Abstract
Roughly 180 years ago, architecture and landscape design were divided into two practices. Since then, contemporary architecture has often appeared in isolation from the landscape. The lack of integration between the two fields is problematic in education and practice. Isolated perspectives create gaps between design fields, impacting the site selection process and design solutions. In contrast, historical design masterpieces appear as an integrative entirety. Demonstrating ancient system thoughts, the Tibetan cosmic model of the mandala integrates architecture within its landscape. Weaving in social and cultural values and adapting to the natural environment, the mandala model has shaped Tibetan Buddhism's cultural landscapes, where architecture and landscape design are not separated. Architectural design can instill social and cultural attributes into people's perceptions of the landscape. The landscape, serving as a matrix, imbues architecture with meanings of time and space. In a cultural landscape, architecture is not only included but is a crucial element in generating meanings. The two design fields of architecture and landscape design share common principles, particularly in the design process. Using this ancient model as a case study and elaborating research on environmental issues, this paper explores a synthesis model of environmental design, the so-called "ENVD mandala." The ENVD mandala provides a framework to integrate landscape planning, urban design, architecture, landscape design, and interior design from large to small scales and from natural to the built environment. Practicing the ENVD mandala model in teaching helps students develop their systems thinking, a fundamental worldview for the contemporary world.
Author Information
Ping Xu, University of Colorado, United States
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