| The objective of this study is to answer two questions: (1) Is there a mandala pattern(s) contained within each garden's plan? (2) What does a Jungian interpretation of extracted mandala components underlying each garden's plan reveal psychologically?;There were three steps in the methodology. First, mandala elements; circles, squares, and quartering axes; in each garden are inventoried. Together, the circle (culture/spirit) and square (nature/matter), quartered, represent wholeness. Second, these individual elements are overlaid to form a synthesis figure for each garden. Third, psychological interpretations of circle/square relationships reveal attitudes toward nature and culture.;Results of the psychological interpretations are briefly summarized below:;The Paradise garden has a mandala plan revealing attitudes close to the originating archetype. Spirit is the central focus but physical aspects are also honored.;The Medieval garden's mandala plan deviates further from the originating archetype. Nature begins to compete with culture for dominance.;The Renaissance garden's synthesis contains a complex mix of circles and squares with circles dominating. Ideas are sparked by scientific discoveries, indicated by rotating squares within spiraling circles. Attitudes toward nature and culture are in flux.;The Baroque garden's synthesis consists of rotated squares enclosing circles, indicating that nature is dominant but that attitudes are changing. Rotated quartering lines reinforce this.;The English landscape garden's synthesis contains triangles and circles, with circles enclosing large triangles, placing conflict within cultural attitudes. Squares are found only within the traditional plans of architectural follies.;The Modernist garden's synthesis contains dominant circles/ideas surrounding a large unrotated square, representing the stability of nature. A large triangle within this square reveals conflict with a nature controlled by ideas.;The Contemporary garden is a mandala plan very different from the first two. Five circles anchor the corners of three squares and float above a rigidly-organized grid. A triangle reflects conflict within cultural attitudes. Squares are a compensatory projection for a conscious attitude that sees ideas as all-important. This study concludes that mandala elements are found within the analyzed garden plans and that a Jungian-based psychological interpretation of patterns reveals attitudes toward nature and culture for each garden's time and place. |
