Space structure features of the Garden of Cultivation in the context of traditional private gardens of Suzhou

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the identification of the main architectural features of the Garden Cultivation. The history of the garden was analyzed, the main stages of the formation of the planning structure were revealed. The etymology of the name of the estate, which is related to the functional direction of the object, has been studied. The garden was founded during the Ming Dynasty. Over time, both the planning structure and individual elements of the garden changed. The space of the garden consists of two main areas: residential and garden, north and south. Each of the zones is actively integrated into each other. The garden space is very densely built up, consists of 17 elements (morphotypes) located on 0.37 hectares. Garden of Cultivation is unique landscape object for Suzhou and for China, the features of which begins with the name and end with unusual buildings and decor. However, the educational function of most of the morphotypes makes the overall structure of the plan different (unique) from the “traditional” gardens of this era.