Psychological Healing through Sensory Perception in Water- and Culture-Centred Spatial Systems of Northern Chinese Gardens

Abstract

In this paper, the role of northern Chinese gardens in promoting psychological recovery is analysed through the prism of spatial design, perception and culture. The first section contrasts the Eastern and Western approaches to healing gardens. Meanwhile, the second section analyses the Beijing imperial gardens using the methods of interviews, field observations and the study of water and landforms. The study of the hutong courtyard extends the analysis to fengshui, atmosphere and habitual behaviour. It proves that healing occurs in a sequence, during which space directs the body, sensory experience shifts focus and cultural memory gives emotional meaning to the environment.