Principles for contemporary Chinese landscape design practice

Abstract

Chinese classic landscape design is one of the most typical and significant design systems in the world. It displays the integration of Chinese ideas of nature, philosophy, and aesthetics. Differing from the conceptual systems of other landscape designs, its artistic conceptions play great role to traditional Chinese landscape design work. This thesis takes a synergistic approach to investigate the principles used to create Chinese landscape design in contemporary, urban public spaces. Traditional Chinese landscape was inspired and strongly influenced by Chinese philosophy and Shanshui culture. In the history of Chinese landscape design, Shanshui landscape design expresses the Chinese way of understanding nature and the world. In contemporary times, Chinese landscape designers are facing the challenge of creating Chinese-styled landscape designs in a modern way. The use of philosophical, cultural, and historical background research and case studies has been investigated to find out how to create Chinese landscape designs that address Chinese culture and their modern urban needs.