ABSTRACT
The central theme of modernity versus tradition-often phrased as Modernism versus National Form-dominated debates among architects. Proponents of Modernism argued that the International Style represented social progress. They associated abstract and undecorated building forms with an open, forwardlooking, democratic and uncompromising modernity. They identied traditional forms with authoritarian, conservative and reactionary politics. Supporters of the National Form argued that Chinese architecture should only be modernized with a “national identity.” They generally focused on three traditional formats: the pitched roof (or Big Roof), which was primarily adapted from the roof-forms of Chinese royal palaces, ancient temples, or vernacular houses; the picturesque garden, which was mainly inspired by the classical gardens in the Jiangnan area; and historical decorative motifs.
