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The Songming Garden, located in Jia Ding Qu, China, draws inspiration from Wang Xizhi’s “Preface to the Lanting Pavilion,” a thousand-year-old depiction of a gathering by the water during the Shangsi Festival. Inspired by the beauty of the landscape and the essence of communal gatherings, the garden embodies the transient nature of life and death.
Conceptual Design
Atelier VISION, the landscape architects behind the project, envisioned a garden layout centered around a U-shaped water system. Outdoor activities unfold along the water’s edge, with tea rooms strategically placed to provide serene views of the surrounding landscape.
Contextual Setting
Situated in the Chrysanthemum Garden area near Jiading Ancient City, the garden is enveloped by internal roads to the east and south, while the northwest side borders a tranquil waterway. Visitors enter through a moon gate, experiencing a gradual transition from the bustling exterior to the tranquil wilderness of the garden.
Immersive Experience
Taking cues from traditional artworks depicting the Lanting gathering, the garden recreates scenes of rural mountain forests and serene water bodies. By carefully curating different elements such as water systems, artificial mountains, lush vegetation, and bamboo forests, visitors are immersed in the natural ambiance of the garden.
Natural Aesthetics
The choice of materials and craftsmanship reflects a rustic charm that harmonizes with the garden’s wilderness. Yellow stones and raw stones are utilized for pathways and retaining walls, while thatched roofs adorn the tea rooms, seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings. Mixed woods and moss ground cover further enhance the untamed allure of the environment.
Reflecting on Contemporary Gardens
Beyond its historical inspiration, the Songming Garden serves as a contemplative space to explore the relationship between humanity, water, and nature. It presents a modern interpretation of traditional garden design, inviting visitors to reflect on the timeless connection between man and the natural world.
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