Description
Book SynopsisChinese architect Pu Miao has long explored the development of modern Chinese architecture from a localised perspective. As he has learned from his practice, the integration of architecture and landscape promises to be one of the main directions for localisation. This volume selects 15 architectural designs from Miao’s practice since the 1990s; 12 of them have been constructed and written about in international and Chinese professional journals and books. The building types include restaurant, retail, exhibition, worship, residence, education, and public facilities. The projects illustrate four modes of integrating buildings and landscape: using outdoor spaces as alternatives for indoor activities; architecture and landscape each playing a unique role in a functional pair; architecture partially taking the form of landscape; and gardens as urban public spaces in a building. Through detailed analyses of design concepts, a large number of building photos and drawings (including wall sections for some projects), this book acts not only as a virtual tour of these places, but also provides meticulous design documentation. Today, it is very rare for an architect to practice by him/herself. Pu Miao has proved that such a traditional craftsman’s mode of practice is still possible; more than that, he inspires us to see that the modes of architectural practice need not to be as uniform as many believe. There are actually many possibilities, as long as you dare to imagine and to try. Perhaps Pu Miao’s initial objective was to control the building detailing as much as possible, which he has accomplished, but meanwhile he has also become a special banner of independent practice in China.
Text in English and Chinese.
Table of ContentsOutdoor Spaces as Alternative Places for Indoor Activities
The Courtyards Strung by a Canal—Reception Center, Minhang Ecological Garden, Shanghai （2004）
A New Prototype of Hillside House—House, Green Valley, Suzhou（2002）
A World in a“ Wall”—Visitor Center, Lake Yangcheng Park, Kunshan（2012）
Multivalent Architecture—Pavilions in Lake Yangcheng Park, Kunshan（2010）
Architecture and Landscape Each Playing a Unique Role in a Functional Pair
A Church in the Hills—Zhuting Church, Zhuzhou（2002）
Landscape as Where the Sacred Resides—Expansion of Shousheng Temple, Changxing（Scheme, 2008）
An “Exploration Vessel” in a Wetland—New Jiangwan Ecological Exhibition Center, Shanghai （2005）
A “Stair” Building—Teahouse, Xiaolangdi Dam Park, Luoyang（2002）
Conversing with the Water—Sichang-Road Teahouse, Kunshan（2007）
Restaurant as a Public Space—Restaurant, Sichang Park, Kunshan（2012）
Architecture Partially Taking the Form of Landscape
Architecture as Hills—Mixed-Use Complex, Lifestyle Park, Kunshan（Scheme，2007）
A “Forest-Like” Building—Kangju Community Center, Kunshan（2006）
Gardens as Urban Public Spaces in a Building
Public Green as the Landmark of a Community Center—Lishe Pocket Park and Community Center, Kunshan （Scheme，2008）
Creating Public Space in High-Density Cities—Jinguyuan Mixed-Use Complex, Kunshan（2013）
A Gate That Seduces—Visitor Center, Xingxi Park, Kunshan（2017）
