Landscape Planning Research Articles

Influence of urban greenery on thermal comfort: a case study in a tropical city

This case study focused on the city of São Luís (MA), aiming to analyze the role of urban greenery in the thermal comfort of São Luís, identifying urban and landscape planning strategies that promote the integration of urban vegetation to create a more livable and thermally comfortable environment in the city. To do so, a research methodology with an exploratory and quantitative-qualitative character was employed, involving data collection on temperature and precipitation provided by INMET, as well as a floristic survey in the central region of São Luís, considering the significant impact of urban vegetation on the city's temperature and precipitation. The results showed a strong association between the urbanization process and the increase in urban temperatures, a phenomenon known as the "urban heat island," while urban greenery has been proven as an effective strategy to mitigate this effect, even under conditions aggravated by the El Niño phenomenon. In this context, the research also revealed that an increase in urban vegetation can have positive impacts on reducing temperature and improving the thermal comfort of residents, with the analysis of climate data from 2018 to 2023 being crucial in understanding the relationship between urban vegetation and thermal conditions in the city. The results emphasize the importance of the quantitative-qualitative approach, which allows for a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the studied phenomenon. Furthermore, the use of climate data provides a solid foundation for analysis and encourages the exploration of specific urban and landscape planning strategies, taking into consideration the effectiveness of these strategies in enhancing thermal comfort within urban centers.

Evaluation and Implementation of Landscape Aesthetics Based on Cloud and Edge Computing

People’s aesthetic requirements for landscape environment are improving, and we can also see very beautiful as well as characteristic urban parks, street side green areas and scenic spots with certain aesthetic value around us, and we can find that people’s demand for the living environment they live in regarding beauty is also strengthening. The synergistic development of edge computing and cloud computing is an important development trend in the future, and integrating them into landscape design is an inevitable choice and requirement for developing gardens and building a beautiful China. Based on this, this study first proposes a methodological framework based on machine learning to model and predict GSS, and then proposes a data-driven multi-style terrain synthesis method. The experimental results prove that the optimized landscape perception model optimizes the landscape path aesthetics according to the relevant theories and actual cases of landscape planning and construction.

Analyzing the Landuse Land Cover Change of Sonadia Island From 1990 to 2020

Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are essential tools in determining the spatiotemporal extent of Landuse, and Land Cover (LULC) changes, as well as a variety of individual concerns, such as annual and seasonal changes in LULC caused by human interferences and interactions between the physical environment, cultural context, and anthropogenic factors. This study focuses on the LULC change of Sonadia Island, and it uses multi-temporal Landsat imagery from 1990 through 2020. The output analysis revealed four sub-features: mudflats, vegetation, open space, and water bodies. Vegetation cover decreased from 1486.71 hectares in 1990 to 986.13 hectares in 2000, and in 2020, the total area covered by vegetation increased significantly, reaching 1186.47 hectares, up from 497.97 hectares in 2010. Open space increased from 317.16 hectares in 1990 to 510.75 hectares in 2000. The net area expanded to 631.98 hectares in 2010 and then lost to 421.29 hectares in 2020. There was a consistent increase in the mudflats section from 1990 to 2010, when the amounts were 491.4 and 1179 hectares, respectively. By 2020, the area extent decreased to 796.41 hectares. From 1990 to 2000, the waterbody declined from 305.46 to 262.17 hectares, then slightly increased to 291.78 hectares in 2010, and then shrank again to 196.56 hectares in 2020. Therefore, this study could help policymakers decide on future landscape planning and evaluate Sonadia Island's current condition for long-term coastal management. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 49(2): 139-148, December 2023

Determination of Comfort Zones in Landscape Planning in Niğde

Our cities, most of which do not show planned development, are turning into ecosystems that threaten the living life of the natural and cultural environment as a result of many environmental problems such as increasing human and building density and incorrect land use. This negative situation has the opportunity to be resolved with urban planning in which the physical structure of the city is balanced and with landscape plans that will create open and green areas in the city that contribute positively to human and environmental health. The urban heat island effect, which has emerged as a result of intense urbanization in recent years, creates problems for city residents. Unfortunately, most cities in the world face this negative climate phenomenon. It becomes difficult to combat the heat island effect, especially in cities where construction density increases unconsciously. Ecological planning appears as a factor that will prevent these problems from turning into important environmental problems in the future. The most important component to be considered in ecological planning is climate. In this study, thermal comfort areas were tried to be determined along Dr Sami Yağız Street, which is one of the most frequently used areas of Niğde. Temperature and humidity measurements were taken at 25 points at equal intervals on both sides of the street. Measurements were made on different days of the week and at 4 different times during the day. The obtained values were transferred to ArcGIS 10.3 software and maps were produced. A universal linear extension system was used in the evaluation of climate data, and climate factors and bioclimatically suitable areas on the street were determined and evaluated in terms of comfort level. It has been determined that the humidity rate in the study area varies according to measurement hours, and there is no significant change in temperature.

Anthropogenic Hazards and Their Impact Upon the Historical Cultural Landscape in Roșia Montană Area

Anthropogenic Hazards and Their Impact upon the Historical Cultural Landscape in Roșia Montană Area. The cultural landscape is a result of the continuous human actions of satisfying the communities’ various needs and the response of the natural system, in its attempt to balance its components in relation to the modelling factor - the human society. Thus, the cultural landscape displays the imprint of the infinite possibilities of the human and natural joint manifestation, sometimes hazards bringing their own contribution to the shaping of the cultural landscape. Hazards, whether natural or anthropogenic, are unforeseen phenomena in terms of space or time of their manifestation, and most often have considerable negative consequences. In particular, anthropogenic hazards, which are directly or indirectly related to human activities, appear mainly as a manifestation of the resilience of natural elements in the cultural landscape, as a complex system. Thus, major interventions, such as mining in Roșia Montană area (an activity that had been lasting for over 2000 years) in relation to the unpredictable evolution of the social, economic, technological and political context (on local, national and global level) have favoured the manifestation of some unforeseen events with a negative connotation such as: complex pollution, depreciation of the living standards (in Roșia Montană area mostly due to the cessation of mining activities), demographic aging, etc. The complex analysis of these implications in the above-mentioned area allows us to outline an eloquent assessment of the present state of the local cultural landscape and to identify the opportunities of systemic resilience. These include: the awareness of the planning, protection and conservation of the local historical cultural landscape as a primary need, restoration of the cultural landscape (through the aesthetic rehabilitation of degraded cultural elements), the implementation of projects that target the sustainable development of Roșia Montană, as a source of identity and sustainable development, the tourism conversion of activities, etc. Keywords: Roșia Montană, cultural landscape, historical cultural landscape, anthropogenic hazards, mining, gold deposits.

Dominant flood types in mountains catchments: Identification and change analysis for the landscape planning

The classification of floods may be a supporting tool for decision-makers in regard to water management, including flood protection. The main objective of this work is the classification of flood generation mechanisms in 28 catchments of the upper Vistula basin. A significant innovation in this study lies in the utilization of decision trees for flood classification. The methodology has so far been applied in the Alpine region. The analysis reveals that peak daily precipitation in the catchments mainly occurs in summer, particularly from June to August. Maximal daily snowmelt typically happens at the end of winter (March to April) and occasionally in November. Winter peaks are observed in March to April and, in some areas, in November to December, while summer peaks occur in May and, in specific catchments, in October. Higher peak flows for annual floods are noted in March to April and June to August. Most annual floods in the Upper Vistula basin are classified as Rain-on-Snow Floods (RoSFs) or Lowland River Floods (LRFs). LRFs contribute from 19% to almost 72%, while RoSFs range from 18% to 75%. In Season 1 (summer), most seasonal floods are identified as LRFs (51%–100%), with very few as RoSFs (0%–46.9%). In Season 2 (winter), the opposite pattern is observed, with most RoSFs (48.4%–97.9%) and fewer LRFs (0%–20.6%). While there are changes in flood patterns, they are not statistically significant. Conducted studies and obtained results can be useful for the preparation of flood prevention documentation and for flood management in general.

Applying 3D spatial metrics for landscape planning: Creating and measuring landscape scenarios by a point cloud-based approach

The current planning and design process predominantly relies on experts' experiences or preferences, which is beneficial and straightforward but can be subjective and time-consuming. Although there are some quantitative assessment tools available to aid decision-makers in understanding the perceived quality of landscape scenarios, how to integrate them into the design thinking process to improve landscape design is challenging. This study presents a 3D digital model integrating the quantitative representation of visual quality into the design thinking process to improve urban landscapes' restorative potential. The model consists of generating landscape scenarios in a 3D environment, converting them into point clouds and voxelising them, quantitatively assessing the restorative potential, and interactively modifying landscape designs. To demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the model, we have applied it to improve the restorative potential of a park in Singapore. The results show that the model provides a clear assessment of landscape scenarios and identifies specific areas needing improvement. The significance of this study lies in an innovative approach to generating and assessing the landscape scenario, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of landscapes during the digital planning and design process.

Redefining landslide susceptibility under extreme rainfall events using deep learning

The apparent changes in the Indian summer monsoon rainfall pattern and the nature of extreme rainfall events (EREs) in the southern Western Ghats (WG) caused widespread landslides across the region. Landslide susceptibility maps generated using the past landslide inventory are one of the efficient tools that can help mitigate the deleterious effects of landslides. Landslide susceptibility maps produced using the landslide inventory of normal and extreme rainfall years by deep neural network (DNN) modelling vary in terms of their degree of susceptibility, and the differences are prominent in the moderate and high susceptibility zones. The DNN model trained by landslide inventory of normal rainfall years is capable of predicting landslides during EREs (with Area Under the Curve (AUC) value >0.90). The inclusion of the landslides that occurred during recent EREs (since 2018) into the existing landslide inventory provides a more accurate and refined prediction of landslide susceptibility, which facilitates risk-informed landscape planning and development of the region. In addition, the result reveals that 13 % of the Kerala state is extremely susceptible for landslide occurrence, among this Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Pathanamthitta, and Wayanad districts are highly vulnerable to the occurrence of landslides. Besides, the study also shows an increase of 3.46 % area in extreme susceptibility zone after the 2018 ERE. The updated landslide susceptibility map of the region may be used as a vital tool for planning landslide mitigation activities in the wake of recurrent EREs and associated landslide occurrences.

Key factors to enhance efficacy of 3D digital environments for transformative landscape and urban planning

The unprecedented expansion of digital technologies has led to a rapid increase in the development and application of 3D digital environments for landscape and urban planning in the past two decades. Considering the significant challenges in guiding human societies towards sustainability, these technologies must not only assist decision-makers in adapting to changes but promote fast, transformative shifts in the relationship between human societies and nature. Based on a set of global exemplars, this Perspective Essay outlines six key factors that can enhance efficacy of 3D digital environments to guide knowledge-informed landscape and urban planning. We call for (1) explicitly representing dynamic interplay between the social, ecological, and technical systems, (2) exploring the integration of design with simulation models to address cross-scale dynamics, (3) developing features to foster imagination, (4) employing multisensory stimuli to encourage profound changes in environmentally and socially sustainable behavior, (5) tailoring the incorporation of active sensing by and with non-experts into 3D digital environments to better acknowledge indigenous and local knowledge systems, and finally, (6) carrying out a usability evaluation to facilitate participation and collaboration in an efficient co-creation process. We conclude by recommending the establishment of a collaborative knowledge platform that unites researchers, developers, and stakeholders for stimulating social-ecological-technological system thinking in the development of 3D digital environments and harnessing the technological advancements to accelerate and drive the needed transformative change within urban and landscape planning.

Study on the Comprehensive Health Effects of Coastal Green Areas in Qingdao City, China

The recuperation factors (negative air ion concentration, airborne particulate matter, human comfort index, and acoustic environment index) of coastal green spaces have significant health effects. Most current studies focus on the distribution pattern of single recuperation factors in the forest environment; however, the comprehensive health effects of coastal green spaces are still unknown. To address this, we analyzed the distribution patterns of single and comprehensive health factors in different landscape configurations, landscape compositions, and coastal distances by principal component analysis and systematic clustering. The results show that: (1) coniferous and broadleaf mixed forests exhibit higher integrated health benefits than other landscape compositions; (2) closed and partially closed landscape configurations exhibit enhanced potential for promoting health benefits as opposed to partially open and open spaces; (3) a coastal distance of 150–300 m offers the strongest comprehensive health benefits. These findings collectively suggest that the increased cultivation of closed and partially closed mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest species at a distance of 150–300 m could effectively provide higher comprehensive health effects. Our study complements the ecosystem service of coastal green areas, especially in coastal health ecological services, providing support for coastal rehabilitation landscape planning; and can help to guide tourists in scheduling coastal health activities scientifically.

From Geodiversity to Geofunctionality: Quantifying Geodiversity-Based Ecosystem Services for Landscape Planning in French Guiana

From Geodiversity to Geofunctionality: Quantifying Geodiversity-Based Ecosystem Services for Landscape Planning in French Guiana

Identifying the Relationships between Landscape Pattern and Ecosystem Service Value from a Spatiotemporal Variation Perspective in a Mountain–Hill–Plain Region

Identifying the changes in landscape pattern and ecosystem service value (ESV) and clarifying their relationship in temporal changes and spatial variations can provide insight into regional landscape features and scientific support for regional landscape planning. Leveraging land use data from the Yihe River Basin, we quantitatively assessed the landscape pattern and ESV shifts spanning from 2000 to 2018 using the landscape pattern indexes and the equivalence factor method. We employed Pearson correlation metrics and the geographically weighted regression model to explore the interrelation of their spatiotemporal variations. Our results show the following: (1) Forestland represents the most expansive land cover category. Apart from construction land, all other types experienced a decline in area. The most notable change occurred in the area of construction land. (2) The aggregation of the overall landscape shows a downward trend. The levels of fragmentation, landscape diversity, and richness increased. (3) Throughout the entire study period, the overall ESV gradually decreased, and the land cover type with the greatest contribution to the ESV was forestland. (4) In terms of temporal changes, the patch density and edge density of the overall area are significantly negatively correlated with total ESVs. The largest values for the patch index, perimeter–area fractal dimension (PAFRAC), and aggregation are significantly positively correlated with total ESVs. (5) In terms of spatial variation, the contagion index (CONTAG), PAFRAC, and the Shannon diversity index (SHDI) were noticeably correlated with ESVs. The CONTAG is positively correlated with ESVs upstream, but negatively midstream and downstream. The SHDI is negatively correlated with ESVs upstream, but positively midstream and downstream. The PAFRAC exhibits a positive correlation with ESVs for the most part. The association between the landscape pattern indexes and ESVs exhibits temporal and spatial inconsistencies in most instances, suggesting a spatiotemporal scale effect in their relationship. This study recommends that the local government devises a long-term strategy for urban development and exercises stringent control over the unregulated expansion of construction land. Through reasonable territorial spatial planning, government departments could enhance the connectivity of the overall landscape pattern of the Yihe River Basin to achieve the reasonable allocation and sustainable development of regional resources.

From 3D Modeling to Landscape Mapping—A Workflow for the Visualization and Communication of the Asinara Island Park Plan

This paper aims to present the method for producing visual media for communicating the Asinara Island National Park plan. These products are landscape visualizations capable of fostering landscape preservation both from the point of view of the management of the landscape and of the citizen’s involvement in the communication of the historical and environmental values of the landscape. Starting from landscape information gathering, the research has experimented with an operative method for processing different graphic representations from the same geographic database, calibrating the outputs to different audiences, their needs, objectives, and literacy skills. Three different types of products are presented as results of the research: The first is a digital, dynamic, and multisectoral decision-making GIS tool for park management. The second is a 3D model, aimed at virtual fruition. The third is a map of the zoning park plan drawn to be easily readable to the non-expert public. The results of this case study can be applied to other context and planning processes because of the replicability of the experimented method, which allows for processing the landscape information to make different visualization tools from a single geographic model, to meet the different requirements that arise from a complex landscape planning process.

Geoecological assessment of forest landscapes as a basis for the evaluation of ecosystem services

Purpose. To study the use of geoecological assessment of forest landscapes as a basis for the assessment of ecosystem services to take into account the natural and anthropogenic conditions of their functioning. Methods. The results of the geoecological assessment were translated into indicators of ecosystem services: provision and regulation. Results. The geoecological assessment of forest landscapes was carried out on a model plot of the Vasyshchivske Forestry of Kharkiv Region, as representative for all forest landscapes of Kharkiv Region - watershed, valley, and beam-thrust. On the basis of the previously conducted geoecological assessment of the forest landscapes of the model area by the means of landscape and ecological planning, the indicator of the amount of ecosystem services to provide for medieval stands by species composition per 1 ha was determined. Thus, on the basis of the Analytical Portal of the state wood accounting system, it was determined that for 2022, the average value of wood by species composition for the Kharkiv region was determined. Thus, the value of the ecosystem service for providing wood is about 604.5 million hryvnias. In terms of unit area (1 ha), the indicator of the ecosystem service will be UAH 13,247/ha. The indicator of the value of ecosystem services for regulation, in particular of the carbon capacity for the model plot, was determined for medieval stands by species composition per 1 ha. Conclusions. The proposed use of geoecological assessment based on the landscape-ecological approach provides an opportunity to take into account landscape conditions, the impact of anthropogenic activity, as well as the results of management decisions in nature management.

Conflicts of the Land Use and Ecosystem Services in the Riverine Landscape of the Little Danube

Ecosystem benefits, now known as ecosystem services (ESs), confront continuous threats from human activities and lack adequate protection, often suffering degradation and destruction despite their inherent advantages. This paper aims to introduce the geosystem approach as an exact scientific basis for assessing ESs. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of abiotic and biotic components within ecosystems, this method involves in-depth research across landscape dimensions and socioeconomic factors influencing the utilization of ecosystem services (ESs). It highlights a deep understanding of their connections and interactions. The key operational units, termed landscape–ecological complexes or geoecological complexes, result from fundamental research. Their interpretation as potentially useful for the chosen ESs is already an applied procedure. ES assessment employs two approaches: participatory and biophysical assessments. The outcomes contribute to the development of management measures for preserving or enhancing ESs in the broader study area. Methodological procedures were tested in the Little Danube model area, a unique lowland stream in Central Europe’s Rye Island and a significant drinking water reservoir. The assessment results provide a foundation, supporting arguments, and criteria for ecologically appropriate landscape planning, as well as the sustainable management, utilization, and conservation of natural resources.

Effect of agricultural landscape pattern on the qualitative food web of epigaeic arthropods in low hilly areas of northern China

Under the macro background of global change and sustainable development, the sustainable and healthy development of agricultural landscapes is crucial for human well-being. Formulating targeted protection measures based on biodiversity conservation is currently a hot topic and challenge. Our study focused on Jianping County, a typical hilly area in northern China, to understand the impact of regional agricultural landscape patterns on qualitative food webs. We calculated food web parameters by constructing predator-pest qualitative food web matrices and compared the differences in food web structure characteristics under different agricultural landscape patterns. By using function regression method, we established landscape indices and food web parameter models. The results showed that the average number and community structure of predatory natural enemies and pests varied across different agricultural landscape patterns, but the common groups were similar. Maintaining a proportion of 30–40 % non-crop habitats is optimal for the stability of qualitative food webs. Different landscape elements have varying regulatory effects on the structure of qualitative food webs, and the food web parameter model can explain these effects more directly. Specifically, the Landscape Shape Index (LSI) is significantly positively correlated with Generality (G), while the Contagion Index (CONTAG) is significantly negatively correlated with vulnerability (V). We propose that in low hilly areas, where non-crop diversity is the primary source of heterogeneity, promoting measures for non-crop habitats through landscape planning will help maintain the richness of epigaeic arthropods and the stability of qualitative food webs. This research is of great significance in promoting ecological control and sustainable development of agroecosystems in low hilly areas.

Flowering Phenology of Shrub Roses as a Sensitive Indicator of Meteorological Variability in Central Europe

Abstract Climate change and warming affect the development cycle of ornamental plants and, thus, their quality and ornamental value. The study aimed to investigate the flowering phenology of 37 cultivars of shrub roses in response to meteorological conditions based on eight years of observations. Based on 14,800 field records, we grouped shrub rose cultivars according to their dominant flowering stage as a sensitive indicator of variability in weather conditions. We also selected the rose cultivars that would retain the highest ornamental value even at increasing temperatures. The total flowering duration of the cultivars ranged from 31 to 115 days (mean 90.4 days) and was significantly positively correlated with temperature. Meteorological conditions significantly influenced individual flowering stages (FS) and a trend of changes concerning the long-term gradient was observed: the increase in temperature extended FS10 and shortened FS25, FS50, and FS75 but did not affect FS100. If the warming trend continues, the abundant flowering of roses may be shortened considerably. Rose cultivars with the longest flowering period at FS10 abundance may adapt better to rising temperatures, and, therefore may be more useful in landscape planning and management.

The Ecological Perspective in Nowadays’ Urban Landscape Planning in Transylvania

Abstract Nowadays’ (Transylvanian) urban landscape as a complex, built and natural, social and economic environment is undergoing a sudden and accelarated transformation. Urbanization is a defining feature of current spatial/urban metamorphosis in Transylvania, too, yet the current model of urban development profoundly alters the natural environment, often reducing biodiversity and ultimately threatening human wellbeing. Present not only in academic theory, but in a broader sense in the daily public debate for the past decades, ecological perspective has become one of the leading design principles in nowadays’ professional practice and theory in urban and spatial planning, a compulsory attribute of the contemporary mindset and (urban) landscape. Proposed research on ecological perspective in current urban (landscape) planning in Transylvania, Romania is focusing specifically on the role ecological perspective can play in understanding, the applying the more general and complex phenomenon of sustainability in the planning and management of landscapes. The idea of sustainability, the ecoregional approach are not only traditional attributes of the historical landscape, but also generators in present day development of cities around Transylvania, Romania. The ecological approach can enhance finding solutions in urgent social and environmental challanges regarding efficient management of resources, sustainable urban and spatial planning.

Cultural landscape as heritage: proposals for Ukraine from the experience of certain European countries

Formulation of the problem. Ukraine has a vast and uniquely diverse cultural landscape potential. However, the state of the landscapes, which has long been a matter of public concern, has deteriorated many times over as a result of russia's full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine. At the same time, Ukraine is far behind in implementing the commitments made by the European and international community in a number of international documents on the preservation of cultural landscapes. The purpose of the article. The purpose of this publication is to develop proposals for the implementation of the concept of cultural landscape in the field of protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage on the basis of fulfilling Ukraine's relevant international obligations and introducing the best mechanisms and practices of European countries. Methodology and results. The research methodology is based on a descriptive qualitative and comparative approach, which made it possible to reveal the peculiarities of the experience of preserving the cultural landscape as a heritage in certain EU countries - representatives of the “old Europe” (Italy and Spain), post-socialist (Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic) and post-Soviet (Latvia and Lithuania) space. The European experience was studied through the prism of meeting the requirements of the European Landscape Convention and the possibilities of its practical application in Ukraine. The analysis of examples of practical implementation of the concept of cultural landscape by European countries in comparison with domestic practice in Ukraine made it possible to identify the main problems in this area and to outline indicative directions of a possible strategy for their solution, the main mechanisms, tools and specific measures for their implementation. The first step in the development of such a strategy could be the development and adoption by government decree of a National Action Plan for the Protection and Preservation of the Cultural Landscape Heritage of Ukraine. The overall goal of this plan for the next 5-10 years should be to ensure the protection, preservation and careful use of the country's cultural landscapes by: bringing the country's legislation into line with the EU system of legal and regulatory standards for landscape protection, regulation and planning; taking these issues into account in the formulation and implementation of state cultural, environmental and urban planning policies and including them as an integral part of the strategy for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction; raising public awareness and involving communities. Scientific novelty and practical significance. The novelty of the study is the identification of the main areas of action for the protection and preservation of the cultural landscape heritage of Ukraine and the development of concrete proposals for their filling with appropriate measures. Acknowledgement. The research is financed by the European Union NextGenerationEU from the funds of the Recovery and Resilience Plan mechanism within the project "Scholarships for outstanding researchers threatened by the military conflict in Ukraine" No. 09І03-03-V01-00021. This article is one of the results of the research within the framework of grant no. 2/0043/23 "Identification of landscape diversity and its changes in Slovakia based on remote sensing data in the context of the European Green Deal" supported by the Slovak Scientific Grant Agency VEGA.

Reading and designing the forests: notes for a sustainable reconfiguration of the metropolitan territories

In this historical moment, the awareness of the ecological emergency involves simplistic debates around trees, forests, woodlands, and in general on greening projects as the best way to improve environmental qualities of cities, peri-urban fringes and fragile contexts. Despite their impact on the modification of territories, the forest's plantation practices remain mostly detached from territorial and landscape planning disciplines. Understanding the forests as a component of a complex ecosystem should be the fundamental base to develop sustainable designing actions, and studying the vegetal strata can give important indications about ongoing long- term spatial dynamics: how to read these traces and how to manage them for further sustainable reconfiguration of the territories?