Zhuokai Lyu

Located on Angel Island, a historical site that once served as an immigrant detention center in the early 20th century, Through the Season is a garden design inspired by the resilience and hope of detained immigrants, particularly those from China. Amid challenging conditions, these individuals found solace in poetry, carving Mandarin verses into the walls to reflect their struggles and dreams. Among these voices, the author of Poem 124 stands out, offering a message of optimism by likening time to flowing water capable of easing immediate sorrow without undue anxiety. The proposed design seeks to honor the philosophical essence of Poem 124 encouraging visitors to embrace life’s uncertainties with patience and hope. Central to the design is a series of elevated observation platforms strategically placed to allow intimate engagement with Acer rubrum “October Glory” – tress chosen for their striking transformation through the seasons. These platforms invite visitors to reflect on the cycles of nature, paralleling the passage of time and the process of healing. By witnessing the tree’s journey from vibrant foliage to bare branches and back again, visitors are reminded of life’s impermanence and the potential for renewal. The garden’s metaphysical narrative suggests that, like the trees, our hardships may fade with time, leaving space for growth and newfound perspective. Through the harmonious interplay of nature, history, and poetry, Through the Seasons becomes more that a space – it is a living testament to the enduring power of hope and the wisdom of embracing life’s temporal flow.

Faculty Mark Yin