Processus de transformation urbaine du Rocher de Constantine entre 1837–1937 : la metamorphose d’un paysage urbain

Urban regeneration is emerging as an important means of transforming cities for development, with built environment as the main object of operation. Modern urban regeneration process has become a mechanism in the evolution of urban landscape, where decision-making factors such as legal, institutional and administrative systems have a direct impact on the implementation of regeneration activities. In turn, the built environment will also influence the urban decision-making process. Accordingly, this article interprets the important role of decision-making factors in urban regeneration from the perspective of urban landscape, taking Liverpool docklands as a case as it bears the history of shipping and trade and is also the main area of Liverpool’s urban regeneration. Based on the literature and official documents, this article reviews the urban regeneration process staging in Liverpool Docklands, identifies the decision-making factors, and constructs an explanatory framework, then the role of decision-making factors in shaping urban landscape is interpreted in stage. It is found that the role of decision-making factors is rooted in the notion of legitimacy of development power and influenced by institutional systems and administrative relationships, generally involving different agents from public, private and intermediate organisations. And the role in shaping urban landscape takes three forms: restrictive, chance and evolutionary.

Objective – This article presents a systematic literature review aimed at understanding the relationships between landscape ecology and urban morphology. The article investigates how this relationship has been applied in urban studies, primarily using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools. Methodology – To this end, a systematic review was conducted covering a two-decade time frame, between 2004 and 2024. The methodological process included searching for scientific articles in databases, applying the search string that best met the study's objective and related landscape ecology, landscape connectivity, spatial configuration, and urban morphology. The Scopus and ScienceDirect databases were used, applying Boolean operators for a more efficient search. Originality/Relevance – The field of urban morphology is vast, with diverse theories and methodologies for analyzing the urban form of cities. The same is true of the field of landscape ecology, which consolidates studies on the relationship between nature and cities. There is a concern that relates both the morphology and ecology of the landscape to the issue of sustainable development and nature-based solutions regarding urban and regional planning. This analysis has been intensified more recently to mitigate the impacts of human action, climate change, and spatiotemporal transformations, and thus conserve and preserve the natural landscape within the urban setting. However, the relationship between these two fields of study is unclear, as little research demonstrates the state of the art of this relationship. Therefore, the possible interactions and their applicability in urban and regional studies are questioned. Results – Thus, 29 scientific articles were explored, and the results indicated the existence, albeit fewer and more recent, of studies addressing urban morphology and landscape ecology. The approaches were classified into different thematic groups: accessibility to green areas, landscape units, spatial analysis and spatial correlation, urban form and crime, landscape transformations, and green corridors. These groups demonstrated similarities in methods and discussions, which fosters and strengthens dialogue between the fields. The results indicated the unanimous use of GIS as an analysis tool in empirical studies, and most adopted the city as the primary scale of analysis, followed by the regional scale, reinforcing the need to understand space in its entirety to investigate the relationship between urban form and landscape. Much of the research did not incorporate spatiotemporal analyses, resulting in predominantly static approaches that fail to capture transformations over time. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – This article contributes to a theoretically grounded exploration of the relationship between morphology and landscape, establishing a state-of-the-art framework. The text highlights the theoretical integration between the two fields, particularly regarding the subject of analysis, which investigates the city, particularly urban areas, and their relationship with nature. Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of using geotechnologies to understand this relationship in urban space, whether through spatial or spatiotemporal analyses, or by developing nature-based solutions aimed at addressing urban landscape transformations. The article contributes by systematizing and presenting the scientific literature that connects these two fields of study, helping to identify the existing knowledge gap. However, the results reveal that there is still a landscape to be explored, especially regarding the extent to which morphology influences, integrates, impacts, or contributes to landscape ecology, and vice versa. Finally, the adopted research method allows for replicability of the study, especially in investigations that seek to integrate urban spatial structures with ecological connectivity. Social and Environmental Contributions – In summary, the material produced presents social contributions by demonstrating the effects and relationships of urban form on ecological conditions, promoting a qualified debate about urban sustainability. The article broadens the discussion on sustainable urban strategies that integrate urban morphology and landscape, articulating infrastructure, spatial connectivity, and environmental preservation. The studies analyzed indicate instruments for mitigating anthropogenic transformations and natural impacts through adaptation, conservation, and preservation actions, such as the implementation of green corridors, the identification of priority areas for conservation, and the analysis of urban factors that directly affect fauna and flora. Therefore, this articulation reinforces the need for interdisciplinary approaches capable of reducing ecological fragmentation and consolidating a symbiotic interaction between urban form and urban sustainability.

This study examines the impact of socialist industrialisation from the 1950s to 1989 and deindustrialisation from 1989 on urban development and landscape transformation in Strážske—the former centre of the chemical industry in Eastern Slovakia. We focus on contemporary challenges: the emergence of brownfields, environmental burdens, and urban shrinkage, to propose strategies for creating a sustainable and resilient shrinking town of Strážske. We have divided the methods and results into two sections: the first is the mapping of urban and landscape development, brownfields, and environmental burdens, and the second is the proposal of perspective strategies for brownfield redevelopment. The study combines morphological research, field survey, data analysis and literature review. The results confirmed that socialist industrialisation was a determining factor in urban growth and landscape transformation, as well as the negative impact of chemical production on the environment and the emergence of brownfields. In the second stage of results, four proposed scenarios are portraying the possible strategies for brownfield redevelopment regarding sustainability and resilience. The results can serve as a non-binding spatial planning document for the local government of Strážske. However, especially for shrinking cities, it is necessary to create a systematic legislative and financial support system from the state, as well as a change in spatial planning legislative and methodology.

Problem statement: The Aghdam district of the Republic of Azerbaijan, under occupation for nearly 30 years, became an area of intensive degradation of both natural and anthropogenic landscapes. The scale of destruction caused by military and technological activities has led to significant ecological, social, and economic losses. The damage to natural and anthropogenic ecosystems is estimated to exceed 200 billion US dollars. More than 50 natural monuments were destroyed, and the infrastructure of 58 rural settlements and one city were devastated. Over 90,000 mines pose a constant threat and hinder the restoration of these areas. Objective: To conduct a landscape-oriented study aimed at assessing the consequences of military and technological activities, determining structural, genetic, and functional changes in the landscapes of the Aghdam district, and systematizing the transformed landscapes. Methods: Satellite imagery, field research data, and archival materials were applied during the research procedure. A systematic approach was applied for the analysis, classifying, and assessing the scale of transformation of natural and anthropogenic landscapes. Results: It was unraveled that the transformation of landscapes resulted from both direct and indirect impacts from military and technological activities. The classification of landscapes in the region revealed 2 main classes, 6 types, and 21 subtypes. The analysis identified a high degree of ecological degradation. Military actions exacerbated the degradation of natural components. Direct impacts included the destruction of forests, pastures, hydrological objects, and infrastructure, while indirect consequences have been experienced in the disturbance of natural balance and the deterioration of soil and water quality. An important aspect of the research is to identify functional changes in landscapes. The worsening environmental situation has led to a reduction in biodiversity, decreased water retention capacity, and an increased risk of soil erosion. In anthropogenic landscapes, there has been a complete loss of economic value in several areas, complicating the restoration process. The implemented classification provides the identification of major landscape groups based on the degree of transformation: Landscapes with minimal transformation (10% of the area), where changes are limited to local disturbances. Landscapes with moderate transformation (25%), are characterized by changes in vegetation structure and soil cover. Landscapes with high degrees of transformation (40%), where significant changes occur in ecosystems due to direct impacts. Landscapes with a complete loss of natural functions (25%), including areas that were destroyed by mines, infrastructure, and other military objects. Conclusion: The research systematized landscape changes and revealed the scale of the consequences of military conflicts. The presented results enable the application of a landscape-oriented approach to monitoring and restoring territories, including the development of reclamation, demining, and ecological function restoration measures. The proposed classification of transformed landscapes can serve as a foundation for future research and the development of sustainable land management strategies.

Resilience thinking provides valuable insights into the dynamics of complex adaptive systems. To achieve resilience in urban systems, it can be fruitful to delve into the intricacies of resilience processes. This paper theorizes about how the specific characteristics of resilient systems can be integrated into the spatial design of cities. Emphasizing the importance of the built form and spatial systems in maintaining order within urban processes, we focus on how adaptive renewal cycles can be applied to various systems and dimensions where urban change, adaptation, and renewal occur. The paper identifies key resilient system characteristics applicable to urban spatial form and contextualizes urban renewal within the adaptive renewal cycle—a framework originally developed to capture temporal and spatial ecosystem dynamics. We integrate insights within ‘space syntax theory’, theorizing about how cities renew themselves over space and time. We discuss instances of ‘compressed resilience’ and the challenges posed by the ‘tyranny of small decisions’ in urban planning and development. In conclusion, we identify future research directions in the theory of spatial morphology and resilient urban systems, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the interplay between urban processes, urban form, resilience, and adaptive renewal.

Urban renewal undertaken to respond to physical deterioration and decay within cities resulted in various changes. The changes can impact on physical, socio-economic, and meaning aspects attached to various features, thus affecting the urban landscape identity of the city. Urban renewal in Africa is undertaken in the existing built forms in post-colonial times with the works impacting on city identities. Cities are striving to be unique and distinct, in order to attract and promote world trade and tourism, making city identity an issue of great concern. This study postulates that a city’s uniqueness and distinctiveness lie in its landscape identity that should be highly considered when upgrading urban environments in renewals. This study aims to investigate the impact of changes in urban form elements, due to urban renewal, on landscape identity. This is a case study analysis of Kisumu City, Kenya, which has recently undergone the upgrading of urban forms. A sample of 384 participants were involved in the field survey, 12 participants for the photo elicitation interview (PEI), and four key informants. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. The survey results supported by PEI responses revealed that renewal changes of urban physical forms had a positive impact on the city’s landscape identity, thus making it a visually appealing place. The vast majority of the respondents were satisfied with both the various components implemented and the overall outcome. They opined that the city had become a different but better place. The article highlights concern for the preservation of urban landscape identity within urban renewal projects in the post-colonial era.

IntroductionThis study investigates the evolution and transformation of vineyard landscapes in the Boukornine region of Tunisia, located near Boukornine National Park. The region exemplifies the growing tension between ecological sustainability, landscape heritage, and socio-economic development in Mediterranean viticultural systems. Increasing urbanization, climate variability, and the modernization of farming practices are reshaping these traditional landscapes.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was employed, combining spatial analysis, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, and participatory governance models. The research was conducted within the framework of the OENOMED project, which promotes sustainable and inclusive development strategies in Mediterranean viticulture.ResultsFindings reveal a marked shift from traditional, biodiversity-rich vineyard systems to more intensive, mechanized models. This shift has contributed to landscape homogenization and a decline in ecological functionality. Nonetheless, the vicinity of Boukornine National Park provides critical ecosystem services—such as microclimate regulation and biodiversity support—that buffer vineyards against environmental stressors.DiscussionThe study emphasizes the need for sustainable transitions in vineyard management through the adoption of organic farming practices, efficient irrigation systems, and the valorization of local terroirs. It also underscores the value of participatory planning tools in fostering adaptive governance. The integration of ecological, cultural, and territorial dimensions is essential for building resilient vineyard landscapes in Mediterranean regions undergoing rapid environmental and urban transformation.

The paper describes the application of the basic concepts of landscape dynamics (landscape site, landscape state, impact, dynamics and evolution of landscape, dynamic trajectory, etc.) for the study of cultural landscapes. The Karelian isthmus with a complex political and ethnic history is considered as a case of modern diversification and evolution of cultural landscapes. There are processes of active transformation of cultural landscapes, when many of the widespread complexes (rural and agricultural, military objects and settlements) get to the category of relic, and new types of cultural landscapes are formed: collective gardens and “dacha” settlements, cottage settlements, landscapes of sport and recreation, etc. The term “virtual cultural landscape” is proposed for the part of territory used by different communities for different purposes in relatively short periods of time. The transformation of rural cultural landscape in residential-recreational landscape is studied in detail in the key area of 7 km 2 , where the fist state border between Novgorod the Great and Sweden had been established in 1323. The series of maps showing the evolution of the cultural landscape along the banks of the Sestra River (Rajajoki) from the mid-19th century to the early 21st century is presented. It is shown that under any transformations of cultural landscapes the main features of the structure of the landscape sites of the territory retain relative stability that gives advantages for the study of cultural landscapes using the concept of landscape dynamics.

ContextThe study of landscape over different years through the analysis of different sources (cadasters, aerophotos, orthophotos, satellite images) is commonly used in landscape planning and in researches focusing on landscape and land use changes and transformations. Most of these studies, despite the scale and the period analyzed, tend to apply different methodologies, making it difficult to compare results and trends among different landscapes. The aim of the paper is to present the details of the Historical and Environmental Evaluation (VASA) methodology, highlighting the possible applications for landscape changes assessment, by presenting a specific study case as well as its use across different situations. VASA has been developed within the Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Science and Technology (DAGRI) of the University of Florence to create a standard methodology for the monitoring of landscape transformations, and it was initially applied for the Regional Government of Tuscany (Italy). In 2012, VASA has been chosen by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests for the assessment of the rural landscapes to be included in the official list of the National Register of Rural Landscapes of Historical Interest often representing the first step for rural landscapes to be proposed for the recognition by international programmes such as the UNESCO WHL (cultural landscapes) and the FAO GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems).ResultsThis methodology is based on the photointerpretation of the same area in different years through the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, for creating detailed maps and databases of land uses. In addition, various metrics are calculated for evaluating the structure of the landscape mosaic and its transformations.ConclusionsCompared to other multitemporal analyses, the VASA methodology is capable of providing reliable, measurable, and comparable data regarding land use characteristics, land use changes, landscape mosaic structure, main vulnerabilities, landscape trends, linear features presence and changes. This approach can be applied to different geographical contexts and for different aims, allowing to compare the results more accurately in different environmental and cultural situations, or for establishing landscape monitoring systems.

The high tropical Andes are rapidly changing due to climate change, leading to strong biotic community, ecosystem, and landscape transformations. While a wealth of glacier, water resource, and ecosystem-related research exists, an integrated perspective on the drivers and processes of glacier, landscape, and biota dynamics is currently missing. Here, we address this gap by presenting an interdisciplinary review that analyzes past, current, and potential future evidence on climate and glacier driven changes in landscape, ecosystem and biota at different spatial scales. We first review documented glacier changes and landscape evolution over past decades to millennia and analyze projected future glacier shrinkage until 2100 for two case studies in the tropical Andes. The effects of climate and glacier change on high Andean biota are then examined from paleoecological research and comparative gradient analyses to chronosequence and diachronic studies of vegetation dynamics. Our analysis indicates major twenty-first century landscape transformations with important socioecological implications which can be grouped into (i) formation of new lakes and drying of existing lakes as glaciers recede, (ii) alteration of hydrological dynamics in glacier-fed streams and high Andean wetlands, resulting in community composition changes, (iii) upward shifts of species and formation of new communities in deglaciated forefronts,(iv) potential loss of wetland ecosystems, and (v) eventual loss of alpine biota. We advocate strengthening an interdisciplinary research agenda with a strong policy formulation link that enables enhanced cross-sectorial cooperation and knowledge sharing, capacity building of relevant stakeholders, and a more active participation of both government agencies and social organizations.

Shape-weighted landscape evolution index: An improved approach for simultaneously analyzing urban land expansion and redevelopment

Notwithstanding the Korean Urban Regeneration Act 2013’s support for sustainable neighborhood regeneration programs, the number and scale of such projects relative to large-scale urban redevelopment remain limited. To address this imbalance, this research advances existing form-based approaches through a multi-scalar morphological analysis encouraging harmonized urban transformation and sustainable urban regeneration. The analysis encompasses the macroscale (metropolitan area development), mesoscale (urban characterization of the central urban area), and microscale (aging urban fabric detailed analysis). The case study focuses on Daegu, a major Korean city experiencing population decline. Mappings and quantitative and qualitative analysis used Geographic Information System QGIS, as well as the Python suite Momepy. The study revealed that large-scale urban redevelopments are driving urban densification and demographic shifts. While older low-rise structures occupy most of the urban landscape in the central city area, piecemeal high-rise redevelopment is increasingly fragmenting it. The overly fine urban grain resists regeneration, limiting car access, building scales, and urban density. The research findings help identify the urban areas that are most appropriate for urban regeneration and redevelopment projects and streamline and coordinate planning efforts and the adjusting of regulations. The method developed is transferable to other Korean and international cities, fostering sustainable urban regeneration.

Landscape changes are an inevitable process. However, the dynamics and magnitude of these changes have increased worldwide since the 19 th century, accelerating after the Second World War. As a result, many traditional landscapes have deteriorated rapidly. While in intensively used areas traditional landscapes have been completely wiped out, in extensively used areas they gradually evolve into afforested, restored, or semi-natural ones. This stems from progressive land abandonment that in temperate zone results in reforestation, and usually in the loss of some natural and cultural values. This, in turn, contributes actions designed to protect traditional landscapes. The basis for these protection activities should be reconstructing traditional landscapes’ historical state, based on different data sources. The sources of this knowledge are mainly archival cartographical materials. What is more, some elements of traditional elements have been preserved until the present and could also be a source of knowledge on past landscapes and historical land use. In this study, the problems of traditional landscape reconstruction will be discussed based on studies conducted in the Polish Carpathians. In this area, the disappearance of the traditional landscape of the seasonal mountain economy is observed mainly as a consequence of land abandonment and is connected with a “forest transition” typical of mountain areas in many developed countries. Although it is usually necessary to establish the current and historical state for effective landscape protection, determining the historical range and features of the traditional landscape of seasonal mountain economy in the Polish Carpathians is subject to a large degree of uncertainty. The various modern and archival cartographical materials available for this area could provide different results, which are often incomplete. There is only fragmentary information about the landscape in some of the time periods for which archival materials have preserved, and what was in between is only a matter of the researcher's interpretation. Therefore, knowledge on the historical landscape state is only residual, and the interpretation of available materials gives only a certain idea of the past, meaning it is impossible to determine how close this idea is to its true historical state.

<p>An analysis and assessment of the effects of human activity on geomorphic processes related to denudation/sedimentation and landscape change, is presented. The analysis focuses on changes occurred during the last couple of centuries and is based on a variety of case studies from different regions as well as global assessments. Data compiled show that certain geomorphic processes are experiencing an important acceleration, in particular since the 1950’s. The acceleration seems to have a global character and suggests a “global geomorphic change” is taking place, largely due to anthropogenic landscape changes.</p><p>            Denudation directly caused through activities involving excavation, transport and accumulation of geological materials has increased by a factor of 30 between 1950 and 2015. Direct plus indirectly human-induced denudation (triggered by land surface alteration) is presently at least one order of magnitude greater than denudation due to purely natural processes. A general increase of sedimentation rates seems to have taken place since the end of the 19<sup>th</sup> century, and more intensely after the mid-20<sup>th</sup> century. This appears to respond mainly to land surface changes, in conjunction with climate change.</p><p>            Slope movements, which represent an important contribution to denudation, sediment generation and landscape evolution, show a clear intensification, in particular after mid-twentieth century. Frequency of disasters related to such movements (an indirect measure of process frequency) in specific regions, as well as continent and global levels, has grown considerably and the general increasing trend observed is not satisfactorily explained by climate change. It rather appears to reflect increasing landscape (land use and land cover) changes. A similar increase in the frequency of flood-related disasters has been recorded.</p><p>            The results obtained suggest that the extensive landscape changes described, related to the intensification of human activities affecting land surface, represent a geomorphic change of a global extent. This change shows an acceleration coinciding with the “great acceleration” proposed as one of the manifestations of the Anthropocene.</p>

The problem of preserving historical and cultural elements in the modern urban environment is revealed in view of their role in shaping the identity, cultural memory and sustainable development of cities. The issue of functional activity as the basis for the emergence of the city is considered. The article reveals the issues of regularities of functioning of historical and cultural elements in the modern urban environment, taking into account their spatial transformation under the influence of urban processes. The main trends are considered: the multifunctionalisation of urban space and the increase in the diversity of types of monofunctional cities. The stability of the main functions of such elements - cultural, social, symbolic and spatial-compositional - in the context of changes in the urban landscape, their main characteristics and functional significance are considered. The key factors influencing the preservation of the functionality of historical and cultural objects are highlighted, including the typology of the urban environment, the level of public participation, and institutional mechanisms for the protection and use of cultural heritage. The article considers the issues of archaeological territories, their inclusion in the List of Historical Settlements of Ukraine and prohibitions on urban planning, architectural or landscape transformations, construction, reclamation, road and earthworks without the permission of the relevant cultural heritage protection authority. It is shown that the effective functioning of historical and cultural sites is possible only with an integrated approach that combines legal, spatial, social and technological tools. The article highlights the peculiarities of spatial transformation, in particular, the shift of functional axes, changes in the architectural context and the role of interactive mapping technologies in visualising changes, which increase the depth of spatial analysis and allow for effective identification of trends, anomalies and vulnerable areas. The importance of integrating digital tools into the decision-making process regarding cultural heritage in the context of dynamic urban development is emphasised.