Ethnographic Study on Parkification of Suzhou Traditional Gardens

Abstract

Suzhou traditional gardens are valuable cultural heritages. They were not designed for the public initially, but in recent years, they experienced an unavoidable transformation from private property to public estate. In order to graphically describe such a process and thus explore related causes and consequences, the phenomenon is conclusively defined as parkification, taking the public park as a metaphor. Data is collected using ethnographic methods, including observational studies, field notes, photographic records, and archival research. Investigation has proved that parkificated Suzhou traditional gardens have been assimilating into the urban environment, but more effort needs to be put into maintenance and management. According to current trends in the industry, suggestions are provided respectively for designers, artisans, and citizens. A proposal is also made to parkificate private gardens into public spaces in situations when individual owners become unable to afford necessary maintenance.