The Private Papers of Liang Sicheng
Introduction
In this book, Mr. Liang Sicheng discusses Chinese architecture and urban planning in an essayistic style, with engaging topics, beautiful prose, and an accessible approach. The book includes several of Mr. Liang's popular science writings on architecture from the 1960s, where he succinctly addresses public questions such as what architecture is and how architects work. Filled with a deep love for his homeland, he writes essays on topics like "The Architecture of Our Motherland," "Characteristics of Chinese Architecture," and "The Art of Architecture." Reading these essays brings to life the image of a great architect.
978-981-5249-82-8
Part I Essays of a Humble Craftsman
Architecture ⊂ (Social Sciences ∪ Technological Sciences ∪ Fine Arts)
How Do Architects Work?
Uniformity vs. Diversity
Starting from Ominous Prophecy of "Yan Yong"
From Sluggish to Efficient: From Building with Mortar to Prefabricated House
On "Extensiveness" and "Proficiency"
The Architecture of China
The Characteristics of Chinese Architecture
Architecture and Its Art
Part II City and Planning
The System and Order of Cities
Suggestions Concerning the Location of the Administrative Center for the Central People‘s Government (Liang-Chen Proposal)
Appendix: Explanation of the 11 Conditions Listed in Section 2
Discussion on the Preservation or Demolition of the Beijing City Walls
Beijing — A Masterpiece in Urban Planning
A Letter to Premier Zhou Enlai — Regarding the Planning Issues of Chang‘an Avenue
Part III Chit-chat on Architecture
A Letter to the Graduates of Class One in the Department of Architecture, Northeastern University
Draft Proposal for the Academic Systems and Curriculum of the Department of Architecture (now known as the Department of Architectural Engineering) in Tsinghua University
A Letter to Peng Zhen — Regarding the Design Issues of the Monument to the People‘s Heroes
A Letter to Che Jinming — Suggestions on the Design Proposal for Huguang Pavilion
Reflections on the Restoration and Preservation of Historical Architecture
Leonardo da Vinci — A Visionary Architect of Great Magnitude
Author(s) Information
Author: LIANG Sicheng
Translators: LIU Pengkang & JIANG Hong
