Abstract:
Traditional Chinese aesthetics is based on Chinese philosophy, according to which the fundamental law of the universe is the unity of opposites. The key to the effective use of opposites in art and architecture is the treatment of the relationship between them. Their contrast may be emphasized, or their harmony. Also, for the best effect, these relationships must be used in a rhythmic recurrence or order. Thus, a general Chinese aesthetic principle may be stated as "the rhythmical arrangement of special pairs of opposites, leading to aesthetic enjoyment." In this paper, Chinese garden bridges are described to enhance the understanding of this basic principle. This is followed by a discussion of the guiding rules of bridge aesthetics with regard to variation of form, beat and rhythm, proportion and symmetry, and variety and unity.
