I have arranged to stay with them for the next Several days and piggyback on their discussions, insight and experiences. Our first activity was to explore the "water town" of Tongli. The large area of Central Eastern China is mostly lowlands in and around the delta outlet of the Yangtze River. Tongli is one of many of the water towns that contain well preserved Chinese architecture and gardens.
It's very interesting to me how much of traditional Chinese design it based on symbolism and/or a direct reference to Chinese mythology and culture. Gardens and buildings work in reciprocal means and are guided on two different systems, yet integrate seamlessly. Their is a constant search for Balance.
After Tongli, we traveled to Suzhou , which was the center for art and culture during the Ming Dynasty ( 15th-16th century). It is a walled in city, surrounded by a mote, with a collection of site and gardens. Our first stop, was at the Suzhou Museum, designed by Chinese American architect IM Pei. The Museum is meant to recognize the town of Suzhou for its historical and cultural significance and contributions to China. The building itself is an elegantly modern interpretations of traditional Chinese design. It contains all the same core elements but in contemporary fashion.
Suzhou also contained some gorgeous traditional Chinese gardens, such as the Humble Administrators Garden and Lions Grove. In these Gardens, Water plays an essential role. If anything, it is to balance the atmosphere, but of coarse water provides this element of life and serenity.
On this trip I feel Like have taken in so much and I'm only about halfway through. I am already looking forward to future design projects where I can put these ideas to use.
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