Confucian design principles blend structural order, symbolism, harmony and nature, to reflect the philosopher’s focus on ethics, duty and self-control. The design style is rooted in the classical Chinese garden design principle of recreating the natural landscape in miniature form.

Following the successful completion of the Student Forum project at the heart of the University Campus, the Newcastle University Projects and Estates Team commissioned Southern Green to design and oversee the delivery of a new Confucius Garden adjacent to the Old Library. The garden proposal was developed to celebrate the visit of a party of Chinese dignitaries visiting the campus.

The following bullet points summarise the key principles of a traditional confucius garden, that were applied to the design of this small and complex scheme:  

Small Space;
Enclosure;
Small Individual Sections;
Asymmetrical Layout;
Spatial Connections;
Links to Architecture;
Natural Materials - Rocks and Aggregates;
Suggestion of Moving Water;
Carefully Considered Planting Palette;
Sculpture;
Borrowed Scenery;
Feng Shui.

The garden was designed and delivered to a very tight programme. Southern Green supported the client throughout the design and delivery stages, and worked directly alongside the contractor. A hands-on approach was utilised during procurement of materials and construction, to ensure the necessary attention to detail was provided at each stage.