Evolutionary design of woodwork construction in residential architecture of southern Jiangsu during the Qing dynasty: a case study in Wuxi, China

As an integral part of traditional architectural heritage in Jiangnan region, the woodwork construction techniques of Southern Jiangsu residences during the Qing dynasty represent the pinnacle of woodwork craftsmanship by the Xiangshan Bang. This study focuses on the woodwork construction of Southern Jiangsu residences during the Qing dynasty, using the east residence of Lingering Garden in Suzhou as the design prototype. Through the collation of historical literature and on-site surveys of the Lingering Garden, six architectural space prototypes, five courtyard space prototypes, five major timber framework prototypes, and four small wooden decoration prototypes were reconstructed using digital techniques to preserve their cultural heritage. Furthermore, this study incorporates the woodwork construction techniques of Southern Jiangsu residences during the Qing dynasty into modern Southern Jiangsu Chinese-style architectural projects. Using the Gu Yunxuan building in Wuxi, an interior design project led by the author, as an example, this study explored the evolution and application of woodwork construction techniques from the Qing dynasty to contemporary times. It proposes evolutionary design methods for wooden architectural spaces, major timber frameworks, and small wooden decorations. The ultimate goal is to empower the living inheritance of Southern Jiangsu architecture traditions and advance contemporary architectural practices.