A study on the dimensional design of brackets of multi-tiered wooden pagodas in East Asia

• Published in: Journal of Asian architecture and building engineering 2024-11, p.1-19
• Main Authors: Jiangling Ma, Tomo Inoue, Yida Sun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: bracket; bracket arm; design methods; modularization; wooden pagodas
• ISSN: 1347-2852
• DOI: 10.1080/13467581.2024.2431301

Methods for dimensional design of brackets of multi-tiered wooden pagodas in East Asia are discussed. The research method for quantifying the brackets design of each wooden five-tiered pagoda by setting a V-value with an initial value equal to 1, and adding one to the original value for each change in the size of the brackets at each tier. The results demonstrated that the size of brackets decreased from Tier 1 to Tier 5. Also, some unique dimensional design methods such as three-section design have been observed. This article focuses for the first time on the phenomenon that the size of wooden five-tiered pagoda brackets is gradually decreasing from bottom to top in East Asia. And it is studied and proved as a special design method of wooden five-tiered pagoda brackets. The dimensional designs of wooden brackets of pagodas in China, Japan and Korea were investigated and compared to clarify the history of dimensional design of wooden brackets of pagodas in East Asia, as well as the principle of dimensional design of brackets of ancient multi-tiered wooden pagodas in East Asia. The results of the study not only provide a new perspective to better understand the design techniques of ancient East Asian five-tiered wooden pagodas but also help to preserve and restore five-tiered wooden pagodas more accurately.