Gardens and Climate

Author: (USA) Sullivan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: This book is a comprehensive work written by the author after years of in-depth field research on gardens in various countries and extensive data collection. It is divided into four parts—“Earth,” “Fire,” “Qi,” and “Water”—showcasing how ancient great architects and designers utilized these elements to create microclimates. Through the author's firsthand experiences and insights, presented alongside plans, cross-sections, perspectives, and photographs of gardens, the book reveals the mysteries of garden design in ancient Greece, Rome, Renaissance Italy, Spain, the Middle East, India, and other regions. It discusses the importance and practical applications of elements such as fountains, shaded paths, orientations determined by solar positions, earthen seats, caves, sunken gardens, basements, underground corridors, outdoor paintings, thickets, and “heat seats” in garden design. The author provides an incisive analysis of the background behind over 100 specific design examples, explaining how natural elements can be used to create and regulate microclimates while balancing proportion, functionality, and comfort, as well as implementing passive design. Reading this book will help you understand how to create refreshing, pleasant pavilions to escape the scorching August sun, or how to design warm, cozy corners to encourage outdoor activities in January. It offers design concepts and inspiring techniques that you can adapt to your own gardens, utilizing elements from timeless landscapes to create microclimates, control seasonal temperatures and humidity, save energy, and shape beauty. The author organizes various garden design techniques and examples around the four core elements of earth, wood, qi, and water, presenting them in a unique and innovative way that is both holistic and flexible. The book is detailed, vividly written, highly readable, engaging, thought-provoking, and will serve as an enlightening guide for landscape designers, architects, planners, and students in related fields. Moreover, it can be used as a teaching reference or read by non-professionals. It provides excellent reference and guidance for landscape designers, architects, planners, and students in relevant disciplines.