Research on the history of vernacular architecture lies on the dual evidences of both literature and architecture. For some vernacular houses that are poorly preserved and lack of folk documentation, the “oral history” method plays an important role in investigating construction background, reproducing architectural scenes, and recovering architectural form. This article illustrates the three roles of the “oral history” method through the interview with Hongyou Chen, a descendant of the Chen family who built and lived in his courtyard house for generations. First, though combining the oral information and folk literature, the article sorts out the construction process of the Chen family residence and the family’s migration background. Second, it analyzes the layout feature of the house by mapping functions and rituals known from the interview. Third, it presents a hypothetical reconstruction design of the house based on its status, the oral information collected, and the characteristics of surrounding vernacular dwellings.

The Role of "Oral History" Method in the Study of Vernacular Architecture: The Interview with Chen Hongyou

Jiang Pan
2022-01-01

Abstract

Research on the history of vernacular architecture lies on the dual evidences of both literature and architecture. For some vernacular houses that are poorly preserved and lack of folk documentation, the “oral history” method plays an important role in investigating construction background, reproducing architectural scenes, and recovering architectural form. This article illustrates the three roles of the “oral history” method through the interview with Hongyou Chen, a descendant of the Chen family who built and lived in his courtyard house for generations. First, though combining the oral information and folk literature, the article sorts out the construction process of the Chen family residence and the family’s migration background. Second, it analyzes the layout feature of the house by mapping functions and rituals known from the interview. Third, it presents a hypothetical reconstruction design of the house based on its status, the oral information collected, and the characteristics of surrounding vernacular dwellings.
2022
oral history; vernacular architecture; Chen family residence in Jiangjin; Chen Hongyou; anthropology; Bashu region; spatial form and pattern; architectural reconstruction
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
The Role of Oral History Method in the Study of Vernacular Architecture The Interview with Chen Hongyou.pdf

Accesso riservato

Dimensione 1.71 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.71 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11311/1218959
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact