When a Family Compound Becomes a Seat of Government
The Zhang residence’s changing buildings show office, household and political ambition repeatedly rearranging the same ground.
Associated with the military rulers Zhang Zuolin and his son Zhang Xueliang, the residence developed in several phases. Traditional courtyards, the Large and Small Qinglou and associated financial premises make architectural change tangible. Office and household functions shifted between the buildings as the compound grew.
The Zhang residence’s changing buildings show office, household and political ambition repeatedly rearranging the same ground.