This study is on the organizational principles of Chinese traditional houses. It has been assumed that a common cultural background did influence dwelling construction in most areas of China, some specific concepts are used to build a connection between the culture and architecture. There are four aspects of cultural influence being explored: traditional concept of space by the philosophical influence, religious influence, the Feng Shut method, and traditional system of family organization. The influence of the Chinese culture on dwelling architecture is predominant. Housing types from different areas of China, despite their different physical appearance, have similar spatial concepts. This cultural influence was due to the historic development of the Chinese empire. The organizational principles of Chinese dwelling architecture determined by its own cultural background have five major invariable norms. They are as follows: 1. Internal and enclosed spatial organization. 2. Grouping of buildings around axes. 3. Spatial organization and extension by courtyard. 4. Spatial expansion by adding units. 5. Hierarchical organization of space.

• 손세관(중앙대학교 건축공학과) | Sohn Sei-Kwan (Chung-Ang University)