Landscape and digital nomads in Spanish rural areas. The case of Valverde de Burguillos

Abstract

The article examines the opportunities and challenges of peripheral rural areas with high landscape values in the context of digital nomads, who combine remote work with leisure. The problem addressed concerns the protection and development of such areas under the pressure of digital nomadism on the sample of the Spanish town Valverde de Burguillos. The literature review has shown that the nomadic lifestyle is becoming popular globally. The impact of digital nomads on rural landscapes has not yet been sufficiently investigated in the literature. The method employed was a case study, including an on-site study visit and a students’ idea for the town of Valverde de Burguillos in the form of a simulation. The analysed case study of an idea for Valverde de Burguillos presents a development centre and a digital nomad village. It focuses on integrating digital nomads into the local community and on their impact on the urban structure of the town and the adjacent landscape. On the one hand, it introduces new architecture and infrastructure into the rural landscape, transforming it. On the other hand, it enables conservation, protection, and access to the Water Culture heritage. The research highlights the importance of landscape values in social identity, branding, and sustainable development. Relationships were explored between the need to protect and develop valuable rural landscapes and the emerging tourism and residential trends related to digital nomads. At the same time, attention was given to the increasing prevalence of remote work and its impact on spatial structures, architecture, and landscapes. Emphasis was put on the adaptation and potential impact on local communities and surrounding landscapes, which can be considered a revision of design and housing paradigms.