Comparison of garden pavilions’ site selection in China and Italy

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22616/j.landarchart.2025.27.08

Keywords:

Chinese gardens, Italian garden, garden architecture, pavilions, site selection

Abstract

This study examines Chinese and Italian garden pavilions through a comparative approach, systematically exploring the similarities and differences in their site selection and the underlying  cultural motivations. Chinese garden pavilions are profoundly shaped by the philosophy of “the unity  of man and nature,” emphasising harmony with natural landscapes and adaptable layouts. Techniques  such as situating pavilions by mountains and water bodies are employed to achieve an organic integration of architecture and environment. In contrast, Italian pavilions embody geometric order and rational aesthetics, characterised by axial symmetry and the deliberate terrain modification to shape structured spatial sequences. Through an analysis of philosophical concepts, locational characteristics, and spatial organisation, the research reveals both the commonalities and differences  in the siting of pavilions on elevated grounds, by water, on flat terrain, and in compositional groupings,  while providing an in-depth examination of their relationships with topography, water  features, vegetation, and other architectural structures.

Author Biographies

Ning Liu, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture

PhD student in Architecture at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning of the Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (Beijing, China). Her research focuses on Landscape Architecture History and Theory, and Heritage Conservation.

Luca Maria Francesco Fabris, Politecnico di Milano, Italy

Architect PhD, is Professor in Technological and Environmental Design of Architecture at the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies of the Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and Visiting Professor at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (Beijing, China). He is a twenty-year experienced leading researcher and a scientific writer on sustainability practices in architecture and landscape.

Fan Fu, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, China

PhD and Professor in Landscape Architecture. He focuses on Landscape Architecture History and Theory, Landscape Architecture Ecology, Landscape Architecture Engineering and Technology. Currently he is teaching at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and  Architecture (Beijing, China).

Jingyao Wang, Guangdong Technology College, China

Lecturer at the School of Construction, Guangdong Technology College (Zhaoqing, China).

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Published

04-11-2025

How to Cite

Liu, N., Fabris, L. M. F., Fu, F., & Wang, J. (2025). Comparison of garden pavilions’ site selection in China and Italy. Landscape Architecture and Art, 27(27), 61–68. https://doi.org/10.22616/j.landarchart.2025.27.08

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 27 (2025): Landscape architecture and art : scientific journal of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

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Articles

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