表皮，表层，表面：一个建筑学主题的沉沦与重生

In the Chinese contemporary architectural theory and practice, architectural surface is an imported theme that was soon abandoned before it's fully developed, much due to a distorted discourse at that time. This paper speculates on three relevant and similar notions "Skin", "Cladding", and "Surface", clarifies the connotations and pertinences of each of them. In the further elaboration of "Surface", the concept is emancipated from its material and visual properties, opened and redirected to the idea of Space, at both physical and social levels. Moreover, the elaboration helps breaking with the conventionally perceived opposition between "Surface" and "Tectonic", instead, the author presents common values shared by them, aiming at tackling the dilemma in the contemporary conditions. This research resurrects the connotations and richness embedded within this architectural theme which was once corrupted, more importantly, it helps renewing and sustaining the theme's academic significance by confronting it with the practice in the local and present-day circumstances.