On October 30, 2025, the "Corporate Expert in the Classroom" session for the "Introduction to Environmental Design" course was successfully held. Titled "Urban Landscape and Public Space Design," the lecture featured Dr. Sun Yijia, founder and chief designer of VIA Landscape, who provided students with an in-depth sharing that integrated theoretical knowledge and practical experience, covering professional awareness, industry prospects, and future career development.
During the nearly two-hour lecture, Dr. Sun systematically explained how to revitalize urban public spaces through design techniques, ensuring they blend with the urban context while meeting the diverse needs of modern society. Drawing from his extensive design experience, he illustrated the process with compelling case studies.
Using the "Mirror of the Huangpu River" project at Qichangzhan as an example, Dr. Sun demonstrated how large-scale mirror materials and fluid curves were employed to merge ceilings, walls, and floors into a cohesive whole, creating a captivating play of light and shadow. During the day, the mirrors enhance the brightness of the space, while at night, the interplay of lighting and reflections fosters an artistic public atmosphere. This space not only provides free drinking water and rest facilities for ferry passengers but also serves as an "urban living room" where citizens can enjoy river views and visual delights.
When discussing pocket park design, Dr. Sun emphasized the importance of the "micro-renewal" concept. By simplifying and reconstructing curved spaces, incorporating functional elements such as circular jogging tracks and all-ages activity areas, and skillfully integrating interactive features like luminous benches and dry fountain plazas, he achieved an organic fusion of natural ecology and public life, creating vibrant urban spaces that are accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Dr. Sun also highlighted that, against the backdrop of urban renewal and green ecology, designers should focus on organizing internal spatial structures of parks and explore the integration of park green spaces with urban areas. He proposed "blurring boundaries" and "breaking boundaries" as key mindsets for contemporary park city construction, encouraging students to boldly challenge traditional limits and infuse greenery into urban neighborhoods.
Through Dr. Sun’s vivid explanations and case studies, students not only deepened their understanding of professional theories but also gained a clear perspective on the entire process from conceptualization to implementation. His insights on career paths and design philosophies provided valuable guidance for the new cohort of environmental design students in their academic planning and professional development.
The lecture, rich in content and illustrated with dynamic examples, effectively broadened the students’ professional horizons and strengthened their confidence and sense of direction for future career development.