Page 54 - JCAU-6-4

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Architectural complex of Yiyang Garden

built in environments with fresh air, abundant vegetation, the garden features villas, bridges, docks, pavilions,
and favorable feng shui (风水) conditions (Galon, 2013). terraces, and other structures, scattered along both sides
Similarly, the philosophy of Chinese gardens advocates of the main axis. Through various landscaping techniques,
for harmony with nature, employing natural elements these structures not only create their own unique scenes
to create spaces conducive to human well-being (Wang, but also collectively form a rich touring path within
1998). The thoughtful design of gardens, through the Yiyang Garden. Overall, the natural environment of
deliberate manipulation of natural elements, greatly aids Yiyang Garden, surrounded by water on three sides, and
in physical and mental rejuvenation. Thus, early Chinese its internal garden environment form a unified and overall
medical thought and gardens are inseparable. Liang Peiji, natural style. This style provides an ideal setting for the
who lived in the Lingnan region, known for its many rehabilitation and care of patients and the elderly.
gardens, had a deep understanding of the philosophical As a hospital building, Yiyang Garden incorporates the
essence of traditional Eastern medicine. When establishing requirements of a rehabilitation courtyard into its garden
Yiyang Garden and its Conghua branch, he paid great design. Most courtyards in Yiyang Garden are positioned
attention to the impact of the environment on people’s along the architectural axis and at the center of the
well-being. He believed that individuals could cultivate building complex, providing excellent recognizability. This
themselves through gardens, thereby positively influencing layout allows patients to view the courtyards from almost
their physical and mental health. In particular, during the every location on-site, including from building corridors
construction of Yiyang Garden, Liang carefully considered or rooms, increasing their opportunities for contact with
the integration of nature at every stage, from site selection nature. Each courtyard features distinct landmarks, such as
to garden design. He crafted Yiyang Garden with a poetic Bombax ceiba trees flanking Yulu, the lotus pond in front
ambiance, imbued with rich cultural elements. of Kelu, and the bamboo forest in front of the Red House.

In addition to its natural landscapes, traditional scenic These seasonal and climatic landmarks provide patients
spots in China are rich in cultural landscapes, formed with different outdoor environments. To meet the needs
by various buildings, such as temples, villas, gardens, of patients and elderly residents requiring barrier-free
docks, bridges, terraces, pavilions, pagodas, and more. walking, the ground coverings in the courtyards are kept at
The location and design of these buildings often serve as the same level. As shown in Figure 9, many circular paths
focal points within a scenic area, giving the entire region a are also provided in the courtyard to facilitate long walks
unified architectural style (Qiao & School of Architecture, and encourage exercise for patients. In addition, studies
Tsinghua University 2000). The spatial layout of Yiyang have shown that figurative artwork can help alleviate
Garden not only meets the functional requirements of the mental stress (Yao & Liu, 2008). Figure 10 shows various art
buildings but also harmonizes with the characteristics of installations placed throughout the courtyards, such as a
the surrounding natural landscape. As shown in Figure 8, stone engraved with “Those who are content with bamboo,

Figure 8. The garden pattern and landscape node of Yiyang Garden. Source: Drawing by the authors.

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 12 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2830