Chinese experts use science and digital art to preserve ancient architecture

Researchers and architects in China are using a combination of structural engineering, traditional craftsmanship, and digital technology to preserve and revitalize ancient buildings.

At the Beijing Institute of Engineering Anti-Seismic and Structural Diagnosis, experts tested a wooden structure modeled after the Forbidden City's Nan San Suo corridor. The test demonstrated that while walls collapsed at a magnitude 7 earthquake, the wooden skeleton remained intact and returned to its original position after a magnitude 10.1 tremor.

This experiment aimed to prove that traditional Chinese wooden structures possess superior seismic resistance compared to Western masonry. Architect Zhou Qian applied these principles during the renovation of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where he focused on understanding ancient mechanics before applying modern solutions. He used traditional methods, such as wooden supports and "dahuo" techniques, to ensure repairs remained reversible and respected the original materials.

These efforts aim to keep the buildings in their original state rather than making them look new. Other professionals are focusing on integrating these historical sites into modern life. Architect Li Yinong designed the exhibition space for the Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower, turning the top floor into a public cultural space. Her team also redesigned the Great Wall Museum at Badaling, adding a glass-walled hall that allows visitors to view the Great Wall directly from the building.

Additionally, Wang Boqiao and his team used digital art to create an immersive theater at the Capital Museum. They reconstructed a 7.8 kilometer scale model of Beijing's central axis to let visitors experience the city's history through 3D reconstructions and artificial intelligence.