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.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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The Role of Oral History Method in the Study of Vernacular Architecture The Interview with Chen Hongyou.pdf
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