Monica Kuo

The essence of Chinese culture is pithily reflected in Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, whose philosophical perspective on “the way” (“Tao”) drives home the “quiescent qualities of nature.”

“Man follows Earth. Earth follows heaven. Heaven follows the Tao. Tao follows what is natural.” A holistic interpretation is rendered here to the central motif of this observation, that heaven, earth, and mankind adhere to the rules of the universe.

“Design with Nature” by Prof McHarg acknowledges this discourse on “Tao following what is natural” that dated back to more than 2,700 years ago: be it 50 years prior, the present, or the future, the rhythm that dictates the laws of nature and mankind is more than just a philosophy: it is implementation science at its best.

Globalization and the impact of climate change have integrated “Design with Nature” with Remote Sensing, GIS, Big Data and tools for righting social injustices, elevating the concept from a mere “methodology.” It is now a more sophisticated, scientific “value system” and entrenched “belief” for planners and designers.