ARTICLE READING

LECTURE 12

What is the role of nature in architecture today? Is nature predominantly a design metaphor, a set of physical factors to emulate, or a set of physical factors to overcome or oppose; some combination of these; or something else?

I believe instead of separate nature and artificial environment, both should be able to combine and seek balancein each other. Although personally I prefer nature over artificial, as green is seen as an essential part of

architectural context, I still respect the importance of artificial environment that brings development in mankind

history and future. Nature is important in urban planning and being part of architecture context. Nature in

Architecture deals with how architecture reflects its relation with nature. Nature is the comprehensive set of

conditions for architectural design. Through history this relation has developed and swung between cooperation

with nature and competition with nature. In other words the role of nature in the context of architecture is

changing through time.

The history of architecture starts when human seeking shelter from the elements of nature. Nature provides both

the conditions to which humans protect themselves from sun, wind and rain as well as the means to create this

protection such as variety in landscapes and building materials. Therefore nature is a key and stands an important role in early architecture especially traditional architecture. Architecture responds and affected by the local

conditions such as weather, topography and landscape conditions. Local building materials and their properties

are key in the technical design. Nowadays, huge area in urban landscape are mostly man-made materials

and elements, the elements of nature are mostly demolished.

Since early twentieth century, architecture has become independent from its natural context and found

references in its own realm. Architecture today no longer primarily follow the nature context because everyone

wants to be unique and special. Becoming outstanding has become the mainstream fashion that everyone wants to follow. The use of materials are not following the geographical context but a references in architecture itself.

The design become more and more crazy, building are built taller and taller. The use of steel and glass become a must and soon overwhelmed the whole urban architecture.

The Water House by Li Xiao Dong is a private house, located at the foot of a snow-capped mountain, in the

suburbs of Lijiang, Yunnan Province. Situated on a hillside, it is surrounded by mountains and water. The pavilion

built in the open mountain plateau is to absorb the wild flow of energy, from which sees the panoramic view of

the magnificent southern mountains scenery. Its pitched roof is perfectly integrates perfectly with the magnificent mountain and the three pools, the central water yard and the encircling water outside, seem like plates holding

up the house.

At the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, there is an open plane in front of which lies the Yuhu reservoir. Dappled

igneous rocks, coupled with trees and water, enrich the color and texture of this area. Most houses in neighboring villages are traditional with enclosed courtyards. In the traditional Chinese courtyard walls mark almost all

boundaries and the scenery is what the courtyard captures. This architectural principle focuses on the spatial

qualities of the interior of a house has an opposite attitude towards the landscape beyond. The Water House had

to respond to specific environmental challenges: how to occupy the open field and integrate with the surroundinglandscape.

Another project by Li Xiao Dong, the Liyuan Library is located in Jiaojiehe Village’s Wisdom Valley located within

the Huairou District of Beijing. The Liyuan Library is the only man-made structure in Wisdom Valley, and is only

accessible via a winding mountain road. It is a quiet site with water and mountains nearby. The idea of the projectwas to collaborate with the nature, to form a spiritual qichang(a flow of energy) that would concentrate the

natural landscape. The building designed for the site would work with nature to build harmony at the location. In

the finished building various factors including the water surface before the building, the plank path beside the

water, the smooth layout of pebbles, and the space enclosed by stick fences integrate the library with the

surrounding environment. Inside the library, solar glare is blocked but less direct natural light is allowed to

penetrate. The library space has a strong local flavor because of the sticks that are used to clad and gave the

project its name—the Liyuan Library.