Sha qi of pillars, posts, columns and Chinese architecture

[dyungim]

Older architecture examples:

(it looks like at some point the structure may have been refit with modern materials, but I'm not sure)

 

Contemporary architecture:

 

Columns, posts, and pillars are considered to be sources of sha qi. However, they are also the most practical and inexpensive way to provide a generous overhang to protect buildings from rain and sun while creating outdoor living space. 

They have often been featured throughout the history of Chinese architecture.

A central concept of feng shui I've learned from this site is to remember common sense.

I'm wondering how Chinese architecture may have balanced the factors of sha qi and common sense practicality of columns, posts, and pillars for providing shelter and durability at lower cost.

Of course, feng shui isn't practiced by everyone, and it has also changed over time. I supplied some examples not because I know that they had feng shui in mind, but more to serve as examples for starting a discussion.

It is possible with modern materials and engineering to create generous overhangs without posts; the dark grey steel portal frame in the first contemporary Chinese architecture pic is one example. Below is another:

 

However, approaches like this one are much more expensive than using posts. It requires expensive, sturdy beams to extend a great distance into the structure, e.g. for what looks like a 20 ft? overhang in this last image, the beams supporting it must extend 35-45 feet back into the building and be tied into the building on that end. Depending on how deep the building is, this may not be practical, and no matter what the dimensions are, it will always be more expensive and trickier to build in a way that withstands forces like wind loading, earthquakes, etc.