Architecture, Environment and the Creation of a Sacred Space: Nanyan Palace in Wudang Mountain as an Example

Abstract

Wudang Mountain has the attributes of both a Taoist ashram and a royal family temple of the Ming Dynasty. Based on the research on the holy mountain, this article focuses on how architectures communicate with the environment to create a sacred space under the influence of religious and political needs. Designers need to find a balance between the form specifications of high-grade buildings as well as the natural environment. This article takes Nanyan Palace as an example and combines three types of historical images with on-site research to study its spatial layout it. Research finds that Nanyan Palace is divided into the guided transition space and the central deity space in accordance with the terrain. The former follows the winding mountain while the latter maintains an axisymmetric layout. The node space between the two is also significant in the transition from secular to sacred. Architectures organize surroundings and guide pilgrims from pilgrimage roads to the blessed spot, so as to help humans establish a connection with heaven ultimately. At the same time, the imperial power completes the discipline of the people.