"In the East there is a gap between the top of a wall and underside of a roof; it acts as a screen, and the Chinese were able to use it as they wished"

This quote by Stephen Gardiner is describing the standard Chinese architecture. In the East, the top of a wall and the underside of a roofing often have a space between them. This space functions as a screen, permitting the Chinese to utilize it as they wished. This might be for a variety of functions, such as offering ventilation, permitting light to get in the structure, or supplying a space for art work. The Chinese had the ability to utilize this gap to their advantage, as it permitted them to personalize their structures to their requirements. This quote highlights the resourcefulness of the Chinese in their use of architecture to create a special and functional space.