Exploring the correlation of space creation in Suzhou classical gardens and the Chinese calligraphy Yan Zhenqing’s three manuscripts

A profound correlation exists between the spatial design of Suzhou's classical gardens and the aesthetic principles embedded in Yan Zhenqing’s Three Manuscripts, revealing shared conceptual foundations rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy. The study identifies key spatial features—'Emptiness-Substance' and 'Denseness-Sparseness'—as universal elements that bridge calligraphy and garden architecture, demonstrating their application through case studies like the Humble Administrators’ Garden, Lingering Garden, and Master of Nets Garden. Employing the theoretical framework of 'Heterogeneous Homology,' this research underscores how both arts fulfill 'Correspondence and Guidance' by integrating spatial boundaries in harmonious ways. The findings affirm ancient Chinese ideals of natural unity, suggesting that these spatial techniques could inform future urban planning and architectural design to preserve and expand upon Asian cultural heritage.

Song, Z., Jiang, H., & Cui, T. (2024). Exploring the correlation of space creation in Suzhou classical gardens and the Chinese calligraphy Yan Zhenqing’s three manuscripts. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 24(4), 2155–2177. https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2024.2358202