Sharawadgi
Sharawadgi applied to modern English landscape garden planning.
The term sharawadgi (or sharawaggi) has Japanese origins despite being used to describe the organisational principles of beauty without order behind landscape design in China. Sharawadgi was first used in English by Sir William Temple, who may have heard it from travelling merchants during his time as England's ambassador in The Hague.
As a statesman and diplomat, Temple was best known as the person who helped to arrange the successful union between Prince William of Orange and Princess Mary of England. Sharawadgi appeared in Temple's essay, 'Upon the Gardens of Epicurus', which was written in 1685 (but not published until 1692). It described the artful avoidance of straight, symmetric lines in gardens, architecture and even urban planning. This intentional irregularity is considered 'organic', creating designs that appear more natural.
Illustration of a sharawdgi garden plan from 1827.
The term came into common use in the 18th century, where it was widely incorporated into aesthetic theory and was one of the drivers of the popular English landscape garden movement.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.