Abstract:This paper presents a comprehensive investigationof the building structure and historical literature of GubaiHall, attempting to interpret its design concept and restoreits construction history. The initial focus of the paper lies inexploring the design concept of mountainous architecturethrough a thorough analysis of sightlines. It examineshow the building achieves a captivating visual effect as amultistorey pavilion by leveraging the height differenceof the mountain. Subsequently, the paper proceeds with adetailed constructional analysis of the earlier inner structureand the later outer structure of the building, followed byobservations concerning specific construction details,including dougong, conner beams, xieshan roofs, and pillarconnections. Notably, based on the distinctive elevated floorwith struts and dougong, this paper posits that the structurebelongs to the pingzuo system, as opposed to the ganlanstructure proposed in previous research. Furthermore, itrestores the structure of the lower portion of the building,with validation provided through the examination ofwood joints found in a pair of remaining components atthe site. Through a systematic review of local chroniclesand inscriptions, this paper elucidates the temple’s history,with particular emphasis on the construction history ofGubai Hall. It highlights that the unique structure andspatial arrangement of this building were intended tocreate a “Maitreya Pavilion”, aligning with the teachingsof the Avatamsaka Sutra and serving as a space for templememorial services. In conclusion, it asserts that the historicaltransformations of Gubai Hall manifest as material andspatial expressions of the transition from a religious societyto a secular one in Tonghai County.
