Path to Urban Landscape: Communicating with Mayors: Communicating with Mayors

Author: Yu Kongjian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-03-01
Features: The Way of Urban Landscape addresses the lost urban landscapes in the era of rapid urbanization. The Way of Urban Landscape calls for the return of the soul, nature, humanity, and local spirit of urban landscapes. This book emphasizes that urban landscape design and construction should not be merely superficial decoration and beautification, but rather the coordination of relationships between humans and nature, and among people themselves. It is about creating aesthetically pleasing yet realistic living spaces, safe and healthy ecosystems, and meaningful physical and spiritual spaces—harmonious human environments where heaven, earth, humans, and spirits coexist. The book is divided into three parts: Upper, Middle, and Lower. The first two parts, within the context of social development history and international perspectives, take lessons from the international urban beautification movement a century ago in the United States, directly pointing out that the widespread urban beautification movement across the country is a misconception in urban landscape construction, repeating the mistakes of Western urban development. It is a symptom of feudal monarchist consciousness, nouveau riche mentality, and small-peasant mentality. It is necessary to awaken the attention of the entire society, especially urban construction decision-makers. Without breaking, there can be no building. Breaking is for building. In the lower part, the author advocates for urban landscape construction that respects nature, people, and local spirit. First, from a strategic perspective, it points out a path to a brighter future for urban construction decision-makers—the construction of urban ecological infrastructure. Just like municipal infrastructure, it is the guarantee for urban sustainable development. To establish such an ecological infrastructure, one must have the mindset of "anti-planning" and a long-term strategic vision. Faced with the lost urban landscapes in the era of rapid urbanization, this book calls for the return of their soul: the return of nature, humanity, and local spirit.