Beijing Paper Critical of Artificial Landscaping

Beijing's Great Hall is rife with nature's flowers, but elsewhere artificial trees and grasses are dotting the urban landscape.

BEIJING, China?EUR??,,????'??+The Beijing Youth Daily recently published an article condemning the new landscape practice of placing artificial plants about the city, including such street features as artificial peach trees, coconut palms, grasses and such touches as a representation of a giant panda in the center of a roundabout.

In a follow up to the article, the paper reports many phone calls from concerned citizens, although not quoting their opinions, instead, editorializing about the state of landscaping in the capital. The city dwellers, according to the paper, want some nature in their urban environment. The artificial landscaping is maligned as lacking ?EUR??,,????'??historical continuity and cultural atmosphere,?EUR??,,????'?? upsetting the ?EUR??,,????'??natural charm and harmony,?EUR??,,????'?? and becoming ?EUR??,,????'??objects of ridicule.?EUR??,,????'??

The paper sees the artificial landscape trend rooted in urban design departments that ?EUR??,,????'??do not regard urban landscaping as an important area requiring careful cultural and technical attention.?EUR??,,????'??

That many developed countries have well-established landscape professions backed by knowledge of urban landscaping and a wealth of practical experience is acknowledged. The article points out that other countries have ?EUR??,,????'??mechanisms in place for prior consultation on such aspects of urban design as overall layout, local cultural characteristics, architecture and gardens,?EUR??,,????'?? and that ?EUR??,,????'??such countries seldom see artificial flowers and trees planted.?EUR??,,????'??

What the state of landscape architecture is in China, we know not, but the Beijing Youth Daily suggests the need to ?EUR??,,????'??introduce more rigorous procedures in China with experts investigating proposals and consulting the local residents. On their own, good intentions may be just not quite good enough.?EUR??,,????'??

Beijing has a population of 10.855 million, about half live in the city proper. ?EUR??,,????'??Huge economic development?EUR??,,????'?? is occurring, and a new modern capital is evolving. The paper notes that ?EUR??,,????'??even small changes to the character of the city should proceed with caution under the watchful eye of public scrutiny so that they might better stand the test of time.?EUR??,,????'??

The Beijing area is one of the planet?EUR??,,????'???s earliest centers of civilization and rich in history. The Beijing Youth Daily warns that its ?EUR??,,????'??traditional charm has been eroded and important cultural relics have disappeared. The various departments involved may wish to review and reform their decision-making mechanisms,?EUR??,,????'?? the paper concludes.