Chinese philosophy in garden design

Posted on October 21, 2012, Sunday

LOOKING at the development of garden design and landscaping in Sarawak over the last two decades, we have seen the industry grow by leaps and bounds.

AT PEACE: Chinese-style gardens are designed to enable meditation.

Last week we focussed on Japanese ideals in garden design and this week we turn to China and its long history of landscape art.

Feng shui

These two words are direct translations of wind and water in Mandarin. The purpose of using feng shui in the garden is to create harmony. Those under the influence of Taoism believe in a cosmic energy called chi moving air or wind that is present everywhere.

According to this line of thought, it is of utmost importance to have chi flowing smoothly through the garden or house. This will apparently affect the inhabitants in terms of health, success, happiness and prosperity.

The art actually lies in influencing the flow of this cosmic energy to maximise the good fortune it imparts. Introducing some changes in the setting will allow for a smooth flow of chi. To an experienced feng shui practitioner, any space can be regarded as divided into eight sectors, following the earths magnetic or geological north and the rest southeast and west.

These techniques can be used in landscape design by controlling the colour, size, height, sound and shape of the plants, hardscape materials and the shape of the footpath or pool.

A friend named Dr Chang told me that having a pool of water in the east is less desirable for the younger generation, while in the west it is bad for the elders. This is because wind can create waves that will affect ones health.

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Chinese philosophy in garden design