Die Entwicklung der europäischen Gärten von antiken strukturierten Paradiesen hin zu emotional aufgeladenen romantischen Landschaften und hin zu virtuellen Realitäten ist ein Beleg für umfassendere soziokulturelle und technologische Veränderungen. Dieses Kapitel zeichnet die historische Reise der Gartengestaltung nach, von den philosophischen Idealen des antiken griechischen kepos und persischen Paradeisos bis hin zu den emotional ausdrucksstarken Landschaften der Romantik. Die Studie untersucht, wie romantische Prinzipien, die Emotionen, Individualismus und Natur betonen, mit moderner Technologie verschmolzen sind, um hybride urbane Räume zu schaffen. Schlüsselstudien wie Re: Wild Royal Docks, Taiwan Tower und Architecture of Shades veranschaulichen die Integration romantischer Ästhetik mit fortschrittlicher Technologie und zeigen das dynamische Zusammenspiel historischer Werte und zukünftiger Möglichkeiten. Diese Beispiele zeigen, wie Technologie emotionale und ästhetische Erfahrungen in urbanen Landschaften verbessert, indem sie physische und virtuelle Elemente zu immersiven, nutzerzentrierten Umgebungen verschmilzt. Das Kapitel schließt mit der Betonung der Bedeutung der Verschmelzung von Kunst, Natur und Technologie in der Stadtplanung, die den Weg für innovative und bereichernde städtische Räume ebnet.
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Abstract
The dynamic evolution of European gardens and their profound influence on contemporary urban landscapes have significantly impacted the conceptualisation of modern virtual and hybrid spaces. This study delves into the rich history of gardens, from ancient kepos to the Romantic era’s emotionally charged landscapes and further to contemporary virtual realities (Venturi Ferriolo et al., 1999), where transcendency is crucial in reshaping urban experiences.
The Romantic era is a key focus, redefining the interaction between urban spaces and the human body (Venturi Ferriolo, 1998). This period provided insights into contemporary urban landscapes, where material and immaterial realms are blended. Gardens in this era transcended traditional formality, evolving into landscapes that evoke deep emotions and a strong connection to nature. This shift, driven by the Romantic movement, transformed the city from a physical space to a dynamic environment where technology, nature, and human experience intertwine. The era reinterpreted urban spaces as emotional scenes, conceptualising urbanscapes as a mise en scène. In an age of hyper-technological prostheses, the city transforms into a multiscalar entity with individuals as interconnected nodes within global networks. This shift heralds the emergence of new hybrid space-time categories, transcending traditional physical confines of urban space. The paper also integrates contemporary case studies, including projects like Re: Wild Royal Docks, Taiwan Tower, and Architecture of Shades, showcasing how modern gardens and urban landscapes embody this evolution from Romantic aesthetics to hyper-technological environments. These examples highlight the ongoing relevance of historical garden concepts in contemporary urban design and the transformative potential of integrating technology and nature, leading to evolving urban temporalities within a landscape of unlimited possibilities.
Hinweise
The free spirit of man can elevate even a fairy tale to a higher artistic truth,
following an inner necessity.
C.G. Carus
1 Introduction
Overview and Context.
The European garden, a paradigmatic embodiment of cultural, aesthetic, and philosophical values, has profoundly transformed throughout history. This evolution, from the structured paradises of ancient times to the emotionally charged landscapes of the Romantic era and onto the realms of virtual realities, mirrors broader socio-cultural and technological shifts. Ancient gardens, like the Greek kepos and Persian paradeisos, were not merely spaces for leisure or horticulture but represented ideals of harmony and holiness, influencing later European garden styles (Aben et al., 1999; Assunto, 2021). As we progress through history, this transformation becomes evident in the Romantic era, where gardens evolved into landscapes of emotion and individual expression, deeply connected to nature (Turner, 1996; Clark, 2011). This paper aims to explore this historical journey, culminating in an in-depth analysis of contemporary case studies such as Re: Wild Royal Docks, Taiwan Tower, and Architecture of Shades, which showcase the integration of Romantic aesthetics and modern technology in urban landscapes.
Research Aims and Objectives.
This study aims to trace the evolution of European gardens, particularly focusing on the Romantic era’s impact on urban landscapes. We explore how Romantic principles have merged with modern technology to create hybrid spaces where physical and virtual realities converge. The study examines the influence of historical garden concepts on modern urban design and the emergence of hybrid space-time categories in contemporary urban landscapes. Through this exploration, we aim to understand how gardens as paradigmatic case studies have contributed to the transformation of urban spaces, reflecting a harmonisation of material and immaterial elements in an age of hyper-technological prostheses (Venturi Ferriolo, 1998; Batty et al., 2012; Sassen, 2006).
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2 Historical Foundations and the Romantic Transformation of Garden Design
2.1 Ancient Concepts and Evolution to the Romantic Period
The evolution of garden design from ancient times to the Romantic era summarises significant cultural, philosophical, and aesthetic shifts. In ancient Greece, kepos gardens, adjoining academies, were contemplative spaces reflecting philosophical ideals (Hadot, 1995). Persian paradeisos introduced sophistication with ornate designs, influencing later Greek and Roman gardens with their blend of utility and beauty (Aben et al., 1999). The Hellenistic and Roman periods saw gardens as symbols of leisure and status, while in the medieval era, gardens combined functionality with spiritual symbolism, foreshadowing the Romantic emphasis on nature (Miles, 2008; Goode, 1986).
The Renaissance revived classical symmetry and order in gardens, later contested by the Romantic movement (Turner, 2000). With their emotional and naturalistic designs, the Baroque and Rococo periods preluded Romanticism’s garden aesthetics. Additionally, the influence of Eastern gardens, particularly Chinese and Japanese, contributed to the Romantic ideal of natural and emotive landscapes (Keswick, 2003; Willis, 2015) (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1.
A Castle By The River - Karl Friedrich Schinkel 1800–1801, A Stage set for Mozart’s Magic Flute- Karl Friedrich Schinkel 1815
2.2 The Romantic Era: A Paradigm Shift in Aesthetics
The Romantic Era marked a transformative phase in garden aesthetics, characterised by a shift towards emotion, individualism, and nature. This period saw gardens evolving from structured designs to emotive landscapes that embraced the sublime aspects of nature and individual narratives (Turner, 1996). Romantic gardens influenced urban and architectural design, fostering a harmonious integration of natural elements in built environments (Clark, 2011). This era also emphasised historical narratives, spiritual transcendence, and the creative interplay of light and shadow, profoundly impacting contemporary architectural practices and urban planning (Cowell, 1983; Lefaivre & Tzonis, 2004; Pérez-Gómez & Pelletier, 2000).
Emphasis on Emotion and Individualism:
The Romantic period marked a paradigm shift, focusing on personal emotion and individual experiences. Gardens were no longer just about symmetry and order but became canvases for emotional expression and individual narratives (Turner, 1996). This shift had a profound influence on the design of urban and architectural spaces, favouring designs that evoked specific emotional responses and accommodated personal preferences.
Nature and the Sublime:
Central to Romanticism was its connection with nature and the sublime. Gardens became embodiments of the vast and mysterious aspects of nature, moving away from structured designs to more organic and wild forms.
Reverence for History and Narrative:
The Romantic garden often incorporated elements that evoked historical and cultural narratives, reflecting a nostalgia for the past (Cowell, 2002).
Artistic and Spiritual Transcendence:
Romantic gardens were not just visual spectacles; they were intended to be spiritually uplifting and transcendent experiences, a concept that has influenced modern architectural design.
Dynamic Interplay of Light and Shadow:
The Romantic use of light and shadow in gardens, creating dramatic effects and mood, has been a significant influence on architectural design. Contemporary architects often employ dynamic lighting to enhance the aesthetic and emotional impact of spaces (Pérez-Gómez & Pelletier, 2000).
Creativity and Imagination:
Finally, the Romantic era celebrated imagination and creativity, as the main component, encouraging designers to challenge traditional norms.
3 Methodology
The methodology of this research is primarily qualitative, focusing on historical analysis and theoretical exploration. This approach allows for an in-depth understanding of the evolution of garden aesthetics from the Romantic era to contemporary times. Historical analysis involves examining the changes in garden design and their cultural, philosophical, and aesthetic implications over time. Theoretical exploration delves into the principles and ideas that have driven these changes, particularly during the Romantic period, and how these principles have been interpreted and adapted in modern urban and architectural contexts with three contemporary case studies in a variety of contexts. The research draws from a rich variability of sources to understand the evolution of garden design and contemporary applications.
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4 Technology’s Role in Evolving Urban Landscapes
The integration of advanced technology has profoundly transformed urban landscapes, heralding new architectural and design paradigms. As discussed by McLuhan (1964) and Haraway (1991), the concept of Hyper-Technological Prostheses summarises how technology extends human capabilities, reshaping our interaction within urban spaces. This notion is evident in the use of smart materials, responsive design, and interactive interfaces that adapt to human needs, revolutionising urban design towards efficiency, sustainability, and user-centricity (McLuhan, 1964; Haraway, 1991).
Furthermore, as analysed in Castells’ (1996) The Rise of the Network Society, the role of global networks and connectivity is pivotal in transforming urban spaces. This interconnectedness, facilitated by digital networks, impacts the design and functionality of gardens and urban landscapes. It contributes to the emergence of networked urbanism, a concept explored by Sassen (2006), where cities function as interconnected nodes in a global network, influencing everything from economic activities to cultural exchanges. This trend is reflected in the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in gardens and parks, enhancing immersive experiences and connecting visitors to global narratives (Batty et al., 2012).
In summary, the advancement of technology in urban landscapes, characterised by hyper-technological prostheses and global interconnectedness, is redefining urban space design, experience, and functionality. These technological advancements are creating hybrid environments that blend physical and virtual elements, shaping urban landscapes in the context of a globally connected world (Batty et al., 2012).
5 From Romantic Gardens to Virtual Realities: The Evolution of Urban Landscapes
The journey from the Romantic era’s garden aesthetics to contemporary urban landscapes, marked by the emergence of virtual and hybrid spaces, reflects a profound evolution, integrating historical design principles with modern technological advancements.
Evolution of Romantic Ideals in Modern Landscapes.
The 20th and 21st centuries have seen Romantic ideals morph into contemporary urban designs. This transformation, influenced by the Romantic focus on emotion, nature, and individualism, has been documented by scholars like Harvey (2000), who discuss how these ideals have been adapted in modern architectural and urban planning contexts. Contemporary gardens and urban spaces now balance Romantic aesthetics with ecological and functional requirements, reflecting a holistic approach to urban development (Turner, 1996).
Emergence of Virtual and Hybrid Spaces.
The late 20th and early 21st centuries heralded the advent of virtual and hybrid spaces, where digital technologies intersect with physical environments. These new spaces, as explored by Mitchell (1996) and Carpo (2017), blend garden concepts and Romantic aesthetics with digital innovation, leading to immersive environments that extend beyond physical boundaries. Technologies like AR and VR are reshaping the way we experience urban landscapes, offering multi-layered, interactive experiences (Manovich, 2001).
Hybrid Space-Time Categories and Global Connectivity.
Modern urban landscapes are increasingly characterised by hybrid space-time categories, a fusion of physical, temporal, and virtual elements, as global networks transform urban experiences. Castells’ (1996) analysis of the network society delves into how technology-driven global interconnectedness reshapes urban spaces, turning them into nodes within broader networks. This interconnectedness impacts urban design, allowing for real-time adaptability and a seamless integration of diverse cultural and social elements (Sassen, 2006).
In conclusion, the evolution from Romantic gardens to the virtual and hybrid realities of today’s urban landscapes showcases the dynamic relationship between historical aesthetics, technological advancements, and global interconnectedness. As chronicled by contemporary scholars, this progression highlights the transformative impact of technology and global networks on urban design and experience.
6 Case Studies: Gardens and Urban Spaces
Three case studies are presented, showcasing a variety of architectural projects that demonstrate the synthesis of romantic aesthetics and hyper-technology in diverse scenarios. Selection of cases emphasise the flexibility to application in distinctive scales. These studies include an urban landscape infrastructure, a vertical garden in an urban setting, and a pavilion within a garden context.
Re: Wild Royal Docks:
The first project is “Re: Wild Royal Docks” (2021) by Usman Haque, EdenLab and Gort Scott. This visionary ten-year plan for an urban landscape infrastructure is set in East London (Aben and de Wit 1999). This project made significant efforts to unite local people and the landscape as a community, collaboratively designing the urban park. The participatory process not only echoes the creative imagination fostered by romantic aesthetics but also involves the landscape through technology in a unique attempt to merge the qualities of nature and the sublime. Implementing sensors, the urban landscape evolves into a “sixth sense,” representing the collective intelligence of both humans and the landscape, and serving as a synthetic expression of hyper-technological prosthetics. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are utilised in both indoor community rooms and the outdoor landscape, acting as catalysts for dialogue between humans and the landscape. As the architect describes, AR technologies give a “voice” to non-human entities.
Taiwan Tower:
The second project is the First Prize Winning Proposal for the Taiwan Tower in Taichung, designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects in 2011 (Assunto 2021). Inspired by the intricate branches of the Taiwanese banyan tree, it is a 300 m tall tower, primarily made of white steel structural tubes, with no definitive form, attempting to embody a natural phenomenon. While traditional green landscapes are incorporated at ground and roof levels, the tower’s structure more evidently reflects the potential of romantic aesthetics and technology. The transparency of the building minimises visual disruption of the cityscape, and the immense semi-open space, surrounded by structural tubes, creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow on an urban scale. Furthermore, the installed lighting technologies transform the façade into an urban screen for creative performances at night (Batty et al. 2012). It serves as a vertical urban stage, inviting creative, technological performances on an urban scale. With today’s technological advancements, interactive projection performances driven by big data could be envisaged, involving residents in the creative process.
Architecture of Shades:
The third project is Architecture of Shades, a robotic, interactive pavilion built in 2019, designed by Sky Yutaka Architects (Carpo 2017). Situated at Oil Street in Hong Kong, the pavilion is located within a garden, amidst Grade II listed historic buildings and trees of significant historical value.
Hence, the pavilion features three robotic shelters, resembling artificial trees, which move gracefully around a historically significant tree. Meanwhile, the seating is designed to mimic endangered animal species in Hong Kong. Similar to the Re: Wild Royal Docks project, this is an endeavour to transform landscape design into a symbiotic space for humans and biodiversity (Table 1).
Table 1.
Case studies mapping with romantic aesthetics and hyper-technology
Project
Type
Romantic aesthetics
Technology
Re: Wild Royal Docks (2021) by Usman Haque, EdenLab and Gort Scott
Urban landscape infrastructure
participatory process seamlessly integrates technology and landscape in the planning, echoes creativity and nature and sublime
Sensor technology constructs the “sixth-sense” as a collective intelligence of human, and non-human (landscape). AR, VR technology applied give a “voice” to non-human participants
Taiwan Tower (2011) by Sou Fujimoto Architects
Tower in urban context
proposed a new garden typology in an urban scale, symbolizing the local banyan tree while respecting nature by designed with “no obvious form”
In addition to novel green technologies, LED on façade provides provision for introducing real-world data for urban performance
Architecture of Shade (2019) by Sky Yutaka Architects
Pavilion in a garden
the interactive artificial “trees” enhance human observation to the historical site while interplaying creative light and shadow performance
With AI sensing system and sensors, the kinetic structure and LEDs responses to both environment and visitors, enhancing human-landscape interaction as a garden prosthesis
7 Conclusion: Synthesizing Historical Aesthetics and Modern Technology in Urban Landscapes
This study’s exploration of garden evolution, from ancient paradeisos through the Romantic era to modern virtual realms, highlights a significant narrative of change. It reveals how historical aesthetics and philosophical ideals have shaped today’s urban landscapes, profoundly influenced by technological advancements. The Romantic era, with its focus on emotion, individualism, and nature, has notably impacted modern urban design. Contemporary gardens and urban spaces, exemplified by the three case studies, demonstrate the reinterpretation of Romantic principles through the lens of technology. In these examples, technology transcends functional roles, becoming essential in enhancing emotional and aesthetic experiences. Each case study uniquely integrates historical aesthetics with modern technology, from sensor-driven collective intelligence in Re: Wild Royal Docks, vertical urban screen in Taiwan Tower, to the blend of architecture and nature in Architecture of Shades. This evolution signifies a dynamic interaction between historical values and future possibilities, illustrating how romantic aesthetics can be preserved and augmented in modern urban spaces through technology. They cover a variety of scales, distinctive site conditions through different era, providing evident adaptability and practicality of the proposed framework to be applicable for architects in designing future projects.
In summary, “Gardens Unveiled: Urban Landscape’s Evolution from Romantic Reverie to Virtual Realities” reflects a profound shift in urban space conceptualisation, emphasising the lasting relevance of historical aesthetics in a technologically advanced world. This study confirms the importance of merging art, nature, and technology in creating urban environments that are not only functional but also emotionally and aesthetically enriching, paving the way for innovative urban planning and architectural design.
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