SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN Foundation in Natural & Build Environment (FNBE)

RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS Temple of Heaven - Beijing

Name : Chong Jin Feng

Student ID : 0319645

Module : EPC Oral Presentation Part 1

Lecturer : Miss. Persis Rodrigues

Historical Background

1. Constructed from 1406 to 14202. Extended and renamed in the 16th century3. Was renovated in the 18th century under the

Qianlong Emperor4. Occupied by the Anglo-French Alliance during the

Second Opium War 5. Turned into force’s temporary command in Beijing

by the Eight Nation Alliance6. Temple has been desecrated 7. Resulted in serious damage to building complex

and garden8. In 1998, temple turned into a park and open to

the public

Structure of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests(祈年殿)

Structure of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

• Three tiers of marble form a circle 90m in diameter and 6m high.

• The balusters on the upper tier are decorated with dragon carvings to signify the imperial nature of the structure.

Marble platform Caisson ceiling

• The splendid circular caisson ceiling has a gilded dragon and phoenix at its center.

• The hall is entirely built of wood• Without a single nail

Layout of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

• Grounds covers 2.73 km² of parkland• Comprises three main groups of

constructions • It is a magnificent triple-gabled circular

building• 32m in diameter and 38m tall• 3 levels of marble stone base• Completely wooden• No nails• Surrounded by a smooth circular wall • 360m long raised walkway

Layout of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

- Four seasons

- Twelve months

- A day’s twelve hours

- For supporting the building

Meaning of Pillars

Type of materials used

Bricks

Dark blue glazed tile roof

Wood

Ornamentation of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

References

• http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/881

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Heaven

• http://www.chinaspree.com/china-travel-guide/china-tours-beijing-temple-of-heaven-more.html

• Undress me in the Temple of Heaven By Gilman, Susan Jane. Grand Centre Pub 2009

• Temple of Heaven By Zumbrun, John D. J.D Zumbrun 1913

Thank you.