Discovering the Rural Landscape

Original Author: John Brinckerhoff Jackson (USA)

Translators: Yu Kongjian, Chen Yiyong, Mo Lin, Song Liqing

Publisher: Commercial Press

Publication Date: May 2015 (Hardcover Edition), November 2016 (Paperback Edition)

Main Content: This volume comprises seminal essays by American cultural geographer John Brinckerhoff Jackson, offering a groundbreaking new definition of ‘landscape.’ The author contends that landscape is not a purely natural entity, but rather a space integrating human activity with the environment—a structure produced by society. The book explores diverse landscape themes ranging from pristine wilderness and agricultural pastures to urban cultural landscapes (streets, car parks, motorways, shopping centres), emphasising how landscapes connect everyday experiences, environments, and regional identities. It highlights the emotional exchange and mutual construction between culture and landscape. This work holds significant reference value for research on China's rural landscapes and the revitalisation of the countryside.

Ecological Urbanism

Original Authors/Editors: [USA] Mohsen Mostafavi, Gareth Doherty

Translators: Yu Kongjian, Song Liqing, Wang Bo

Publisher: Jiangsu Science and Technology Press

Publication Date: May 2014

Main Content: Edited by Mohsen Mostafavi, Dean of Harvard University's Graduate School of Design, this volume is a theoretical anthology on Ecological Urbanism. It explores the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of ecological urbanism across social, economic, cultural, planning, design, and technological dimensions, offering multifaceted solutions to address contemporary urban ailments. Far from being a manual for ecological city construction, it provides diverse pathways, methodologies, and technical references for realising sustainable urban environments.

Human-Centred Places: Design Guidelines for Urban Open Spaces (2nd Edition)

Original Authors: [USA] Clare Cooper Marcus, Carolyn Francis

Translators: Yu Kongjian, Sun Peng, Wang Zhifang et al.

Publisher: China Architecture & Building Press

Publication Date: October 2001

Main Content: This book systematically expounds the design principles for urban open spaces (such as city squares, neighbourhood parks, small parks and pocket parks, university campus outdoor spaces, outdoor spaces in retirement communities, childcare outdoor spaces, and hospital outdoor spaces). Drawing upon extensive environmental behavioural studies, it proposes how to create human-centred places that satisfy people's psychological and behavioural needs. It contains rich design guidelines and case studies, each accompanied by site plans, concise statements of site uses, and summaries of the successes and shortcomings of the planning proposals. This work has exerted a profound influence on the human-centred design of public spaces in Chinese cities.

Landscape Architecture: A Handbook of Site Planning and Design (Third Edition)

‌Original Authors‌: John O. Simonds, Barry W. Starke

‌Translators‌: Yu Kongjian, Wang Zhifang, Sun Peng

‌Publisher: China Architecture & Building Press

‌Publication Date: August 2000

‌Main Content: Systematically outlines the complete process from site analysis and concept generation to detailed design, emphasising an ecological design methodology grounded in natural elements. Covers dimensions including terrain modification, traffic organisation, and cultural integration, proposing a design framework for harmonious coexistence between people and the environment.