Impact of New Construction Activities of Min-Zhe Wooden Arch Bridge in the Conservation of Its Traditional Building Craftsmanship

ABSTRACT

This paper focuses on discussing the new construction activities of such bridges and their impacts on Min-Zhe Bridge’s Traditional Building Craftsmanship (TBC for short). A total number of fifty-six such bridges were investigated including their implementing mechanism, designs, structures and functions. Based on the investigation, it discussed the advantages and challenges of these activities in terms of the conservation of the TBC, the relevant woodworking masters and the core communities.

KEYWORDS:

• Chinese Wooden Arch Bridge
• Conservation
• Intangible Cultural Heritage
• New Bridge
• Traditional Building Craftsmanship
• Transmission
• Viability

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

As a unique and traditional type of bridge, Min-Zhe Wooden Arch Bridge (Min-Zhe Bridge for short) in China is an important heritage on both tangible and intangible aspects. With rising appreciation of the heritage value of Min-Zhe Bridge under the National Strategy for Cultural Heritage, many new bridges have been built in the name of the Min-Zhe Bridge since 2003.

Notes

¹ According to the author’s telephone interview with the designer–Chuncai Huang.