The Role of Mythology in Architectural Identity: The Case of the Temple of Heaven

Mythology significantly shapes architectural identity, as demonstrated by the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. This study reveals that the temple's design—encompassing spatial organization, semantic structure, and contextual relationships—embodies rich mythological symbolism, translating cultural narratives into architectural language. Unlike mere physical structures, such sites become incarnations of sacred order, blending form with symbolic meaning. The research compares the Temple of Heaven to other globally influenced architectures, highlighting its unique role in contemporary design. By analyzing criteria like spatial and semantic organization, the study underscores mythology's enduring impact on architectural identity, offering insights into how cultural narratives can inspire modern design principles.

Chen, X., Chizzoniti, D., & Lolli, T. (2025). The Role of Mythology in Architectural Identity: The Case of the Temple of Heaven. 10th World Summit: Civil Engineering-Architecture-Urban Planning Congress (CAUSummit 2025), 1, 27–36. https://doi.org/10.3897/ap.9.e0027