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Ancient Asian Architecture

Architecture reflects both time and place. Explore the intriguing characteristics of buildings in ancient Asia.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Have students explore examples of ancient structures in an Asian country, such as the Palatial Palace in The Forbidden City in China, the Horiyuji Temple in Japan, the Seokgatap Pagoda in South Korea, the Mahabodhi Temple in India, or any other they'd like. Ask them to find out the history of the building - what it's made of, who constructed it, its use, etc.

  • Step 2

    Ask students to paint an image of a building they researched. Make sure to include any unique features such as upturned roof supports, overhanging eaves, etc.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their art to the class and talk a bit about what they learned.

Standards

LA: Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

LA: Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

SS: Culture: Create, learn, share, and adapt to culture.

SS: People, Places, and Environments: Draw upon experiences in neighborhoods, towns and cities, states, and nations, as well as peoples and places distant and unfamiliar to explore geographic similarities and differences.

Arts: Connect artistic ideas and works to/with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.

Adaptations

Compare ancient and modern Chinese architecture. For quite a long time, the concept of harmony between man and nature deeply infl

Compare and contrast Asian and Western architectural styles. Illustrate a typical example from each style.