The East and the west : an examination of the differences in the thought process, as it pertains to art and architecture

Abstract

Due to various reasons, the thinking of man differs from each other. East and west are two streams of thought which clearly shows differences between each other. Many scholars have expressed various ideas about these differences. An attempt is made this study to clarify the differences, between eastern and western thinking in association with those contradictory ideas. Art is a medium, which has been employed to fulfill the necessities of man. From time immemorial. Artistic creations come in to being in accordance with ones way of thinking; therefore the way of thinking of a man is reflected through his work of art. Architecture too is a medium of art. Therefore by studying the products of architecture, the underlying thought process, which helped to create the product, can be identified. Therefore difference between the eastern and the western thinking can be identified by studying the products of architecture. To create a better built environment suitable to particular community, it should be compatible with the inherent thinking of that particular community. Therefore it is important to study how, the conceptions, attitudes, beliefs etc. Were reflected in a built environment and how they can be reflected in it. Therefore in this study the manner how the differences between the eastern and western thinking is reflected in the art is studied under some aspects related to art. As architecture is also a form of art this difference is studied under same aspects which are related to art. Subsequently how these said differences are reflected in architecture will be examined citing examples from some architectural instances in Sri Lanka.