TOPOS: Square & Round

Kongjian Yu (Turenscape) has designed a small rain garden for the 22nd International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire, France. Named “Carré & Rond” (Square & Round), meaning Land and Sky, the design is a contemporary re-interpretation of traditional Chinese gardens that combines the contemporary concept of storm water management with a number of Chinese gardening philosophies. The formal language is made up of intersecting curvilinear and rectilinear gestures, experiential strategies of enclosure, and making small into large. Central to the design is a 9X9m square bordered rain garden. A curved floating path divides the water surface into two distinct areas – inspired by the Chinese T’ai chi symbol. To each side of the wooden path red bamboo sticks create an immersive experience as one walks across the reflective pond. Chinese plants are also used to create a tranquil atmosphere with a sense of both Chinese tradition and contemporary sensibilities and materials.