EXPLORING TRADITIONAL CHINESE ARCHITECTURE: Interactive Realization of a Traditional Construction Process YINGDAN HUANG, IPEK OZKAYA, RAMESH KRISHNAMURTI School of Architecture, Carnegie Mellon University 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15213, USA. yingdanh@andrew.cmu.edu, iozka@andrew.cmu.edu, ramesh@cmu.edu Abstract. This paper describes an interactive tool for visually exploring the spatial organization and construction process of traditional Chinese dwellings. 1. Introduction This paper describes an interactive tool for visually exploring the spatial organization and construction process of traditional Chinese dwellings. There are two aspects to the work reported in this paper. Firstly, research into architectural history provides insights for developing an internal logic about architectural design, such as understanding the role of a modular system, or the relationships among material, structure and form. However, for people who want to learn about a particular architectural style, engaging in systematic study through ancient documents is likely to be tedious and difficult. Learning obstacles arise as a result of time, region, culture and language barriers. Digital media can assist in circumventing some of these obstacles. Secondly, an added advantage of digital media is that it can offer visual and interactive tools for exploring elements of an architectural style. “Architecture is a communicative art that situates human activity within the horizon of possibilities” (Wikipedia, 2004)—reflecting an objective of this work, namely, to develop a learning environment in which one can glean perspectives on traditional construction by digitally and visually exploring possible designs in a traditional style. 2. Traditional Chinese Architecture The specific subject of the tool is Chinese traditional architecture, in particular, northern Chinese dwellings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties (Liang, 1981; Liu, 1978; Cheng, 1991; Miao, 1995). There are two authoritative sources on the standards of construction for Chinese traditional architecture: “Yingzao fashi” (1103 A.D.), published in the Song Dynasty,