Chinese Bridges: Living Architecture from China’s Past – Book Review

Authored by Ronald G. Knapp this book showcased
not just a typical structure that we often see in our daily modern living. A bridge
is something that we rarely pay attention to but in this particular book, the
author captured perfectly this magnificent work of art. It will open up our
minds that these structures are not just there for connecting one place to
another but are far more than that. It provides not just its functionality, no
matter how bare it is for human eyes.  It
gives more and is represented by the various embellishments that are well
thought; intensely hand crafted, and can stand the generations ahead. Bridges
generate connections between people and places they inspire an air of
friendship, camaraderie, and brotherhood. A knowledgeable work of art paired
with wide-ranging research that provides a thorough account of more than twenty
well maintained, historically, culturally, and well-constructed known bridges
all over China, It even tells us how advance their technology and designs even
during earlier times. It ranges from the simplest type to the most ornate,
intricately detailed and chimerical ones. It reveals not just its functionality
as well as unyielding the Chinese architecture is. Aesthetically speaking it is
something that cannot be compared even to the modern ones that we have
nowadays, nonidentical, culturally rich, and grandiose in every angle.
Showing early Chinese lifestyle on how they
deal with their usual routine, very utilitarian. It evolved to being histrionic
leaving everyone in awe every time they take a glimpse of these astonishing
architectural pieces. Detailed like a story that tells how colorful life has
been to these citizens of earlier times. Every carving gives us a bird’s eye
view on how artistic and expressive they are. They fashioned each of their
masterpiece beyond the limits of time, accompanied by a jaw-dropping photos of
Chester Ong plus Knapps’ hyper awareness to the details and every angle of
classical bridge design, adornment, construction, and representation is indeed
very exhilarating. While the usual architecture related books are used to
offering the readers just superficial appreciation, the author gave us a more
esoteric view, handing over massive and historical and cultural background for
Chinas’ architectural heritage. A definite visual feast for every reader
regardless if they are well versed in the technicalities of the “Architectural
World” or a student who would like to widen their knowledge regarding well
preserved  architectural masterpiece that
still exists now in our modern times, or just a curious one looking for a book
to read.
Chinese Bridges: Living Architecture from China’s Past – this is one book that is highly recommendable
for you book lovers all around the world. Reading this will transport you to
Ancient China allowing you to experience their well cherished culture, witness
their advanced technology when it comes to architectural design even before the
existence of modern and high end gadgets that we have now. Do not miss this
rare opportunity of understanding a different culture through these picturesque
remarkable bridges that withstand the test of time. A heightened level of
architectural elation is surely guaranteed.

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