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Federico von Borstel

This course introduces you to the Form, Function and Beauty of Chinese Architecture and Design. Chinese Architecture and Design is a unique style that has spread and influenced architecture throughout the world. Most of the material in this course is documented directly by me on site. In this course we go on a voyage to visit and study some of the best examples of Ancient Chinese Architecture and Design. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

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This course introduces you to the Form, Function and Beauty of Chinese Architecture and Design. Chinese Architecture and Design is a unique style that has spread and influenced architecture throughout the world. Most of the material in this course is documented directly by me on site. In this course we go on a voyage to visit and study some of the best examples of Ancient Chinese Architecture and Design. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

This course is designed under the premise that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution.

The design, development and application of educational systems based on the educational principles of evolution generates a philosophy and methodology of education in synchrony with the evolutionary education system that is firmly and deeply rooted in each of us.

Education for evolution is an educational system designed to help propel humans forward in the natural course of evolution. The purpose of education for evolution is to enhance and strengthen the natural evolutionary process of humans through the mechanism of education. The means to achieve this objective is the design of a curricula based on the same educational techniques and strategies used by natural evolution, enhanced and guided by the application of conscious educational decisions.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Students will learn about chinese architecture and design
  • The course enhances human development.
  • The course promotes self-learning.
  • The course seeks to enrich your life experience.

Syllabus

Introduction
Chinese Architecture and Design 2
Chinese Architecture and Design 3
Chinese Architecture and Design 4
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores a unique architectural style that has influenced design globally, offering a broad perspective on its impact and significance throughout different cultures
Presents material documented directly on-site, potentially offering unique insights and perspectives not readily available through conventional resources or secondary sources
Seeks to enrich life experience, suggesting a focus on the cultural and aesthetic aspects of architecture beyond technical or functional considerations
Promotes self-learning, which may require learners to take initiative in exploring related topics and examples beyond the course's core content

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Reviews summary

Visually rich introduction to chinese architecture

According to students, this course offers a visually rich introduction to Chinese architecture, serving primarily as a grand tour of significant sites. Learners frequently praise the stunning on-site visuals and high-quality photography as the highlight. The instructor's clear passion for the subject is also noted positively. However, some reviewers mention that the lectures can lack structure, feel repetitive, or occasionally suffer from technical issues like audio quality. While considered a great overview for general interest or appreciation, it is often described as lacking significant depth for those seeking detailed historical context, technical analysis, or a professional understanding.
Good introduction, limited technical/history
"A fantastic visual introduction. Not deep, but a great overview."
"I was hoping for more historical context and technical details. This is mostly a visual tour."
"The course provides a broad overview but doesn't delve deeply into any specific era or building style."
Clear passion for the subject
"The instructor's passion for the subject is clear."
"His enthusiasm for the sites is contagious and makes the visuals more engaging."
High-quality on-site photography/video
"The on-site footage and high-quality photos were absolutely stunning and the highlight of the course."
"The visuals are beautiful and make the course worthwhile on their own."
"Appreciated the images, they really transport you to the locations."
Occasional technical issues
"The audio quality was poor in some sections, making it difficult to understand the instructor."
"Found some technical glitches in video playback."
Organization can be difficult to follow
"While the visuals are beautiful, the lectures often feel rambling and lack clear structure. It's hard to follow the points."
"Felt like the same points were repeated multiple times across different modules."
"The instruction could be more concise and better organized."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Chinese Architecture and Design with these activities:
Review 'Chinese Architecture: A Visual History'
Gain a strong foundation in the history and evolution of Chinese architectural styles before starting the course.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Chinese Architecture: A Visual History'.
  • Read the introductory chapters covering early dynasties.
  • Take notes on key architectural innovations and styles.
Review Basic Architectural Principles
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental architectural concepts to better grasp the nuances of Chinese design.
Show steps
  • Review basic concepts like form, function, and space.
  • Research the golden ratio and its applications in design.
  • Familiarize yourself with architectural terminology.
Read 'The Story of Chinese Architecture'
Expand your knowledge of Chinese architectural history and cultural influences.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Story of Chinese Architecture'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the dynasties covered in the course.
  • Take notes on the key architectural developments and their context.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Document Local Chinese Architectural Influences
Apply your knowledge by identifying and documenting examples of Chinese architectural influence in your local area.
Show steps
  • Research local buildings for Chinese architectural elements.
  • Photograph examples of these architectural elements.
  • Write a short description of each element and its significance.
  • Compile your findings into a presentation or blog post.
Create a Glossary of Chinese Architectural Terms
Solidify your understanding of key concepts by compiling a glossary of Chinese architectural terms.
Show steps
  • Identify key architectural terms from the course materials.
  • Research the definitions and origins of each term.
  • Compile your findings into a glossary with definitions and examples.
Design a Chinese Garden
Synthesize your learning by designing a virtual or physical Chinese garden, incorporating key design principles.
Show steps
  • Research the principles of Chinese garden design.
  • Sketch out your garden design, including key features.
  • Create a 3D model or physical model of your garden.
  • Write a description of your design choices and their significance.
Comparative Analysis Presentation
Deepen your understanding by comparing and contrasting Chinese architectural styles with those of another culture.
Show steps
  • Choose another architectural style to compare with Chinese architecture.
  • Research the key features of both styles.
  • Create a presentation highlighting the similarities and differences.
  • Present your findings to a peer or online forum.

Career center

Learners who complete Chinese Architecture and Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architectural Historian
An Architectural Historian researches and documents the history of buildings and architectural styles. This course, with its focus on the form, function, and beauty of Chinese Architecture and Design, provides a strong foundation for understanding a unique architectural style. The course's emphasis on firsthand observation and site documentation complements the rigorous research and analysis required by an Architectural Historian. The course will improve your ability to identify and understand key design elements and historical contexts of buildings, particularly regarding ancient Chinese Architecture. A deep understanding of how educational systems evolve, which this course also touches upon, may provide additional insight that is helpful in your work.
Architectural Designer
An Architectural Designer creates plans and designs for buildings and structures, often requiring a strong understanding of different styles. This course will be helpful, as it introduces the unique style of Chinese Architecture and Design, which is an important influence in global design. As you study the form and function of this style, you enhance your ability to apply such concepts to all of your designs. This course's emphasis on learning through observation and on-site documentation may align deeply with the work of an Architectural Designer. Your understanding of educational patterns and design will give you a fuller appreciation for the various designs you may encounter.
Curator
A Curator is responsible for the collection, display, and interpretation of artifacts in a museum or gallery. This course, which delves into the history, form, and function of Chinese Architecture and Design, provides a strong base for curating exhibitions that feature such works, whether in person or digitally. The course's methodology—based on firsthand observation and site documentation—aligns with the research-intensive work of a curator. The insight this course provides into architectural history will help you plan enriching educational experiences for your viewers. This course may also help clarify your understanding of the impact of design on human development.
Exhibition Designer
An Exhibition Designer creates engaging and informative displays for museums and galleries, requiring an understanding of design principles and spatial arrangement. Since this course explores the unique style of Chinese Architecture and Design, it will help you understand the importance of the visual communication of culture. The course's emphasis on the form, function, and beauty of architecture may help an Exhibition Designer create an experience that is both informative and artistically valuable. The course's focus on how humans learn through observation of design and application may inform the very design of exhibitions.
Cultural Heritage Manager
A Cultural Heritage Manager works to preserve and manage historically significant sites and buildings and has a strong base knowledge of architectural history. This course, focusing on the form and function of Chinese Architecture and Design, may prove helpful in developing a background in the history of this particular style. The course provides a basis for understanding how architectural styles reflect cultural values and historical context. Your study of the educational patterns of evolution may also prove interesting in your work of cultural preservation. The course's emphasis on direct experience and self-learning may also help in your work.
Interior designer
An Interior Designer plans and designs the interior spaces of buildings, paying careful attention to the aesthetic and functionality of these spaces. This course helps with the work of an Interior Designer through its focus on Chinese Architecture and Design, providing insights into spatial arrangements and design principles that can be used in various contexts. The course details direct observation and site documentation, which may help you develop acute powers of observation, useful in your work. The course's stated objective to enhance human development can inform your understanding of how interior design impacts human experience.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner develops plans for land use and community development, often considering how architectural styles relate to overall community design. While the course focuses on Chinese architectural design, the study of form and function will be useful when considering the layout of a city. By examining how Chinese Architecture has spread and influenced other styles, you may discover insights applicable to urban environments outside of China. The design, development, and application of educational systems touch on concepts that intersect with Urban Planning methods. This course fosters learning through direct experience, a method that will be useful in your planning process.
Landscape Architect
A Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, and campuses, requiring a strong understanding of spatial arrangements and design principles. Although this course focuses on buildings, it examines the form and function of Chinese Architecture and Design, which may be useful in creating outdoor spaces. An awareness of these architectural styles and their influences will enrich your artistic process. The course's emphasis on direct observation may improve your ability to analyze the impact of design on human experience. This course may enhance your understanding of how culture can be expressed through design.
Art Director
An Art Director is responsible for the visual style and images in creative projects, from films to advertisements. This course, which explores the aesthetic qualities of Chinese Architecture and Design, may offer inspiration for creating visually appealing content. The course focuses heavily on the visual aspects of buildings, which may be useful in developing your visual palette. The course's philosophy of learning through observation and direct experience may deepen your artistic sensibilities. This course may enhance your ability to design visually engaging experiences.
Set Designer
A Set Designer creates the visual environment for theatre, film, and television productions. This course, which addresses the form and function of Chinese Architecture and Design, may inform the creation of set designs that incorporate elements of Chinese aesthetics. The course's methodology of on-site observation and documentation may give you a deeper understanding of visual design. This may be especially helpful for designing historically accurate sets. The principles of design you learn here may be useful in your work as a Set Designer.
Exhibit Preparator
An Exhibit Preparator is responsible for the physical installation of exhibitions in museums and galleries, often working directly with artifacts and designs. This course directly explores the unique aesthetics of Chinese Architecture and Design and may inform the work of an Exhibit Preparator responsible for installing exhibitions that feature this style. The course may help your understanding of the form and function of structures, which you may encounter in your work. This course is helpful in developing your awareness of design principles and may enhance your ability to understand the visual aspects of an exhibit.
Design Consultant
A Design Consultant provides expert advice on design projects, helping clients make informed decisions about their spaces. This course, introducing the unique and globally influential style of Chinese Architecture and Design, may help you provide valuable insight to clients on a specific design style. Your study of the form and function of design will help you create informed recommendations. The course's emphasis on learning through observation and documentation may strengthen your ability to analyze design issues for your clients. This course may be useful in developing your understanding of design culture.
Travel Blogger
A Travel Blogger creates content about their travel experiences, often featuring the architecture and design of places they visit. By taking this course, which introduces the form, function, and beauty of Chinese Architecture and Design, you may develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for architectural designs. The course's emphasis on on-site documentation may improve your ability to write descriptive reviews of the buildings you visit. This course may be helpful in enhancing your travel blogs with in-depth analyses of architectural styles, thereby giving your posts a unique point of view.
Visual Merchandiser
A Visual Merchandiser designs the layout and displays of retail spaces to attract customers. This course may be helpful in your work because you study the form, function, and beauty of Chinese Architecture and Design, concepts that may be applicable to creating visually appealing retail spaces. While this course focuses on architecture, the underlying principles of design and spatial arrangement may be useful in your merchandising work. The methodologies taught in this course may help your visual merchandising work.
Building Inspector
A Building Inspector ensures that buildings comply with safety codes and regulations, and requires detailed knowledge of construction techniques and architectural design. This course, focusing on the form and function of Chinese Architecture and Design, may improve your understanding of design principles. This study can provide a broader perspective on how different design choices affect the overall structure. While the course emphasizes design and history, the attention to detail required may nonetheless translate to your work. This course may be useful in understanding the unique nature of architectural developments across time.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Chinese Architecture and Design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese architecture from its earliest forms to modern developments. It is particularly useful for understanding the historical context and evolution of design principles discussed in the course. The visual approach makes it accessible and engaging, offering a strong foundation for appreciating the aesthetics and functionality of Chinese architecture. It serves as an excellent reference for key architectural elements and their historical significance.
Offers a detailed narrative of Chinese architecture, exploring its evolution through various dynasties and cultural influences. It provides valuable insights into the social, political, and philosophical contexts that shaped architectural design. While not a prerequisite, it enhances understanding of the course material by providing a broader historical perspective. This book is more valuable as additional reading to deepen knowledge.

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