HILLS GROVE

in order to reach an understanding of 

architectural language of Chengdu city, 

the nature of place must be grasped: 
which natural elements affect the residents; 
what habits the residents present; and 

how those habits are manifested in the architecture 

(space and materialisation). 

habits can not be determined without an anthropological study, 

however they can be speculated through architectural features. 

the frequent presence of 

arcades and balconies (with roof) in ancient buildings, 

indicates a need for shelter from weather conditions, 
as well as, an evidence of outdoor-living custom. 
the Chengdu climate is favourable for such lifestyle. 

the safeguarding architectonic elements 
are equally present in the contemporary architecture 

of Sichuan and Chengdu in particular. 
this demonstrates that these elements 
are not the result of construction technics, 
but of cultural manifestation. 

fortunately or unfortunately, 
stone has been vastly replaced by the modern stone, concrete; 

clay bricks are now concrete bricks, mostly; and 
wood isn’t so frequent as structural material. 
notwithstanding, the chromatic language remains. 

exhibited in ancient towns, 
but not in the contemporary architecture, 
the public and monumental buildings are striking by colour. 

a daring— yet rational— answer to this research topic could be

based on the diatonic constant of the architecture of Chengdu. 

the architectonic principles would be: 
standardisation of the harmony of grey; 
landmarks with vibrant colours. 

the diatonic language does not discriminate architectonic solutions.

the red land and the green vegetation project harmoniously 
from the grey construction. 

Chengdu has access to a wide variety of grey materials, 
exempli gratia, stone, concrete, clay, metal. 
moreover, the industry in the region and the architects are actively

introducing construction materials that fulfil the chromatic theme. 

timber structures do pair up beautifully with the grey,
especially bamboo wood— plentiful in Sichuan. 
other wood and red stone are suitable for landmark buildings.