Entrance and Forecourt Proportions: Chuitou, Sanqi and Biqi

Defining features

The building is substantial but its entrance doorway is notably low and small, creating a pronounced proportion contrast.

How to recognize it

Measure clear doorway height and width and record the structure above it. Distinguish a working entrance from a decorative opening.

A low doorway used every day in a tall hall warrants checking actual clearance. A small side door beside a full-size main entrance has an auxiliary role. Looking small in a photograph does not establish an access problem.

Common confusions

This may overlap with Biqi. A small door does not necessarily mean a small forecourt, and photographs alone cannot establish compliance of escape routes.

Folklore and sources

The lowered-head image comments on entrance scale. It does not predict residents’ social status or mood.

Traditional responses and practical improvements

Where people must stoop or passage is obstructed, assess doorway improvements. Do not enlarge a load-bearing opening without checking structure and applicable requirements.

Defining features

A small main building faces a broad open area. Some modern paraphrases also include an oversized doorway.

How to recognize it

State whether the comparison is house-to-courtyard or house-to-doorway. Record these relationships separately rather than mixing their widths.

A small house facing a broad public square should be recorded together with the square’s access and activity uses. It differs from a private enclosed forecourt. Relative area alone cannot justify blocking or shrinking open space.

Common confusions

There may be a relationship to the historical Xieqi name, but they should not be merged without collation. A small house beside a park is not thereby unsuitable.

Folklore and sources

The language of dispersing qi expresses traditional concern about excessive openness. Open space can also provide sunlight, activity space and views.

Traditional responses and practical improvements

Organize paths, shading and suitable planting according to use. Do not divide a broad courtyard unnecessarily or obstruct public access.

Defining features

A large, tall dwelling faces a small forecourt. Some modern explanations additionally refer to an undersized doorway.

How to recognize it

Record entrance clearances and forecourt depth separately. If the yard is broad but the doorway small, state that only one condition is present.

A full-size door opening onto a shallow recess can indicate a cramped exterior entrance. A small door within a large courtyard is instead a doorway issue. Separating the conditions identifies where use might improve.

Common confusions

Biqi and Chuitou cannot be counted as independent risks without defined criteria. Courtyard-house proportions also cannot be applied uncritically to tower entrances.

Folklore and sources

The closed or constrained metaphor is not an air-quality test and cannot establish respiratory disease.

Traditional responses and practical improvements

Maintain clear entrance space, remove clutter and inspect actual ventilation and lighting. Consider spatial changes only where a problem is identified.