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
Recommended Citation
Pan, Jiaqi, "Restoring Qi in Urbanism: Restoring Spatial Connectivity and Energy Dynamics Through Landscape Intervention" (2025). Masters Theses. 1437.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1437
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