Date of Award

Spring 5-31-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Department

Landscape Architecture

Program

Global Arts and Cultures

First Advisor

Fatema Maswood

Second Advisor

Sonny Meng Qi Xu

Abstract

This thesis explores how Taoist “Qi”, a dynamic energy flow, can provide a productive lens for approaching contemporary landscape architecture.

Taking the ancient city of Tai’an in China as a case study, I analyze the historical changes made to its Qi network at the urban scale. This draws a carrier theory that Qi could be examined by water connectivity and spatial porosity. Thereby, I further establish the dynamic network relationship between landscape factors and Qi.

Blending ancient philosophy with modern ecological thinking, I proposed Qi carrier theory for healing Qi ruptures in urban landscapes. Through design in White Horse Village, I map patterns of Qi retention, dispersal, and disconnection. By reorganizing water and space to restore Qi flow and revitalize both the land and its energy

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