This practice-led research project explores how Zen aesthetics creates a way of designing virtual contemplative landscapes.

The project combines action and research. Under the guidance of the action research framework, it analyzes the five concepts most closely related to design in Zen aesthetics and discusses their aesthetic thoughts and characteristics with some art and design cases. It also discusses critical elements in designing contemplative landscapes and virtual natural environments.

The creative inspiration for the virtual contemplative landscape in this project comes from the Zen epiphany obtained by the designer during Zen studies and on-site observation of natural landscapes. Based on some famous natural landscapes in New Zealand, this practice project designed a series of virtual contemplative landscape prototypes with the concepts and characteristics of Zen aesthetics and explored a complete creative process. The results of the practice project are presented as 5 VR landscape animations.