Category: Blog

Architectural Splendor of Yongtai Ancient City:
The Turtle Fortress of the Hexi Corridor

Nestled at the eastern end of the Hexi Corridor in Baiyin, Gansu Province, Yongtai Ancient City is a remarkable relic of the Ming Dynasty. Known for its unique turtle-shaped design, this ancient military fortress offers a captivating blend of history and architectural ingenuity, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

A Fortress with a Unique Shape

From an aerial perspective, Yongtai Ancient City resembles a colossal turtle, hence its nickname "Yongtai Turtle City" (永泰龜城). This design is both strategic and symbolic, enhancing the city’s defense and representing protection and longevity.

The Ingenious Design of Yongtai's Walls

Yongtai’s city walls are made using rammed earth construction, a technique known for its durability. These walls, approximately 12 meters high and 6 meters thick at the base, have withstood both natural and human forces over centuries.

Defensive Structures and Military Architecture

Key defensive features of Yongtai include:

1. Turrets: Elevated platforms with narrow slits for archers and lookouts.
2. Barbicans: Fortified gateways with double gates for trapping invaders.
3. Beacon Towers: Towers for relaying messages using fires or smoke signals.

Interior Layout and Civic Architecture

Within the walls, Yongtai Ancient City features a well-organized urban layout:

1. Residential Quarters: Built with adobe bricks and timber, designed for insulation and ventilation.
2. Administrative Buildings: Elaborate structures with sloping roofs and intricate woodwork.
3. Storage Facilities: Granaries and warehouses, often built underground to preserve supplies.

Restoration and Preservation Efforts

Efforts to preserve Yongtai focus on maintaining the authenticity of its construction methods and materials. Traditional techniques ensure the city remains true to its original design.

Most Interesting Part:

Yongtai Ancient City stands out for its turtle-shaped design and use of rammed earth construction, symbolizing resilience and longevity.

Visiting Yongtai Ancient City

Exploring Yongtai offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Ming Dynasty architecture. Walking along its ancient walls and observing its turrets and buildings provide insight into the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architects.

For further insights into the architectural significance of Yongtai Ancient City, consult sources such as:

1. [UNESCO World Heritage Centrehttps://lnkd.in/dquAdYqu)
2. [China Highlights]https://lnkd.in/d_pzyyuy)
3. [The Great Wall of China]https://lnkd.in/djyAXAdF)
4. [Travel China Guide]https://lnkd.in/dCZSX7rn)

These resources will enrich your understanding of this architectural marvel.

Embracing the Spiritual Essence of Islamic Art in Architecture
Mimaride Kucaklamak

Islamic art and architecture transcend functionality, embodying a profound spiritual dimension. Visiting buildings adorned with Islamic art in the Middle East can evoke meditation, offering tranquil spaces for reflection and connection.

Islamic architecture roots itself in the concept of sacred space, where physical and spiritual realms converge. Known as an axis mundi, it bridges our material world with the divine. Unlike the secular-sacred dichotomy in other cultures, Islamic thought views all creation as an extension of God's will. Thus, spaces like mosques and madrasas serve multiple functions, all underpinned by a unified spiritual purpose.

The heart, or *qalb*, is central to this experience, embodying the capacity to know and love God. Sufi practices awaken the heart's potential, guiding practitioners toward divine consciousness. This inner transformation is mirrored in architectural designs, reflecting spiritual journeys.

Symbolism in Islamic art, through geometric patterns, calligraphy, and light, serves as a conduit for spiritual meaning, emphasizing the unity of all existence, or *Tawḥīd*. The interplay between the seen and unseen highlights a deeper, hidden reality.

Architects and artisans engaged in spiritual practices to align their work with divine inspiration. This approach ensures that their structures are aesthetically pleasing and spiritually elevating. The meditative quality of Islamic architecture transforms space into a journey of inner contemplation.

For example, the serene courtyards of the Alhambra invite reflection, while the mosaics and calligraphy in the Sultan Ahmed Mosque inspire awe and reverence. Contemporary designs, like a Sufi center, can adapt these principles, using geometric patterns and natural light to foster meditation and spiritual practice.

Ultimately, experiencing Islamic art in architecture is akin to a meditative journey. These spaces, rich in spiritual symbolism and intentionality, offer sanctuaries for the soul, inviting us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our inner selves and the divine.

Bütem Metal’in CEO’su olarak, tavan tasarımının insan psikolojisi üzerindeki derin etkisinin farkındayım. Genellikle göz ardı edilen tavanlar, duygusal ve psikolojik tepkilerimizi şekillendirir. Bütem Metal olarak, hem psikolojik hem de estetik olarak insan ihtiyaçlarını karşılayan ve genel refahı etkileyen tavan tasarımları yaratıyoruz.

Research shows people spend over 90% of their lives indoors, influencing feelings and behavior. Key psychological dimensions of ceilings include coherence, fascination, and hominess. These evoke specific neural responses, affecting emotional and psychological states.

**Coherence** refers to the ease of organizing a scene, promoting calm. **Fascination** involves the richness and interest of a scene, with intricate designs capturing attention and promoting mental restoration. **Hominess** reflects how personal and comforting a space feels, essential for feeling safe and relaxed.

Our ceiling design for Diori Hamani Airport in Nigeria exemplifies these principles. Airports are high-stress environments, and our design aimed to help passengers relax by enhancing coherence and fascination, promoting tranquility and order.

Neuroscience reveals how design elements, including ceilings, affect our brains. Specific neural activity patterns are linked to viewing architectural interiors, guiding our design process to foster psychological well-being.

Incorporating biophilic design patterns into ceilings offers benefits such as improved mood and reduced stress. Natural elements in ceiling design mimic the calming effects of nature, providing a respite from chaotic environments.

At Butem Metal, we are dedicated to advancing architectural psychology through our ceiling designs. By understanding and integrating psychological responses, we create environments that enhance comfort, reduce stress, and promote positive emotional states.

Ceiling design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that cater to human psychological needs. Our approach, grounded in scientific research, aims to make a meaningful impact on well-being.

Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website to learn more about how our ceiling designs can transform your space.

Merve Mollamemetoğlu
Chief Executive Officer, Butem Metal