Wabi Sabi: Beauty in Impermanence & Imperfection

Reading a short extract from Leonard Kohen’s “Wabi Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers” inspired me to reflect upon the art of impermanence and imperfection and how it translates to my work as a landscape architect. 

When it comes to aesthetics, the modern world is obsessed by perfection, symmetry and flawlessness. Wabi sabi, however, recognises the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. Intimately linked with Buddhism, this ancient Japanese concept derives from a respect for all that is passing, fragile, slightly broken and modest. According to architect Leonard Koren “it is a beauty of things unconventional”. Wabi sabi believes that things are always more beautiful for bearing the marks of age and individuality. Although primarily regarded as an aesthetic quality, wabi sabi is present in all areas of life. It is a rather elusive concept. The Japanese assert that they know how it feels but hesitate to articulate it in words. 

The concept manifests itself across Japanese culture and tradition; from gardens and architecture, to pottery and décor. However, wabi sabi, like many traditional ideas, is under immense threat from the consumerist values of the western world. As outlined by Kohen, “even at the most austere level of material existence, we still live in a world of things.” He points out that “it is in everyone’s interest to prevent wabi sabi from disappearing altogether”.

Undoubtedly, not everyone admires the wabi sabi philosophy and aesthetic. I myself do. I admire the ways in which nature evolves; the beauty of age and natural degradation. From a landscape perspective, wabi sabi values the randomness of nature and natural processes. It’s the bark of a tree, a broken branch, moss growing between cracks in a brick wall. The beauty in the modest affairs of the natural world. 

Things wabi sabi often appear odd, misshapen and awkward; the result of letting things happen by chance. Wabi sabi landscapes imitate the qualities of natural environments. Allowing people to appreciate their modest and imperfect form. 

We must learn to value the beauty of transience. Natural landscapes bloom, evolve and decay. Impermanence is intrinsic to landscape architecture; the plants we cultivate deteriorate, the materials we use weather and decay. According to Kohen, wabi sabi values the suggestion of natural processes; encouraging the use of materials that are visibly vulnerable to the effects of weathering; Corten steel, zinc, untreated timber. Wabi sabi landscapes should convey the passing of time; allowing people to reflect upon the fragility and beauty of all things impermanent.  

Ultimately landscape architects must acknowledge that the beauty of the landscape lies amongst the inherent quality of the natural world. Nature is passing, fragile, imperfect and modest. As a landscape architect it is critical to make meaningful design choices, however, in Kohen’s words, “it is also important to know when not to make choices”. The art begins when we recognise the importance of letting the landscape be.  

Wabi Sabi Garden