Borrowed Sceneries: The Influence of Japanese Garden Art on Swiss Landscape Architecture

The garden is a condensed version of nature, inspiring Swiss imitation of Japanese gardens in the 20th century. Swiss landscape architecture studios drew inspiration from miniaturized gardens, borrowed scenery, succumbing to the allure of the imperfect, and capturing the spirit of Zen Buddhism. This book reveals parallels to the assimilation of Chinese influences in Japan and situates the phenomenon within the general reception of Japan in the West.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2024
Publisher: Birkhauser

The garden serves as a captivating embodiment of nature, akin to the Japanese philosophy that views the entirety of the world within a solitary dewdrop. This notion likely sparked the Swiss imitation of Japanese gardens during the 20th century, the broader integration of Japanese design elements, and the transformation principle from alpine landscapes to Japanese stone gardens. By examining ten Swiss landscape architecture studios, the author showcases how they drew inspiration from miniature gardens (bonsai), borrowed scenery (shakkei), embraced the imperfect (wabi-sabi), and captured the essence of Zen Buddhism. This book uncovers intriguing parallels to the assimilation of Chinese influences in Japan and situates this phenomenon within the broader reception of Japan in the Western world.

Attractive and previously unpublished visual materials are extensively presented, offering a clear and captivating perspective. Extensive research has been conducted to ensure the accuracy and depth of the content, making it an invaluable resource for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Furthermore, this book delves into the captivating realm of Japanophilia in Swiss landscape architecture, complemented by a captivating photoessay by Martin Linsi. The photographs vividly depict the fusion of Japanese and Swiss design elements, showcasing the beauty and artistry that can arise when cultures converge.

Overall, "The Garden as Inspiration: Japanophilia in Swiss Landscape Architecture" is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, nature, and design. It provides a rich and immersive journey into the world of Japanese gardens and their influence on Swiss landscape architecture, offering valuable insights and captivating visuals.

Weight: 1640g
Dimension: 245 x 287 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783035626476