The Historic Urban Landscape paradigm and cities as cultural landscapes. Challenging orthodoxy in urban conservation

Today, for the first time in human history, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities. According to UN-Habitat, within two decades, five billion people will live in cities. Coincidentally, within the field of cultural heritage conservation, increasing international interest and attention over the past two decades has been focused on urban areas. This is timely because pressure for economic development and for the prioritising of engagement with the global economy has accompanied rapid urbanisation. In many societies, pressures for economic development have privileged modernisation efforts leading to the loss of traditional communities. Accompanying this has been a concentration in the field of urban conservation on famous buildings and monuments rather than seeing cities as communities of people with values and belief systems that are reflected in the city’s overall setting: its cultural landscape. This paper explores alternative ways of seeing cities particularly through the Historic Urban Landscape paradigm.     

Transformative actions on communities and landscapes: the case of Kaldabruna village

ABSTRACT

The dynamic relationship of people to landscapes changes according to the context; as regimes change the balance of power shifts, resulting in different values arising where landscapes are perceived in different ways and new landscape uses examined. Changing landscapes can bring a restoration of hope to a place. This paper examines the role that an evolving landscape, both physically and culturally, in a small, rural Latvian community played in the formation of a revitalised landscape identity. By combining new and old traditions, self-esteem rose and in turn contributed to further changes to the landscape with influence rippling outwards to neighbouring areas. We have used observation, workshops and ongoing dialogue as data collection methods at the site. We draw on historical and individual narratives to tell the story of the landscape and then draw some conclusions regarding the transformative actions upon the communities and the landscape.     

Landscape identities in Catalonia

This article aims to analyse the subject of landscape modifications and the absorption of new elements within a context that enables broader reflection on the creation of territorial identities by consciously intervening in existing imaginaries. Although an extensive literature has been generated around imaginaries and landscape imaginaries, the benefits of creating new imaginaries or, if you will, new ‘landscapes of reference’ are not frequently touched upon as a constructive reaction to the homogenisation processes generated by the intense globalisation our lives are immersed in. The following pages deal with all these matters, taking into consideration the situation in Catalonia within the European context.     

The role of the spatial dimension within the framework of sustainable landscapes and natural capital

A new paradigm of Natural Capital and Sustainable Landscapes has been suggested. It implies the integration of economic, environmental and social-cultural qualities in a physical setting while focusing on functions in terms of goods and services for people. Due to its anthropocentric perspective it pays less attention to landscape structure and spatial arrangement compared to the widely applied patch-matrix concept. The matrix of land use elements provides the key to understanding land use systems and land use changes and it can play an important role in understanding land use pattern and their dynamics. But one of the remaining constraints for a direct application of landscape ecological concepts in practice is the lack of agreed ways to combine environmental, socio-economic and societal/cultural views. This paper examines both paradigms, asking: does the spatial arrangement of land use types add specific qualities beyond statistical measures of their existence and quantity? For instance, can a landscape be sustainable, as long as 20% of the land use is extensive, 10% is protection area, etc., no matter where the respective patches are, which typical size and shape they have, how connected patches are and how often incompatible land use types are adjacent? This paper elucidates spatial concepts for sustainable landscapes with an emphasis on the role of GIS.     

New challenges in the field of spatial planning: landscapes

The European Landscape Convention (ELC) highlights the landscape as an holistic concept, which is important for individual and social well being and for quality of life. Landscape questions tend today to fall between the responsibilities of different sectors of society. The implications of the Convention for giving 'landscape' a higher status in spatial planning are discussed. Important challenges for planning that need to be focused from a landscape approach are discussed: the growing urbanization; the development and new roles of the urban fringe areas; new infrastructure landscapes; the mental landscapes of tomorrow; an holistic approach to landscape ecological planning and environmental policies and the need for co-ordination of European planning issues that concern landscapes. Planning for good landscape qualities is not a new issue; many landscape architects and landscape planners have worked in the spirit of the ELC for decades. The importance of educating landscape architects and planners with an holistic approach is particularly addressed. Efforts for a more integrated landscape education, such as the European network LE:NOTRE, already exist and contribute to the implementation of the ELC.     

European and natural landscapes as carriers of place identity: a correlational study in Italian and Spanish regions

This study investigated whether European, Mediterranean and natural landscapes might trigger identification responses among residents of Mediterranean Europe. The participants (N = 546) were students from three Italian and three Spanish regions who rated their level of place identification by looking at eight pictures of prototypical landscapes, each depicting a unique combination of attributes in a 2×2×2 research design (European/non-European, Mediterranean/non-Mediterranean and natural/built). The results confirmed both European and natural landscapes as stronger carriers of identification than non-European and built landscapes, respectively, whereas no differences emerged between Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean landscapes. The statistical analysis of two-way interactions showed the amplification effect of the combined European–natural landscape, whilst a less clear picture emerged from the other two interactions. These findings suggest that landscape images may be used to foster a more inclusive identity at the supranational level and thus increase the sense of belonging among European citizens.     

New challenges in the field of spatial planning: landscapes

The European Landscape Convention (ELC) highlights the landscape as an holistic concept, which is important for individual and social well being and for quality of life. Landscape questions tend today to fall between the responsibilities of different sectors of society. The implications of the Convention for giving ‘landscape’ a higher status in spatial planning are discussed. Important challenges for planning that need to be focused from a landscape approach are discussed: the growing urbanization; the development and new roles of the urban fringe areas; new infrastructure landscapes; the mental landscapes of tomorrow; an holistic approach to landscape ecological planning and environmental policies and the need for co‐ordination of European planning issues that concern landscapes. Planning for good landscape qualities is not a new issue; many landscape architects and landscape planners have worked in the spirit of the ELC for decades. The importance of educating landscape architects and planners with an holistic approach is particularly addressed. Efforts for a more integrated landscape education, such as the European network LE:NOTRE, already exist and contribute to the implementation of the ELC.     

Transforming the notion of the urban aborigine

The 'urban Aborigine' has been a problematic figure in Australian social policy, because of the tension between his/her cultural status (apparently assimilated) and his/her politicised cultural identity (defiantly resistant to assimilation). This paper focuses on a moment in Australian history when a reformist intelligentsia was compelled to make better sense of the 'urban Aborigine', and on two intellectuals in particular: H. C. Coombs and Fay Gale. It then turns to the cultural practice of a particular sector of this intelligentsia - the urban Aboriginal painter - and shows how urban Aboriginal artists have sometimes addressed the problematic category 'urban Aborigine' by richly referencing icons of the 'traditional' in their paintings.     

Transforming the notion of the urban aborigine

Abstract

The ‘urban Aborigine’ has been a problematic figure in Australian social policy, because of the tension between his/her cultural status (apparently assimilated) and his/her politicised cultural identity (defiantly resistant to assimilation). This paper focuses on a moment in Australian history when a reformist intelligentsia was compelled to make better sense of the ‘urban Aborigine’, and on two intellectuals in particular: H. C. Coombs and Fay Gale. It then turns to the cultural practice of a particular sector of this intelligentsia ‐ the urban Aboriginal painter ‐ and shows how urban Aboriginal artists have sometimes addressed the problematic category ‘urban Aborigine’ by richly referencing icons of the ‘traditional’ in their paintings.     

村庄规划中农村景观的塑造

对农村景观的定义和要素进行了介绍,分析了农村及农村景观的现状,对农村建设及规划过程中存在的问题进行了探讨,结合农村景观的影响因素,具体阐述了农村景观的重塑方法和途径,以期指导实践。     

Agricultural landscapes between intensification and abandonment: the expectations of the public in a Central-Alpine cross-border region

The aim of this study is to find out what locals and tourists in a Central-Alpine, multilingual cross-border region expect from an Alpine landscape, with a special focus on agriculture. Using a standardised questionnaire, we carried out more than 3500 face-to-face interviews with locals and tourists in Tyrol (Austria) and South Tyrol (Italy). The questionnaire comprised (1) content-related questions and (2) questions to collect demographic data on the interviewees. We employed nonparametric methods to analyse the survey results and differences between demographic groups. More than 70% of the study participants liked traditional land-use and did not have major reservations about agricultural intensification or extensification. Of those interviewed, 73% were in favour of giving public financial support to farmers. The findings obtained in this study suggest broad acknowledgement and acceptance of environmental compensation schemes and the maintenance of extensive and traditional land-use systems.     

以都江堰为例谈城乡历史景观的保护与重塑

以城市历史景观作为方法论,通过尊重赋有特色的原有城乡地脉,深刻挖掘独具特色的文化内涵,以重塑都江堰城乡历史景观的完整性、真实性与可持续性,为都江堰城乡历史景观保护奠定基石。     

关于临汾城市风貌的规划思考

以临汾城市风貌的规划为例,从城市文化、城市美学、符号学的角度深入剖析,试图以规划为核心进行切入,并对临汾城市风貌的重新塑造提出了建议,从而塑造个性化的城市风貌。     

Foraging for identity: the relationships between landscape activities and landscape identity after catastrophic landscape change

ABSTRACT

In this article, we deal with landscape activities in relation to changing landscape identity after a major wildfire in Sweden in 2014. The aim was to investigate the relationships between 22 landscape activities (before the fire) and 2 components (emotion and cognition) of landscape identity (before and after the fire). A total of 656 respondents living nearby the fire area participated in this study. Before the fire, a positive association was found between the activities of enjoying nature and foraging, and both components of landscape identity. This suggests that the more participants enjoyed nature and picked berries and mushrooms, the stronger their attachment to the landscape (emotion), and the more they remembered and reasoned about the landscape (cognition). Post fire, these relationships were found only between the two components of landscape identity and foraging. This implies a significant role of this type of activity for keeping ‘alive’ landscape identity.     

新时期乡村景观特征与景观性格的表征体系构建

中国已步入生态文明建设的新时期,美丽中国和美丽乡村建设是生态文明体系构建的重要组成部分,也是生态文明理论指导下的实践载体.新时期乡村景观的内涵、构成与特征已发生深刻变化,维护乡村景观地方性特征与性格是未来乡村规划的重要途径和共同愿景,而识别与评价乡村景观特征与性格的关键在于其表征体系的构建.基于新时期乡村景观的认知,以...     

英国乡村区域可持续发展的景观方法与工具

景观概念为解读乡村景观、思考其多功能与可持续的未来提供了综合整体的、可操作的框架、方法与工具。景观视角下的乡村区域,具有多元价值,涉及多个尺度、多元利益主体,其变化的管理是错综复杂的。聚焦英国乡村政策的景观转向以及创新的景观方法与工具,尤其是景观特征评估(LCA)的发展与应用。对英国乡村规划管理相关政策的需求与趋势,面临的问题与挑战,以及对新方法的探索历程进行系统的梳理与分析。多功能主义、景观概念的重构,以及景观特征评估的发展为乡村区域变化的规划管理提供了新的思想与方法,使我们得以迈向一个广泛、综合的乡村景观规划体系。     

Urban landscapes and the cultural politics of territorial control in Anglo-Norman England

It is examined how urban landscapes were physically shaped to meet the changing needs and desires of aristocratic elites during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Using case studies within the context of Anglo-Norman England, it is argued that newly-created towns were designed to help aristocratic lords establish and retain their political control along the frontier of the Norman kingdom, and that the forms of these towns embody the cultural processes of this territorial expansion. The first part of the paper places Norman England in the context of an expanding high medieval Europe and considers the idea of an 'urban renaissance' as part of this expansion. Following this, some of the problems in representing, or mapping, medieval urban landscapes are discussed. The rest of the paper is devoted to morphological studies of three Norman 'new towns', Alnwick, Bridgnorth and Ludlow, in order to show how the production of these urban landscapes was related to wider socio-political changes effected under the authority of an aristocratic hegemony. The selection of these three towns also provides an opportunity to review previous attempts at understanding their medieval designs.     

批判性城市景观重构下的美国与德国后工业景观比较

【目的】为了反思城市景观变革及其理论成果与后工业景观发展之间的紧密联系,拓展现存后工业景观的研究内容和认知维度,并在理论与实践层面为中国后工业景观发展及其景观范式的形成提供参考。【方法】运用分类研究法和比较分析法,厘清批判理性主义方法下的美国景观都市主义和德国景观结构主义概念,在城市景观认知与重构的基础上,辨析两国后工业景观的异同。【结果】基于批判性城市景观比较分析,美国与德国后工业景观的共识性体现在城市景观变革下的系统性发展与多元范式两个方面,而后工业景观的内涵、核心要义、发展策略和规划设计特征则反映了它们之间所存在的巨大差异。【结论】综上所述,后工业景观作为一种重要的城市景观类型,可基于社会学视角下的城市景观变革拓展其系统性研究,在批判性综合认知的基础上不断挖掘后工业景观范式,继而形成独特的景观发展特征。     

Universal heritage value,community identities and world heritage: forms,functions, processes and context at a changing Mt Fuji

ABSTRACT

Numerous international documents underline the high identity value of cultural heritage for local communities and its potential for sustainable development. Simultaneously, the inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List depends on the outstanding universal value that presumes a global community and prioritises global heritage value before the local ones. This setup holds potential tension.

This paper discusses how to define heritage communities and access their heritage identities, differentiating between landscape forms, functions, processes and context. The case study of Mt Fuji World Heritage is used to illustrate the model. While global and national communities emphasise the form of the heritage and policies target the preservation of the present visual shape, the local and religious communities identify with the functions and practices embodied by the sites. Not all communities identify with the proposed interpretative context for Mt Fuji heritage value. Additional tension arises from the Eurocentric mind-set behind world heritage expertise.     

Expanding the social performance of food production landscapes: measuring health and well-being benefits

Advocates of integrating food production landscapes within urban, suburban, campus and other design arenas cite multiple and integrated benefits, including enhanced food security and quality; land access for small farmers; psychological and social benefits; educational opportunities; and green infrastructure contributions, among others. If performance can be understood as ‘the fulfilment of a claim’ then landscape performance measures for food production would ideally encompass the overall range of cited benefits. Yet in current practice the performance of food production landscapes tends to be measured in limited ways, most often by weight and value of harvest. The aim of this paper is to identify expanded methods and metrics for measuring the performance of food production landscapes, in particular for health and well-being benefits. Through a transdisciplinary literature review, evidence for mental well-being, physical activity and human nutrition benefits of food production landscapes is presented, and performance metrics and evaluation methods are catalogued.