The Yin Yang of Architecture
Ancient Chinese scholars believed that the universe consists of two natural, complementary yet contradictory forces: Yin and Yang. The study of Yin and Yang is concerned with the differentiation of these two opposing energies, and the relationships which exist between them. Yin represents the female, negative, darkness, softness, moisture, and night, and Yang represents the male, positive, brightness, hardness, dryness, and daytime. Pure Yin or Yang does not exist. In everything, there is always some degree of its opposite, its compliment. The greater the difference between Yin and Yang, the stronger the attractive force between them. While Yin and Yang are in a continual struggle for balance and harmony, there exists no antagonism between these two opposite poles of nature. They are always complimentary. Each serves to nourish, sustain and control the other. As one moves, the other responds accordingly. Night and day, winter and summer, woman and man are evidence of the existence of Yin and Yang in the natural world. The very existence of Nature in a normal, functional, and continual state depends upon the constant interaction and mutual enhancement of these two opposing energies.
The natural state of Yin and Yang, balance and harmony, is evident everywhere in good design. Architectural design itself is infused with Yin/Yang principles. Design and functionality of a building can be considered a Yin/Yang system with regards to beauty versus utility. Yin/Yang functional aspects can be considered with regards to public verses private spaces and indoor verses outdoor. From a design perspective, we can see Yin and Yang in the interplay of shadow and light distinguishing depth and shape, form and void in defining spaces, natural verses manufactured materials, the straight verses the curved, and the horizontal versus the vertical. The structure itself depends on Ying and Yang for its very existence. The engineering required for creating structures, the opposing of natural forces, is a Yin/Yang system. As buildings are constructed upward, there is a natural opposing force in the downward direction. As it rises higher, there is also a natural force pushing outward at the base of the building. These natural forces are counteracted through the use of engineering principles, which create an inward and upward force in order to cause the building to stand. Remove or increase any one of these forces and the entire structure will collapse. Whenever a force is resisted, it gives evidence of an equal and opposing force. This dramatic expression of dynamic mechanical forces held in a frozen state of balance and harmony through the forces of Yin and Yang creates an aesthetic beauty and vibrant character through out the entire building.