it since it has been around throughout many different generations. The wall itself holds so many tales about war and culture. The wall represents the rich culture of China, in the Chinese culture the wall symbolizes a sacrifice of the military since they were the ones who the wall was built for. One of the prominent tales is the, ‘Legend of Meng Jiang Nü’ it’s a story about how the building of the wall forcefully separated a loving couple. Her husband was working on building the wall and died from harsh labor. This tale represents the sacrifices that were made to build the wall.
