La construction contemporaine de la ville-campagne en Europe / The modern construction of a « country town » in Europe

Abstract

Abstract: The modem construction of a « country town » in Europe. This paper deals with the role of agriculture, in the broad sense of the word, in a « country town » project, where agriculture is an integral component of nature. The first part describes the change in social status of the peri-urban area. For a long time, this area was devoted to carrying out useful, essential urban tasks (from a urban point of view), but was often dirty and ugly and, for this reason, an unpleasant environment in which to live. The peri-urban area was also movable, gradually being pushed further from the centre under the influence of urban spreading. More recently, however, the area has provided a more pleasant environment, where new inhabitants seek to maintain countryside amenities. Indeed, urban planning has endorsed this conception by creating green belts and by including agriculture as an integral element of natural spaces, with special properties (nearness, landscape attraction). The second part of the paper analyzes the expectations of urban residents, and discusses the role of the peri-urban area as a market for the delivery of rural goods, services and amenities. A new type of agriculture is emerging, the aims of which are to provide and promote pleasure (farming as a hobby, gardening), social integration (community gardens), heritage, symbolic values, and so on. This is the product of both private and public initiatives, and the landscape constitutes an integral part. The last part considers how agriculture can adapt to these new circumstances while maintaining its customary role. Even though farmers continue farming in peri-urban areas, they do not produce for the local market, because of modern commodity chains, but for the global market. However, by improving its environmental impact and the quality of its products, agriculture is now perceived more favourably by the local population. Agriculture may thus become a partner in local development, not because of its products but more by virtue of its landscape qualities.