Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Olga Ushakova, scientific editor of the publication
SPbGASU was one of the key academic institutions supporting the publication of the first-ever Russian edition of Chen Congzhou's book "On Chinese Gardens." The book was written by the Chinese architect, a world-renowned expert in ancient Chinese architecture and gardening. The book presentation took place on November 2 at our university's scientific and technical library.
The publication of this work in Russian was a significant event for both the professional landscape community and researchers of Eastern architecture and culture. The publication reveals the traditions of classical Chinese landscape design and introduces readers to a unique gardening philosophy based on the harmony of natural and architectural elements.
Chen Congzhou's work became a landmark in the field of landscape architecture: the author proposed new concepts for organizing space, described the principles of perceiving landscapes in motion and statics, the subtleties of creating hills and ponds, the layout of pavilions, and the principles of planting trees and other plants. The book is valuable not only as a classic theoretical study but also as a work of high artistic culture.
The original text is written in traditional Chinese brush calligraphy, which is carefully reproduced in the facsimile edition. The book is accompanied by photographs of the famous gardens of Suzhou and 32 illustrations of ancient Chinese gardens, making it a guide to China's cultural heritage.
Olga Ushakova, Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural and Civil Engineering at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering and a member of the Union of Artists of Russia, served as the publication's scientific editor and illustrator. Her participation ensured the publication's high-quality artistic design and scientific support.
The translation and publication of the book were initiated by Professor Li Shuan of Hangzhou University (China) and Professor Marianna Shevchenko of the Moscow Architectural Institute (MARCHI). Both researchers worked on the translation of the original source, ensuring the accurate and profound conveyance of the author's intent.
This publication is of interest to both professionals—landscape architects, restorers, and gardeners—and to a general audience interested in Chinese history and culture. Chen Congzhou's work combines scholarship, artistic expression, and philosophical depth, revealing to the reader the world of the Chinese garden as a space of contemplation, harmony, and dialogue with nature.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.