A Digital Reconstruction of Tang Chang'an

Heng Chye Kiang

A Digital Reconstruction of Tang Chang'an uses primary and secondary sources as the basis for reconstructing the magnificent Tang capital's cityscape. Based on a theoretical understanding of its urban composition and structure, individual buildings and compounds were created and combined to form the city. The result is the creation of visual information never before available.

This package contains a book and CDROM. The book outlines the urban and socio-cultural history of Chang'an and provides details of the digital reconstruction process. It also explains the theoretical framework on which much of the reconstruction is based. The CD contains an hour-long interactive multimedia program that not only provides an overview of the city but also allows users to visit no less than 13 unique locations. These include official buildings such as the Linde and Hanyuan palatial halls, religious complexes, residential wards, architectural landmarks and commercial markets. Through its animated sequences, users could now experience visually the spatial and formal matrix of the once glorious city.

The Chang'an multimedia software with its strong visual and audio contents is intended to render the cityscape of the vanished Tang capital accessible to specialists, students and the layperson. It is hoped that this digital reconstruction will incite more to contribute to the subject and pave the way for even better renditions in the future.

HENG Chye Kiang is Professor at the Department of Architecture and Dean of the School of Design and Environment at the National University of Singapore.

publication year: 2012
170 pages  CDROM
ISBN: 978-9971-69-654-2  Paperback  US$35.00  S$45.00