Hokkien architecture

Hokkien architecture is a type of building design that is commonly found in the Hokkien-speaking regions of Southeast Asia. It is a style that has been shaped by the culture and history of the Hokkien people, who have a rich heritage that dates back many centuries.

So, imagine you are playing with Lego blocks. You can build towers and houses, and you can use different colored blocks and different shapes to make them look unique. Well, Hokkien architecture is kind of like that, but with real buildings made out of materials like wood, stone, and bricks.

One of the most important things about Hokkien architecture is the way that buildings are arranged around a central courtyard or space. This area is usually open to the sky, so you can see the sun or the stars, and it's surrounded by walls or buildings that are decorated with colorful tiles or carvings.

Another thing that makes Hokkien architecture special is the way that roofs are designed. The roofs are often curved, and they can have different layers that make them look like they are covered in scales or fish scales. This is because in Hokkien culture, fish are seen as a symbol of prosperity and good luck, so adding a fish-like roof to a building is thought to bring good fortune to the people who live or work there.

There are also lots of other decorative features that are often included in Hokkien architecture, like beautifully carved wooden screens, intricate doors and windows, and ornate sculptures that can be found on the roofs or walls of buildings.

Overall, Hokkien architecture is a really cool and unique style of building design that has a long and interesting history. It combines different elements of art, culture, and tradition to create buildings that are not only beautiful to look at but also have lots of special meanings and stories behind them.