and artefacts of humans are recognized
a s a geolog ic force. In t his “cent ur y of t he
cit y,” cit ies must be a n essent ia l pa r t of t he
solution for the world to be sustainable and
resilient; novel urban ecosystems will play
a fundamental role and provide essential
ecosystem services to support urban
sustainability and resilience.
LAA — What are the most controversial
projects or articles you have published?
TT — The editorials written by Kongjian Yu,
the chief editor of LA Frontiers. In these
essays Yu often challenges the existing
urban construction and landscape
aesthetics in China and proposes ecological
solutions for creating resilient, sustainable,
attractive urban and rural landscapes and
ecosystems. His theories include “big feet
aesthetics,” “negative planning approaches”
and “designed ecology.”
LAA — Which Asian works or designers do
you identify as the most influential in your
continent?
TT — The works by Turenscape [founded by
the journal’s chief editor] are internationally
recognized for their ecological concepts,
high-quality design, resilient and
sustainable visions and multiple services.
The works by Z + T Studio, an emerging
landscape design firm, are also impressive.
They are characterized by exquisite spatial
design with a sense of modernity, dynamic
programs and sustainable approaches.LAA — What are the most important
landscape issues in your country right now?TT — At present in China, landscape design
is often misunderstood as environmental
beautifying and ornamental creation. The
public’s awareness of environmental issues
still needs to be enhanced, which requires a
broad promotion of ecological public
education. The construction quality and
the techniques employed should also be
improved. China has no shortage of good
designs but is lacking in good construction.LAA — What could Australians learn from
the profession in your continent? And what
would you caution them against?TT — For issue 5 of LA Frontiers (2013),
whose topic is “Foreign Designers Ventureinto China,” I interviewed many foreign
designers, including Australian landscape
designer James Brearley, founder of
Brearley Architects and Urbanists (BAU).
Those interviewees shared a common view
that China was an emerging “playground”
with so many opportunities for them to
utilize their talents and realize their
dreams that nowhere else could offer.
Four years later, when I reread the
interviews, the mixed feelings made me
realize that the ambitious trajectory of
urban development in China is a history
we are not proud of. Asian countries,
especially China, have enormous ancient
wisdom that still offers the contemporary
designers inspiration and reference.
However, the rapid urbanization that these
countries have undergone in recent years
has resulted in lots of speed-up
constructions, which has caused resource
waste and ecological damage. So if I have
something to say to Australian designers,
it would be: Please learn from both the
ancient Chinese wisdom and our more
recent work and experiences.03
Quzhou Luming Park by
Turenscape is located in the
heart of the new district of
Quzhou, China.
Photo: Turenscape
04
The design of the Yueyuan
Courtyard by Z + T Studio
seeks to merge contemporary
design ideas with an oriental
aesthetic sensitivity.
Photo: Hai Zhang
04