Application of Taoist Principles and Feng Shui in Urban Spaces (Landscaping and Garden Design)

Abstract

The Taoist school emphasizes concepts such as "Yin and Yang" and "Tehya." Taoism has had a profound influence on architecture, painting, landscaping, home decoration, and lifestyle, extending beyond the borders of China to impact the entire modern world. The application of Far Eastern worldviews based on Taoist thought and its arrangement techniques, such as Feng Shui and its unique interior decoration in homes, urban spaces, garden design, and landscaping, deeply enhances and elevates the quality of life. Relying on ancient knowledge and experience, it can be stated that Tao is a spiritual way of life that enables humans to channel the positive energies of nature into themselves. The present study poses the question of how Taoist philosophical concepts influence urban space design. Taoism, one of the oldest philosophical schools in China, has significantly impacted the art of that region, with its ultimate goal being the harmony and consonance of humans with the natural order in life. Given that the practical art of Feng Shui is a derivative of this philosophy, the aim of this research is to identify and apply the fundamental elements of this mystical philosophy in urban planning and landscaping, and to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the philosophy and art of interior and exterior design. In this study, which presents its findings in an analytical-descriptive manner, we first analyze and examine Feng Shui's influence on the mystical and ontological foundations of Taoism and the manifestation of this approach in design and landscaping principles. It is then demonstrated that the application of these elements in urban spaces can bring not only visual beauty but also peace, balance, and harmony to the modern urban dweller.