JOIN USSymbolism in decoration
We are all aware that Chinese architecture is unique. What is it that sets Chinese decor apart from that of the rest of the world? First of all, like everybody else, the Chinese understand the importance of living in beauty and prosperity.
However, Chinese decorators and home-owners do not necessarily equate these qualities with large budgets.
Regardless of our decor budgets we can all surround ourselves with beautiful things and a sense of luxury because these things aren’t necessarily expensive. Chinese decoration has a lot to do with symbolism.
The Chinese believe that symbolic imagery used in a room helps create an atmosphere that ensures we live with beauty, peace and harmony.
One example is that for the Chinese people, a crane denotes longevity and endurance.
Many pictures will therefore have a crane in them. Similarly, chessboards, books and
scrolls symbolise learning and scholarly advancement. It is no wonder therefore that, children’s rooms have these items.
Peace and prosperity
Another direct relationship is between butterflies and romantic love leading to enduring marital bliss and harmony.
Elephant motifs, meanwhile, bring peace and prosperity.
Goldfish, as their name indicates, reflect gold and abundance. Water too symbolises wealth and prosperity because of its flowing characteristic.
Horses are revered for their perseverance while peacocks, not surprisingly, are courted for their beauty and dignity.
Colours also have significant meaning in Chinese culture. Yellow is believed to invite prosperity to the home, and as is common knowledge, red symbolises all-round good fortune.
As in all cultures, white means purity of heart but the Chinese avoid using black and white together since the two together signify death.
We in India too have a surfeit of symbols inherent in our culture. Our mythology is suffused with stories which regale us with symbols and their meanings.
Our ancient arts and scrolls also mention them.
We can look for these, adopt the Chinese symbols as we have adopted Feng Shui, or use our own themes. Whether it carries specific meaning, or reminds you of an event, achievement, or way of living, each element of your decor, be it colour, furniture, or accessories should say something about you.
Attention to detail is the biggest gift with which we can honour a space. And, when we honour a space with symbolism, we’re honouring ourselves.
Mala Ashok
Plans for China’s tallest skyscraper
Shanghai-based real estate developer Greenland Group is planning to add more floors to the Wuhan Greenland Centre in central China to make it the second tallest building in the world (after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa) and the tallest in the country.
Greenland Group’s marketing director for Hubei province, Lu Zhenxing, said that the company is studying a new plan to raise the tower from 102 to more than 125 floors so that it would replace the now-under-construction Shanghai Tower (632 metres) as China’s tallest skyscraper.
Being constructed at a cost of $4.5 billion, the Wuhan building is designed as a streamlined form with a tapered body, softly rounded corners and a domed top, and will be located at the confluence of the Han Shui and Yangtze rivers.
It will house a 45,000 sq. metre five-star hotel, 50,000 sq. metres of luxury apartments and condominiums, 20,000 sq. metres of office space, a 10,000 sq. metre conference and exhibition centre, and a 27-metre-tall penthouse-level private club offering panoramic views of Wuhan city.
Conservation
The building will incorporate several water and energy conservation features as well as rounded corners and a domed design to reduce wind resistance.
The curtain wall cladding of the body of the tower will encompass a composite concrete core with steel framing, while the corners of the building will feature curved glass.
Three corners of the tower, which is now scheduled for completion in 2017, will rise from its tripod-shaped base and taper upward, culminating in an arched tip.
Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Wuhan Greenland Centre will have a floor area of 3 million sq. metres and is expected to reach a height of 636 metres.
Geetha Balachandran