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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Architectural complex of Yiyang Garden

Figure 6 illustrates the similarities between the axes of Yiyang catering to their personal requirements. From the outset,
Garden and the Summer Palace. However, influenced by the architectural design of Yiyang Garden was intended to
Western thought, Liang diverged from strict symmetry support long-term residence and retirement living. As a
in Yiyang Garden’s layout. Instead, he arranged buildings result, these buildings effectively meet the requirements of
based on the site’s conditions and functional needs of the their inhabitants, particularly elderly residents. The design
buildings, using a staggered north–south main axis and of these pension-oriented buildings, centered on the
an east-west secondary axis. The gate, Yulu, and courtyard needs of the elderly and patients, offers valuable insights
on the west side are aligned along the north–south axis. for residential buildings under the current family-based
Meanwhile, the buildings to the east of Yulu are staggered pension model. Moreover, it provides important reference
on both sides of the site, with Yulu as the focal point. This values for the future development of community pension
layout optimizes the integration of the river view with the buildings in China.
garden landscape, positioning Yulu as the most prominent
architecture within the entire site. This axial layout divides 4.2.1. Layout plan
Yiyang Garden into distinct functional areas: a medical Before 1920, China lacked social welfare institutions such
zone centered around Yulu, a villa area dominated by as nursing homes and care facilities, making family-based
the southern Keku and Tianfeng buildings, an inpatient elder care the sole model for senior care. Unlike in some
area to the north, and a comprehensive green landscape European countries, where alternative care models were
area. The hierarchical arrangement, with clear functional emerging, China’s approach was heavily influenced by the
divisions, allows patients, visitors, and doctors to coexist Confucian ideal of “multiple generations living together,”
harmoniously. The integration of elderly care and medical which emphasized traditional family care. As a result,
services within Yiyang Garden represents the earliest spatial modern Chinese houses were designed with a strong focus
layout of integrated medical and elderly care in Guangzhou. on accommodating multiple generations under one roof
(Wu, 2008). In terms of spatial organization, the living
4.2. Architectural design room in traditional Chinese architecture serves as the
Yiyang Garden contains many villas, most of which were central activity space for family members and is often the
originally built by wealthy celebrities. These buildings largest and most important space in the house. The house
were designed to meet the specific needs of their users, typically revolves around a central hall, with other rooms
such as the living room, dining room, bathrooms, and
other spaces arranged in a radial layout. Family members
A
occupy different floors or areas within the house, ensuring
a degree of independence, while the central living room
acts as a hub that strengthens family ties without causing
mutual interference.
Yiyang Garden initially adopted a Japanese-style open
management approach, in which there were no permanent
on-site doctors, allowing residents seeking recuperation
to hire external doctors and nurses directly (Liang, 2007).
Consequently, many of the buildings in Yiyang Garden
were constructed as stand-alone villas, offering more space
to accommodate both patients and doctors. For instance,
B
Building Nine and Yulu were designed with multiple suites,
each containing a complete living space, including a living
room, bedroom, and bathroom. These suites are connected
by a central hall, forming an integrated whole. This spatial
layout not only meets the needs of multi-generational
living for elderly care but also optimizes the utilization of
the buildings, enabling Yiyang Garden to accommodate a
greater number of patients and doctors.

4.2.2. Detail design
Figure 6. Axis analysis of (A) Yiyang Garden resembling (B) the front The architecture of Yiyang Garden features large windows,
mountain area of the summer palace. Source: Drawing by the authors. balconies, and rooftop terraces, specifically designed to

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2830