The study of power mechanisms—An interactive and generative approach to a case study of Swedish urban renewal

This article demonstrates a methodological approach to the study of power mechanisms. Power is analysed in the interaction between three dimensions: (1) decision‐making, (2) non‐decision‐making, and (3) power as influence on consciousness; and three levels: (1) the subject‐subject level, (2) the institutional practices, and (3) the more general structural and cultural conditions. The approach is applied in an intensive process‐oriented case study of Swedish urban renewal. The study demonstrates the accumulativeness of power and powerlessness, and how power mechanisms reinforce but also neutralise one another. How the mechanisms are expressed depends on the specific spatial, social and temporal context in which they operate. The methodological implication of this is that a process‐oriented approach is necessary. The study also shows the importance of incorporating an intermediate level between structure and action into the analysis of power.     

The Stuttgart Region's Landscape Park – an efficient concept for the development of open spaces – an integrated approach to an attractive and resilient metropolitan landscape

This article focuses on the Stuttgart Region's Landscape Park concept, which is an instrument for the balanced development of open spaces within a densely populated region. The Stuttgart Region covers 5 counties and 179 independent municipalities over an area of 3650 square kilometres in the southwestern part of Germany. The competences of the Verband Region Stuttgart cover not only (mandatory) regional planning and spatial development, but also the construction and operation of the regional railway system, economic development and marketing.

In this context, the Landscape Park has been introduced to enhance the ecological quality and recreational value of open spaces. By now, it has become a successful instrument which helps local institutions to develop green infrastructure as an important locational factor.     

A pragmatic approach to church construction in Northern China at the time of Christian inculturation: The handbook “Le missionnaire constructeur”, 1926

In 1926, French Jesuit missionaries from Daming published at Xianxian (Hebei province) a little handbook for church construction in Northern China: “Le missionnaire constructeur, conseils-plans” (“The missionary builder: advice-plans”), containing 67 pages of text and 54 plates. After a short introduction about handbooks and pattern books of churches, this paper describes and analyses the handbook׳s content and its different practical aspects about building materials, masonry, roofs, etc. The book, however, is more than a compilation of technical hints and reveals a lot about the missionaries’ perception of Chinese building traditions as well as the transmission of Western techniques to Chinese workers. The paper also contextualizes the handbook and tries to identify both the authors and the addressees. In the mid-1920s, the Vatican launched the Christian inculturation process in China, which concerned architecture too. Nevertheless, many missionaries resisted, preferring Gothic or Italianate architecture to a new Sino-Christian style. The handbook participated in this debate.     

The Evolution of Landscape and Greenway Planning in the USA at the University of Massachusetts——Amherst （1970 to date）

1 IntroductionFor Landscape PlanningThis paper describes the planning aspect of landscape architecture, inthe U nited S tates, as it has been practiced during the 20th century.W hen in contrast w ith "design", "planning" gives answ ers and solutionsto the three basic questions, nam ely: "W H A T" is an appropriate use ofa parcel of land; "W H Y" is a plan or solution m ore appropriate; andthirdly, it show s the place (s) of this location, that is, "W H ER E " thevarious land use decision…