Beijing Donshan Garden

Donshan Garden creates an alter/native landscape approach for the urban environment of northern China. As a project bridging public and private realm, the design of Donshan garden is crystalized by dynamic geometry and plantings, and is a breakthrough from the norm of Beijing real estate market, which is obsessed with imitating classical Chinese garden style. Neighboring the biggest urban park in Beijing and one of the most active church in China, the garden provides a common ground for ceremonial worship and everyday urban life. Inspired by the labyrinth motif in Christian tradition, design team lays out the 200,000 square feet garden with interweaving paths threading together various pocket parks each with distinct qualities, such as water corridor, flower field, bamboo court, cherry blossom maze, picnic lawn, children’s playscape, party deck and terrain park. The planting strategy is a response to Beijing’s climate, which considers the changing seasons and pollution resistance. Many local herbaceous perennials are introduced to evoke the sense of semi-wildness, so as to soften the project’s sternly architectural outlook. The use of white granite for planters builds up the continuity with the monumental style of the apartment building, while custom designed pavement pattern provides casual walk with visual enjoyment. As the residents are mixed of urban elites from entertainment, art and finance industries, several intimate spaces are created specifically for accommodating private sculpture collection. Donshan Garden celebrates the urban cultural lifestyle, and is the result of collaborative effort of landscape architect, architect, industrial designer and graphic artist.