The Design Aesthetic Of Yuany

Ji Cheng is a famous landscape gardener in Ming dynasty. The monograph Yuanye embodies the creation of his life-work experience. The monograph is of three volumes, and reflects the design aesthetics of the region of Jiangnan in the late Ming dynasty, which was experiencing the rudiment of commodity economy. Yuanye highlights the theory of harmony between man and nature and is an important historical source scholars refer to when studying the landscape aesthetic culture of late Ming dynasty.This thesis explores the design aesthetic of Yuanye at3different levels. Firstly, I elaborated the origins of the aesthetic thoughts in Yuanye by presenting a comprehensive analysis on the economic, political and cultural background of the times of Ji Cheng, as well as his books, architected practices and life-time experiences. Then I focus on book and the interpretation of several specific design concepts, i.e. the design point of view that keep balance between original nature and the "created" nature in design project, the design principles of freedom and proper, and creative design thinking. The design point of view that keeps balance between original nature and the "created" nature in design project is the core idea of Yuanye. The design principle of freedom and proper is an extension of the design concept which is about the wonderful process of the creation in the perfect balance of original nature and the "created" nature. Creative design thinking is a necessary condition for designer to design the perfect products. In the third level, I analyzed the assets Yuanye left to contemporary designers from3aspects including the synchronization of human and ecology, the renaissance of design and the design elevation. Contemporary designers should delve deeper into the aesthetic theory and use their research work to reflect the traditional Chinese culture behind the aesthetic design. Moreover, they should also explore the ancient design theory and select their essence to edify the mass.