A Study Of The Artistic Expression Of Light And Shadow In Landscape Architecture

Living in the nature, we are surrounded by the ever-changing light and shadow. Starting from ancient times, light has always been a symbol of hope, beauty and good, which inspires people with clarity and vividness. Shadow, whereas, brings tranquility and cool, which arouses contemplation and fantasy. Light and shadow are always fused together with physical space, and this fusion is also one of the causes that we often ignore the light and shadow as a form of space. Light and shadow can be both a carrier to express space image, and a main body to create space atmosphere.In the modern landscape design, it is more and more common to see uniform enclosure, uniform light and shadow space, and uniform emotional space. A blindly open lawn, a large square lack of shadow and an urban space shrouded in the shadow of mansions all day long, all of these, block the gorgeousness of light and shadow that dynamically change along with the sunrise and sunset in a day and lose the artistic conception. The ignorance of the artistic value of the light and shadow in the modern landscape architecture inspired me to ponder over.Through studying the artistic expression of light and shadow in landscape architecture and other related art design fields, this paper demonstrated the feasibility and value to apply light and shadow in landscape design and suggested the integration of light and shadow, as an important design element, into the modern landscape architecture. Combining with case studies, this research aimed at summarizing the design methodology that fit the modern landscape architecture design concept.This article starts with exploring the visual, spiritual and cultural characteristics, based on which it discusses the application of light and shadow in landscape architecture and the magnificent artistic value they brings, from the aspects of photology, aesthetics, psychology, physiology, literature and sociology.Thereafter, based on the research of the history and aesthetic background ol" application of light and shadow in landscape architecture, this article pointed out the difference in the images of light and shadow between the Chinese and Western classic landscape architectures. This comparison could be used as references for modern design. Comprehensive and systematical analysis and case studies were carried out to investigate the artistic expression of light and shadow from various angles.In the end, new ideas on modern landscape design are inspired. These ideas come from studying the relations between spatial composition of light and shadow, the elements for visual presentation, the setting up of atmosphere, the establishment of the artistic conception and the way of presenting geographical characteristics. These ideas also come from the way of introdueing landscape architecture and the way of presenting the art.The modern landscape architecture promotes the harmonious of the functionality, cultural and artistry ol" the space in landscape. Apart from considering the tangible elements in physical design, e.g. geography, flora, constructions, water, etc. light and shadow, which are intangible elements, should also be implemented effectively, instead of being excluded or ignored. Designers need to proactively learn, understand and use light, as well as to engage themselves in light and shadow related environment.