Suzhou Swan Harbor Park / Lacime Architects

Widely known for “transcending the Confucian ethical codes and following nature”, Jiangnan (southern China) has fostered unlimited imagination and creativity of innumerous scholars and artisans with its trans-utilitarian aesthetic merit and poetic spirit. The aesthetic merit is unique, delicate, tenacious, graceful and gentle. Jiangnan culture is more easily manifested by comparing with an ethical culture of Central Plains in northern China, as it is represented in sentimental aesthetics and the harmony and unity between realistic demands and beautiful natural environment. In the design process, we rethink how to put Jiangnan culture and Chinese traditional aesthetics into modern life. It is not only to seek fragments of traditional culture but also to meet modern inner demands, combine ancient elements and showcase the ethos of Jiangnan culture in modern times.