Landscape Heritage Research Articles

Identification Model of Traditional Village Cultural Landscape Elements and Its Application from the Perspective of Living Heritage—A Case Study of Chentian Village in Wuhan

At present, there are limitations in the cognition of the elements of traditional village cultural landscapes, less excavation of the elements of production-type cultural landscapes, little attention to the layering of cultural landscapes in different periods and the correlation between the elements of different types of cultural landscapes, and insufficient research on the living continuity of traditional village cultural landscapes. In the context of rural cultural revitalization, it is necessary to explore strategies for the conservation and development of traditional village cultural landscapes from the perspective of living heritage. By interpreting the core connotation of the concepts of living heritage and cultural landscape, a model of traditional village cultural landscape elements and a framework for the identification of living elements are constructed. On the above basis, Chentian Village in Wuhan is taken as an example to identify its living cultural landscape elements, and to analyze the evolution of its cultural landscape elements from the dimension of “time-function”. In Chentian Village, a total of seventeen cultural landscapes were identified. Of these, ten were cultural landscapes with functional continuity and living heritage characteristics; three were cultural landscapes whose existing functions have changed significantly from their initial functions; and four were cultural landscapes that were inactive and have lost their original functions. Finally, this study proposes corresponding protection and development strategies for living heritage and non-living heritage of cultural landscapes.

São Luiz do Paraitinga: o rio e os cenários pós-enchentes

The city of São Luiz do Paraitinga has had a unique trajectory in relation to the context of cities in the Paraíba Valley region, in São Paulo, Brazil. Since the foundation of its settlement and the planning of its layout in the 18th century by Morgado de Mateus, the town has remained on the fringes of regional development, playing a less important role in the coffeeproduction circuit, which has allowed certain local traditions to remain, such as the caipira culture, the rural way of life and the religious festivities that are still local attractions today. In 2010, an unprecedented floodswept through its historic center. Buildings made of wattle and daub were unable to withstand the water and collapsed, with partial and total damage remaining. The reconstruction of the city, as well as the landmarks listed at state and federal level, represent a unique case among similar Brazilian cases, which justified a more in-depth study. The 1982 Conselho de Defesa do Patrimônio Histórico, Arqueológico, Artístico e Turístico do Estado and 2010 Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional registrations reiterated the importance of the city center, its architectural ensemble and its landscape, as it was one of the first planned foundations. However, the social, cultural and economic contrasts between the Historic Center and other neighborhoods in the city raise the question of the effectiveness of landmarks and their management as a Historic and Landscape Heritage. In 2022, the cycle restarted and a flood again caused damage to at least 120 buildings. Faced with this fact, the question arises of how to preserve a landscape that is permanently at risk.

Historical Quarry Landscapes of Three Finnish Granites

The quarry landscapes of Virolahti, Uusikaupunki, and Vehmaa are results of quarry operations during the most important periods of natural stone quarrying in Finland. The quarry landscape in Virolahti was formed in connection to the quarrying of red Virolahti pyterlite for the construction of St. Petersburg in Russia from the middle of 1700s to the beginning of the 1900s, while in Uusikaupunki, the quarry landscape is connected to the start of the modern Finnish stone industry and the National Romantic architecture at the beginning of the 1900s. The quarry landscape in Vehmaa is related to the start of the modern Finnish stone industry and export of Finnish granite at the beginning of the 1900s. In Virolahti, several small quarries can be seen, while in Vehmaa, a tendency towards fewer, but larger quarries start to emerge. In each area, human settlement was formed around the quarries. The geological basis for all areas is a rock type suitable for natural stone quarrying. The geotechnical features of each rock type indicate high resistance to wear and the products from these areas are early examples of durable construction. The quarry landscapes represent well the typical quarrying technology of the time and its development from channelling by chisels through hand drilling to mechanical drilling and blasting. The quarry areas form unique industrial and cultural heritage landscapes in Finland.

ML Approaches for the Study of Significant Heritage Contexts: An Application on Coastal Landscapes in Sardinia

Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Science (GIS) techniques are powerful tools for spatial data collection, analysis, management, and digitization within cultural heritage frameworks. Despite their capabilities, challenges remain in automating data semantic classification for conservation purposes. To address this, leveraging airborne Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) point clouds, complex spatial analyses, and automated data structuring is crucial for supporting heritage preservation and knowledge processes. In this context, the present contribution investigates the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for automating existing LiDAR data structuring, focusing on the case study of Sardinia coastlines. Moreover, the study preliminary addresses automation challenges in the perspective of historical defensive landscapes mapping. Since historical defensive architectures and landscapes are characterized by several challenging complexities—including their association with dark periods in recent history and chronological stratification—their digitization and preservation are highly multidisciplinary issues. This research aims to improve data structuring automation in these large heritage contexts with a multiscale approach by applying Machine Learning (ML) techniques to low-scale 3D Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) point clouds. The study thus develops a predictive Deep Learning Model (DLM) for the semantic segmentation of sparse point clouds (<10 pts/m2), adaptable to large landscape heritage contexts and heterogeneous data scales. Additionally, a preliminary investigation into object-detection methods has been conducted to map specific fortification artifacts efficiently.

Added Value of Products from Endangered Local Sheep Breeds in Mountain Areas.

Local sheep breeds in the Italian eastern Alps passed from ex situ to in situ conservation. These breeds are mainly reared by smallholders in low-input farming systems. To allow the sustainable use of genetic resources, the economic sustainability of farmers must be supported through production guidelines. Analyzing meat and milk composition and fatty acid profile, we aimed to characterize their products based on breed and diet to identify tailormade sales strategies. Results showed that both meat and milk have good nutritional values and can benefit from a pasture-based diet, irrespective of the breed. These results support the redaction of production guidelines based on the peculiar characteristics of these breeds: being multi-purpose breeds adapted to mountain areas and to grazing, thus contributing to the conservation of cultural and landscape heritage.

Heritage Landscape and Historical Context – Essence and Principles of Planning in Georgia

Heritage Landscape and Historical Context – Essence and Principles of Planning in Georgia

Optimization of building thermal environment and VR industrial heritage landscape design enhanced by computer vision algorithms

With the acceleration of urbanization, the optimization of thermal environment of buildings has become an important topic to improve energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. This paper aims to enhance the optimization of building thermal environment through computer vision algorithm, and explore its application in VR industrial heritage landscape design, so as to achieve the dual goals of building energy conservation and cultural inheritance. In this study, advanced computer vision technology is used to monitor and analyze the thermal performance of buildings in real time. Through the construction of thermal environment model, combined with deep learning algorithm to extract building thermal energy data, and use VR technology for visual display, so as to provide scientific basis for design decisions. The research objects include several representative industrial heritage buildings, and analyze their thermal energy consumption characteristics and optimization potential. The results show that the application of the computer vision algorithm reduces the heat loss of the building and significantly improves the energy efficiency. At the same time, the VR visual model intuitively shows the design effect after thermal optimization, enhancing the communication and understanding between designers and stakeholders. Therefore, the combination of computer vision and VR technology can effectively improve the optimization ability of building thermal environment and promote the sustainable design and operation of traditional industrial heritage.

Conserving an underappreciated heritage resource: The rural landscape

Rural landscapes make up a significant percentage of the planet’s lands and waterways and must be included in any efforts to address climate change and habitat loss. However, the contribution of these landscapes to cultural heritage and nature conservation is not always appreciated. While there are multiple international designation programs and state-sponsored heritage landscape initiatives, these have a relatively small impact around the globe. This is also true for international programs that attempt to take a holistic perspective to conserving rural heritage. There are some promising community-based and collaborative programs in Australia and the United States, although in both countries, overall agricultural policies are not supportive of these approaches. The lack of recognition of cross-disciplinary practices is a barrier to integrated land management as is the failure to understand that a key factor is the role of people and their relationship with the land. The challenge is how to reach out and incorporate culture and natural heritage into the larger field of land policy and conservation practice.

The polder systems legacies in the early twentieth century affect the contemporary landscape in the Jianghan Plain of Hubei, China

The long-term interaction between the environment and humans has significantly shaped contemporary landscapes worldwide. As a heritage landscape, the polder is essential for understanding the impact of the past human activities on contemporary landscape on low-lying area of land. In this case study, we reconstructed the regional spatial distribution of the polders in the early twentieth century and examined their coherence over the past century using historical maps and other materials in the Jianghan Plain. The results revealed several key findings: (1) In the early twentieth century, there were 1571 polders covering an area of 11,826.1 km2 with a perimeter of 17,035.9 km. (2) These polders exhibited a J-shaped distribution, with few large-scale polders despite their substantial areas. (3) The shape of these polders reflected an ability to balance human needs and the natural environment. (4) Considerable regional differences in these polders were attributed to centuries-old interactions between humans and the environment. (5) The remnants of these early twentieth century polders have had a lasting influence on the contemporary landscape, particularly in rural areas. This case study underscores how taking into account a broader historical perspective can enhance our understanding of present-day landscapes and, more importantly, the role that past human actions have played in shaping them.

Unveiling water legacy: an interdisciplinary exploration for comprehending Siraf’s historical water landscape

In the heart of southern Iran’s arid expanse lies Siraf, a testament to the enduring bond between water and civilisation. This port city flourished in the 9th and 10th centuries, sustained by ingenious water management. Exploring Siraf’s water heritage reveals a cultural landscape shaped by the symbiotic relationship between water and human innovation. Through meticulous analysis of technical reports, excavation records, interviews, and historical accounts, this research aims to understand Siraf’s water heritage landscape using an interdisciplinary landscape-based approach. This approach integrates insights from archaeology, geology, geohydrology, and agriculture to provide a holistic view of the interconnectedness of natural and cultural elements. These dynamic systems inspire sustainable practices through landscape-based solutions considering natural and cultural landscape features to address urban challenges. As we face climate change and urbanisation, understanding and preserving Siraf’s water heritage landscapes through an interdisciplinary approach provide a roadmap for a more resilient future.

Inclusive Information Design in Heritage Landscapes: Experimental Proposals for the Archaeological Site of Tiermes, Spain

Inclusive Information Design in Heritage Landscapes: Experimental Proposals for the Archaeological Site of Tiermes, Spain

Research on visual experience evaluation of fortress heritage landscape by integrating SBE–SD method and eye movement analysis

Urbanization has led to homogenizing heritage site landscapes, and the protective measures have become disconnected from public needs. Additionally, the complex and diverse overall characteristics of heritage sites and the uneven distribution of values across different areas are related to the lack of landscape experience assessment. The “subjective + objective” cognitive evaluation and visual perception framework that adopts the Scenic Beauty Estimation Procedure-Semantic Differential (SBE–SD) method and eye-tracking analysis can compensate for the limitations of a single evaluation method by integrating quantitative and qualitative analysis. This research takes the Yi’an Fortress in Zhangpu County, Fujian Province, as the object and examines the visual experiences of different areas and types of landscapes within the Yi’an Fortress. The findings reveal several key insights: (1) Significant differences were found in the landscape experiences of different areas within the heritage site. The visual experience score of the core building area of Yi’an Fortress is (1.01) > the heritage entrance area (0.897) > the residential area (0.841) > the natural ecological area (0.784), indicating that the natural ecological area should be the focus of future protection and development efforts, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the ‘landscape aesthetic’ and ‘landscape cultural’ aspects. (2) The landscape experience scores can be used to understand the reasons for the differences in participants’ experiences of different landscapes. The architectural heritage landscape of the Yi’an Fortress scored highest in the experience evaluation due to its superior performance in terms of ‘landscape form’ factors. The cultural decorative landscape scored next, while the garden greening landscape scored the lowest, due to their poorer performance in terms of ‘landscape form’ and ‘landscape aesthetics’. (3) The eye-tracking data was consistent with the results of the subjective evaluation, validating the “subjective + objective” cognitive evaluation and visual perception framework, employing the SBE–SD method and eye-tracking analysis is a scientific and effective method for assessing the visual experience of heritage landscapes. These results provide a scientific basis for the heritage planners and managers of the Yi’an fortress to improve the landscape environment, better meet public needs, and preserve the unique character of this vital cultural resource. Furthermore, this study offers a new research method and approach for the protection of other heritage landscapes.

The sustainability of small‐scale sheep and goat farming in a semi‐arid Mediterranean environment

AbstractIntroductionSmall‐scale sheep and goat farming is one of the business models the EU depends on to achieve the objectives of the Green Deal. However, these production systems are characterized by structural weaknesses that risk being aggravated by international events, such as the post‐COVID‐19 crisis and reconstruction, the conflict in the European area and the generalized inflationary wave. Against this scenario, the work aims to expand knowledge of these companies’ sustainability levels to assess their performance, business model, the strategic keys to their resilience and chances of survival in the changed international scenario.Materials & MethodsThe approach chosen is SAFA (Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems), the FAO's holistic framework. The empirical analysis focused on a sample of farms in a semi‐arid Mediterranean area.ResultsThe results demonstrate the sustainability lag in governance, social capital, fertilizer management, landscape heritage and economic terms. This is due to the absence of strategic planning on soil, environmental and livestock management, genetic and human resource management, and farm structure. Regarding economic resilience on performance, the weight of the CAP (common agricultural policy) for these farms and the effect of high production costs are high.ConclusionThe work is helpful for different stakeholders, who are invited both to structure the intervention of eco‐schemes on animal welfare for the 2023/2027 programming period and to support farm development plans to foster the flow of innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

The discovery of the church of Rungholt, a landmark for the drowned medieval landscapes of the Wadden Sea World Heritage

The UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea holds remains of a medieval cultural landscape shaped by interactions between man and natural forces. From the Netherlands to Denmark, human efforts of cultivating low-lying areas created a unique coastal landscape. Since the Middle Ages, storm floods widely drowned embanked cultural land and especially affected North Frisia (Germany), where once fertile marshland was permanently turned into tidal flats. One key region, the Edomsharde, was widely destroyed in 1362 AD. Medieval settlement remains still occur in the tidal flats around the island Hallig Südfall and are commonly associated with Edomsharde’s trading centre Rungholt—ever since a symbol for the region’s drowned landscapes and focus of this study. We present a first-time comprehensive reconstruction of this medieval settlement by means of new geophysical, geoarchaeological and archaeological data. Our results reveal remains of up to 64 newly found and rectified dwelling mounds, abundant drainage ditches, a seadike, and especially the discovery of Edomshardes’s main church as important landmark in this former cultural landscape. These finds together with the documented imported goods confirm a thriving society, involved in transregional trade and thereby close a significant gap in medieval history not only for North Frisia, but the entire Wadden Sea region.

The making of the Chinese urban landscape: Exploring a framework for analysis

Despite sociopolitical changes, urban landscape heritage has traditionally been valued in Chinese society. However, in the past two to three decades, intensifying pressures for urban redevelopment have created major challenges to urban landscape management. While the management of urban landscape change has focused on landscape-based conservation techniques, urban landscape characterization and assessment, and urban landscape planning, its theoretical and practical foundations remain to be clarified. In connection with the epistemological orientations of landscape in both China and the outside world, this article proposes a new conceptual framework comprising a triad of structural-correlative, morphogenetic-generative, and integrated perspectives for the study and management of urban landscape heritage in China.

CULTURAL LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AT PLAOSAN TEMPLE

Objective: Law Number 11/2010 on cultural heritage mandates the importance of the protection, utilization, and maintenance of cultural heritage. However, the challenges of residential development and tourism-based development often threaten cultural heritage sites, both based on the condition of cultural heritage and the historical values therein. Therefore, geospatial-based protection is needed to protect these cultural heritage sites. The protection of cultural heritage is an interesting topic as it relates to the idea of development and cultural context. Disputes between tourism development and cultural site protection often occur due to unclear zoning boundaries and delineation of cultural heritage area protection. One of the temples that experienced tourism development is Plaosan Temple located in Bugisan Village, Prambanan District, Klaten Regency, Central Java. The purpose of this study is to look at the cultural heritage landscape and conservation for preservation and development at Plaosan Temple. Methods: The method used in Cultural Landscape Management and Environmental Protection at Plaosan Temple is a combined method between predictive model and zoning method. The process of cultural landscape management and environmental protection is carried out in a series: mapping Plaosan temple, determination of zones in Plaosan temple, validation of zones with experts, designation of cultural heritage zones. Results: The results of landscape management and environmental protection research are in the form of a predictive map of the Plaosan Temple cultural heritage site model and a map of the Plaosan Temple integrated zone system which aims to preserve and utilize the land around the plaosan temple so that the landscape and environment can be maintained.

Landscape Heritage Conservation: Toward Value-Based Planning and Management of Dala Hill, Kano, Nigeria

Landscape Heritage Conservation: Toward Value-Based Planning and Management of Dala Hill, Kano, Nigeria

Community-driven heritage care: developing an inclusive and sustainable landscape of care for Pionta

This article examines the concept of ‘heritage’ in the context of ‘landscapes of care’, which approaches care as a means of fostering connections between humans and non-humans. Heritage care involves communities actively engaging with and benefiting from cultural heritage in various ways. Establishing a caring landscape for heritage involves empowerment, participation, and collaboration, as demonstrated by two community-driven heritage projects in Pionta’s cultural landscape. The first project aims to create a community that strengthens the emotional bonds between individuals and their cultural legacy by promoting acts of care. The second introduces diverse participatory and art-based methods that cater to the needs of the involved groups and foster a shared sense of care for their heritage. By using heritage education and serious games as empowerment tools, the projects show how collective heritage caring can change the visual, verbal, and mental representations of a marginal heritage landscape from the community’s perspective.

Study on Red Architectural Heritage Landscape Revitalisation Design in Jiangxi Province under the Perspective of Culture and Tourism Integration

Study on Red Architectural Heritage Landscape Revitalisation Design in Jiangxi Province under the Perspective of Culture and Tourism Integration

Narrative Design of Red Cultural Heritage Landscape in Jiangxi Province—Take Fang Zhimin Martyrs' Memorial Park as An Example

Narrative Design of Red Cultural Heritage Landscape in Jiangxi Province—Take Fang Zhimin Martyrs' Memorial Park as An Example