DECODING THE CULTURAL CONNOTATION OF JIANGNAN GARDENS: THE IMPLICATIONS OF SCHOLARS' GARDEN-MAKING SPIRIT FOR MODERN GARDEN AND BUILDING DESIGN

Abstract

Jiangnan gardens, as treasures of classical Chinese gardens, contain profound cultural connotations and showcase the long history and splendid cultural style of the Chinese nation.
This study focuses on Jiangnan gardens, analyzing the unique spiritual attributes of literati garden design in China, providing theoretical support for future garden and architectural design. Through qualitative research methods, the cultural connotations of Jiangnan gardens are deeply explored and analyzed, interpreting the spiritual pursuits of literati garden design. On this basis, the study further elaborates on the enlightenment that Jiangnan gardens offer to contemporary design practices. Using semiotics as a theoretical tool, the study deciphers the cultural genes of Jiangnan gardens through literature analysis, field investigations, and expert interviews, revealing the philosophical thoughts (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism integration), aesthetic paradigms (The imagery of poetry and painting), and spiritual aspirations (reclusion and patriotism) conveyed by the literati class through spatial symbols. A three-dimensional design transformation pathway, "imagery translation - functional adaptation - symbolic reconstruction," is proposed to validate the contemporary adaptability of traditional garden wisdom. The research fills the gap in systematic studies of garden cultural connotations from a semiotic perspective, providing methodological references for the inheritance of regional culture under globalization. This study provides strong support for expanding the design ideas of modern living environments in China, making the design more in line with people's actual needs, but also promotes the vigorous development of the design industry. At once, it also helps to enhance people's awareness of garden culture, promote the inheritance and promotion of garden culture, and better showcase the excellent cultural traditions of the Chinese nation.