The Transmutations of the Hakka Enclosed Dwelling Displayed Historically and Geographically by its Watchtowers

Abstract

The paper analyzes the “Origin” and the “Derivative” of Hakka Enclosed Dwelling’s by a specific transmutation instance of Longsheng House of Liuzhou in Qing Dynasty, and researches on Hakka Enclosed Dwelling’s layout, size, and the transmutation of forms. It points out that as one of the fittest to the environment among the vernacular dwelling, Enclosed Dwelling’s construction site and defence structure, more specifically: the Watchtower’s trade-offs and layouts have a close relationship. By comparing with the architectural forms between “the Origin” and “the Derivative” in Enclosed Dwelling, and analyzing the relevant heritage of dwellings in Hakka culture influenced areas, it shows that Hakka vernacular dwelling like Qing Liuzhou Longsheng House should be protected because it not only is built on the basis of the original form but also was shaped in the way of combination of the local context and historical architecture features.