Philosophy

Every element, from the shape of a waterfall to the careful placement of stepping stones, is specifically designed to cultivate awareness, humility and quiet contemplation.

Throughout history, Japanese gardens have developed in response to society, spirituality, economics, and politics. They are an evolving art whose forms often reflect the priorities and values of their times. Kurisu continues this evolution of purpose with gardens that respond to humanity’s needs.

Kurisu’s designs are based on the Japanese garden’s centuries of wisdom about sensory and cognitive experience of space, and nature’s inherent energies. At the heart of these designs are the concepts of ma, or emptiness, and ki-sei, flow.

Every element – from the shape of a waterfall to the careful placement of stepping stones – is specifically designed to cultivate awareness, humility and quiet contemplation.

“Lose yourself in the gentle rush of a creek, the play of light on a path, the scent of gardenia, or the profound stillness of a boulder.” – Hoichi Kurisu

Ma

Ma may be defined as active emptiness, or void. Physical, social, or related to time, ma is an interval that, rather than separating elements, connects them, and emerges as a focal point itself.

Ki-Sei

Ki in Japanese, is literally air or breath. It is often described as spiritual energy. Sei is force or tendency. In the garden, ki-sei refers to an object's inherent qualities, and signifies the flow of energy.

Healing Gardens

Our Japanese-style healing gardens are designed with an intention for restoration on the deepest levels. We incorporate the ancient philosophies and techniques of Japanese garden design to reawaken the connection between people and nature – between ourselves and the larger, timeless cycles of change and regeneration.