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
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.