FFuturopauturopa For a new vision of landscape and territory A Council of Europe Magazine no. 3 / 2012 – English

Landscape Territory Nature Culture Public Space Heritage Human beings and Landscape: Society The Human Scale Sustainable development Ethics Aesthetic Inhabitants Perception Inspiration Genius loci

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Editors Robert Palmer, Director of Culture and Cultural and Natural Heritage FFuturopauturopa of the Council of Europe Daniel Thérond, Deputy to the Director of Culture and Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Council of Europe Prefaces Public space, Maria José Festas ...... p. 3 Director of publication Public spaces and ‘glocalised’ landscapes, Elias Bériatios ...... p. 3 Maguelonne Déjeant-Pons, Head of the Cultural Heritage, Landscape Introduction and Spatial Planning Division Human scale, Maguelonne Déjeant-Pons...... p. 4 of the Council of Europe

I. What public open space? Editor of publication Urban space, a true European heritage, Giuseppe Fera ...... p. 6 Maguelonne Déjeant-Pons Urban landscape and quality of the living environment, Maria Maddalena Alessandro...... p. 8 Head of the Landscape, Cultural Heritage Public space and urban landscape, Florencio Zoido Naranjo ...... p. 10 and Spatial planning Division Public spaces and closed landscapes, Maria Linarejos Cruz Perez ...... p. 12 Council of Europe Welcome to our city dear customer – On the commercialisation of public space, With the co-operation of Daniel Nilsson ...... p. 14 Anna Knutsson The people of the sun and the wind: the Sámi people, Stefan Mikaelsson ...... p. 16 Karen Matysiak Berlin-Ankara, a journey to people and open spaces, Ellen Fetzer, Siri Frech ...... p. 18 Joëlle Bouteiller Nancy Nuttall-Bodin II. Approaches Landscape, Cultural Heritage Quality in urban open spaces in Norway, and Spatial planning Division Ellen Husaas, Liv Kirstine Mortensen, Kristine Omholt-Jensen, Magnhild Wie ...... p. 20 Council of Europe Open spaces in the Moscow Oblast, Alexander Frolov, Konstantin Ananitchev ...... p. 22 Reconstruction of a public space in a city at the Arctic Circle: Rovaniemi, Printer Riitta Lönnström, Leena Ruokanen ...... p. 24 Bietlot – Gilly (Belgium) Public space in Bucharest, Gheorghe Patrascu ...... p. 26 Articles may be freely reprinted provided Finding reinspiration in Vilnius, Alfredas Jomantas...... p. 28 that reference is made to the source Landscape in the border zone of natural and human factors: the Lake Sevan, and a copy sent to the editor. Ruzan Alaverdyan ...... p. 30 The copyright of all illustrations is reserved. III. Experiences, places The opinions expressed in this publication The Baku Boulevard: the pride of the nation, Faig Sadigov ...... p. 32 are those of the authors and do not Protection of historic streetscapes in Maltese Urban Conservation Areas, necessarily refl ect the views Frans Mallia, Joseph Magro Conti, Anja Delia ...... p. 36 of the Council of Europe. Inventory of squares in Portugal, Carlos Dias Coelho ...... p. 38 © Cover by Ellen Fetzer et Siri Frech Two streets, one square in the Catalan Transfrontier Space Eurodistrict, Gilles Planas, Bernat Llauradó Auquer ...... p. 38 This issue has been printed with Belgrade’s ‘Urban Pockets’, Nevena Vasiljevic ...... p. 40 the support of the Swedish National The Project of Heartlands Cornwall, Scott James, John Fleet ...... p. 42 Heritage Board and of the Swiss Federal The Park of the Planet Cities – an open space for realisation of creative industries Offi ce of the Environment, Forestry and innovations in Tver, Vyacheslav M. Bashilov, Vladimir I. Obraztsov ...... p. 44 and Landscape. A landscape project approach of the Corridor of the Imrahor Valley and the Eymir-Mogan Lakes in Ankara, Ebru Alarslan, Tuba Sayan, Yasemin Tabar ...... p. 46 An urban open green space of Belgrade: Topcˇider Park, Biljana Filipovic, Dejana Lukic ...... p. 50 Public parks of the historic town of Cetinje, Montenegro, Dobrila Vlahovic ...... p. 52 Multifunctional green open space in the centre of Warsaw: Mokotowskie Field Park, Magdalena Wolicka ...... p. 54 The Seveso and Meda Oak Wood (Bosco delle Querce): a public landscape space, Giovanni Bana, Paolo Lassini, Massimo Donati, Massimiliano Fratter ...... p. 56 IV. Elements of public space Facade colours in Europe: idealising the public space, Denis Steinmetz ...... p. 58 Landscape and architecture in continuum, Pierre Litzler ...... p. 60 ‘Crowning’ fountains in Val-de-Travers, Corinne Wacker ...... p. 62 Trams – shaping an area’s visual identity, Ana-Maria Pop, Lelia Papp ...... p. 66 Signs and symbols: Cosmothropos, a photography project to reveal the imprint of Space on public space, Gérard Azoulay, Perrine Gamot ...... p. 68 V. Proposals, point of views, researches Liquidscapes: the ‘Park of the Strait’ of Messina, Daniela Colafranceschi...... p. 70 Internal landscape in villages, Patrice Collignon ...... p. 72 Public goods from private land: the land owners’ point of view, Thierry de l’Escaille ...... p. 74 Inclusive access to outdoor environments, Catharine Ward Thompson ...... p. 76 Conclusion Open Space: time to ‘leap the fence’ again, Richard Stiles ...... p. 78

Texts of the Council of Europe ...... p. 80

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Public space The increasing attention given to public space, both by element of the landscape or as a factor to be C experts and by civil society, justifi es the decision to dedicate considered by spatial planning. this issue of Futuropa to this theme. While it is important to adequately manage exist- Common greens, squares, streets, marketplaces, parks and ing public spaces in order to guarantee or improve gardens are easy to be identifi ed as public spaces, usually their quality, we also need to think very seriously of the considered in an urban setting, but we cannot forget that need to plan or design and create sustainable new public roads, footpaths, nature areas and in some countries coastal spaces, at different scales, adapted to the 21st century, its areas, for example, are also public spaces. This does not society and way of life. mean that all public spaces are “open spaces” – a library, These public spaces, planned, created and managed to a school, a concert hall or any other public facility are also answer developmental challenges we are facing today and public spaces. that, while showing the changes and realities of this century, Public space, being a place of free and open access, tradi- by their quality and character can contribute to the quality tionally linked to social, cultural or economic exchanges, is of life and social cohesion of the populations, raising a sense increasingly gaining importance, even in political terms, as of ownership and becoming part of the identity of a place a component of everyday quality of life, especially in urban or a community. areas. The variety and number of contributions to this issue of But as any other landscape, design and maintenance of pub- Futuropa clearly shows the important role that public spaces lic spaces has to face, nowadays, among other things, the play in relation to the landscape and to our quality of space, increase in urbanisation – with opposite results in urban and and why they are a factor to be considered in spatial plan- in rural areas, the changes in the economy, in the way of life, ning, at the different levels and at different scales. in social and cultural behavior and expectations. In this new society, privately owned spaces although with areas with Maria José Festas public use, such as shopping centers, often replace traditional Chair of the 7th Council of Europe Conference public spaces. This cannot be ignored, either as an important of the European Landscape Convention Public spaces and ‘glocalised’ landscapes

The 21st century undoubtedly holds signifi cant perils and A key question demanding an answer, is to what challenges in store, stemming from sweeping changes in extent the valuable urban landscapes, with which the economic and social sphere which have impact whether Europe has been blessed, can be enhanced, in directly and/or indirectly on space, man-made environment a rational and visionary manner, through the and consequently on landscape. On the other hand, global appropriate landscaping design of open public environmental change and related phenomena combined with spaces which constitute the spatial framework accelerated urbanisation are ushering in dramatic changes closer to the inhabitants for their daytime life in land uses in the countryside and cities. As a result of the and activities. Because landscape, conceived urbanisation process, our planet has recently become ‘urban’ as the ‘culture’ of space, fi nds its higher political in its entirety. Urban areas are now in the majority, meaning and social expression in public spaces. Therefore that over 50% of the world’s population (and more than 80% a new effective and effi cient management of public spaces in of Europe’s population) lives in small and large cities or in European cities needs to be initiated, studied and approached even larger urban centres, metropolitan areas and megacities. carefully if suitable actions and interventions are to be taken Nowadays, while cities are becoming reshaped and transformed and made by those responsible by warrant of their position by the new post-industrial urban economies mainly based on and their nature. Only thus, can a sustainable and better future culture, leisure and knowledge, new urban landscapes are rap- be ensured, for the urban landscapes, the citizens and their idly emerging. In this process of landscape transformation two quality of life, considered, not as a luxury but as a fundamental elements must be considered: the existence of built cultural human right. heritage and the creation of innovative design of buildings and Dealing with public spaces in relation to landscape is an terrains, both enhancing place identity -with which the concept extremely interesting and useful topic to discuss, especially of landscape is so tightly bound up – and generating the so called at the present time when social cohesion, public participa- glocalised landscapes (as a synthesis of global – local ). This is tion and human rights are endangered. As the documents of why, in an era of increasing ‘place identity’ crisis, cultural herit- ‘Guiding Principles for the Spatial Sustainable Development of the age, with a local reference, combined with innovative design of European Continent’ and ‘European Landscape Convention’ state space, with a rather global reference, appear to be major con- and recommend, spatial planning can considerably contribute cerns aiming at improving urban landscapes and transforming in achieving the above objectives which must characterise them into unique places with a clear identity and authenticity. contemporary democratic countries and societies and, more Within this new context and new built environment, open public generally, the diachronic European culture and civilisation. spaces, as fundamental parameters of urban morphology and Elias Bériatos structure and therefore as places of urbanity and sociability ‘par Chair of the 16th Committee of Senior Offi cials excellence’, play an important role in the creation of these new of the Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible species of landscapes. for Spatial/RegionalPlanning (CoE-CEMAT)

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The Human scale

The Committee of Ministers of the The provision and use of public open – open space covers a wide range of pub- Council of Europe addressed to its mem- space have an essential role in promot- lic and private areas both in historic ber States Recommendation No R (84) 2 ing social cohesion and in the vitality towns and new communities and pro- on the European regional/spatial plan- of urbanised spaces. There is little dif- vides a framework for various activities ning Charter1, Recommendation No ference in the fundamental need for that may change with time and use; R (86) 11 on urban open space and and the use of open space regardless of – open space is an essential part of the Recommendation Rec. (2002) 1 on generations, age-groups or cultures. The urban heritage, a strong element in the Guiding principles for sustainable Recommendation on urban open space the architectural and aesthetic form spatial development of the European considers that “one cannot talk of human of a town, plays an important educa- Continent2, and adopted the European rights without speaking of the rights of tional role, is ecologically signifi cant, Landscape Convention in 2000. man in the built environment”, the care- is important for social interaction and fully considered provision and use of in fostering community development Comparison reading of these texts ena- space considered as being a strong ele- and is supportive of economic objec- bles an understanding of the import- ment in sustaining these rights. It under- tives and activities. ance to give to the territory as a living lines the signifi cance, value and role of space for human beings, as a vital open space, particularly of an informal Considering that what is required above factor in being and well-being of indi- or small-scale nature, which have often all is a change of attitude on the part of viduals and the community. Physical, been neglected in spite of its contribution public authorities rather than necessar- mental and cultural activities of human to the well-being of communities. ily an absolute increase in resources, it beings require amongst other things is recommended that the governments spaces for breathing and be inspired, It is recommended that the govern- take steps to ensure that the securing, spaces to linger, to amble, to dream, ments of member States of the Council provision and management of open to meet by intention or by chance. of Europe recognise and take into space are an integral part of urban The Recommendation on the Guiding account the following considerations: development and in particular: Principles thus calls for the “careful – towns are not only buildings: public – to ensure that open space is ade- management of the urban ecosystem, space forms a fundamental part of the quately secured and protected; particularly with regard to open and urban environment and of its historic – to encourage the provision of open green spaces”. heritage; space and in doing so to ensure that

4 Futuropa no 3 / 2012

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 4 23/09/13 16:33 it refl ects the real needs of inhabit- With the adoption of the European “man and his well-being as well as his ants, respects the existing character Landscape Convention, the member interaction with the environment” are of the urban “grain”, uses all available States of the Council of Europe, have the central concern of regional/spatial resources, promotes social cohesion taken an important step acknowledging planning, its aims being to provide each and results from adequate dialogue that the landscape is an essential part of individual with “an environment and and co-ordination between all appro- the quality of life for people everywhere: quality of life conducive to the develop- priate professionals, authorities and in urban areas and in the countryside, ment of his personality in surroundings institutions; in degraded areas as well as in areas planned on a human scale”. – to manage and enhance open space of high quality, in areas recognised as through the identifi cation and resolu- being of outstanding beauty as well as Although not exhaustive, the current tion of confl icts, the achievement and everyday areas. All open public spaces issue of the Magazine Futuropa aims at creation of accessibility and attractive- are therefore concerned. refl ecting on the importance of public ness, as well as the encouragement of open spaces for individual and social appropriate levels of use. Believing that the landscape is a key life. The experiences and points of element of individual and social well- view presented contribute to enriching The enjoyment of public open spaces being and that its protection, man- the debate and to inciting actions and contributes to the legitimate aspira- agement and planning entail rights achievements. tions of inhabitants for an improve- and responsibilities for everyone, the ment in their quality of life, as well as member States of the Council of Europe Maguelonne Déjeant-Pons Head of the Landscape, Cultural Heritage to increased social cohesion, feelings expressed the wish to respond to the and Spatial Planning Division of security and supports in this way aspirations of populations to benefi t Executive Secretary of the European the protection of the rights of man in from high quality – land, aquatic and Landscape Convention/CEMAT his environment. Accessible space, marine –, landscapes. Council of Europe whether defi nitively public or private is 1 2 a “sociotope”, meeting point of human The Recommendation on the European 1 Previously adopted by the Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Spatial / being. Not res nullius but res communis, Regional/Spatial Planning Charter Regional Planning (CEMAT). it deserves all our attention. underlines in the same manner that 2 Also previously adopted by the CEMAT. Introduction

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Urban space, a true European heritage

The city, stated Lewis Mumford, was born with the primary aim of encour- aging interaction between individuals

and institutions, and developing and G. Fera disseminating human culture. In other words, the city has historically been a place of relationship and socialisation, and the structure and forms of urban space have responded to this primary function. In this sense we can say that urban space is a true typical European heritage. Throughout the history of our continent were created the economic, social and political conditions that have allowed cities to take those on charac- teristics so familiar to us in Europe: plazas, streets, arcades, galleries and gardens accessible to all.

The urban space of the European city is a unique heritage, the product of a society in which the inhabitants were citizens and not subjects; a old German medieval saying states “the air of the The “Mercati di Traiano” at the Roman Forum city sets us free” to point out the privi- leged conditions of the inhabitants of the city towards the rural population subject to the laws of feudalism. The For a very long historical period, The Forum, in the Roman age, whose hundreds of squares which make up the from its origins until the beginning of functions and architectural features were cities in Europe are the place of events the twentieth century, urban public treated by Vitruvius in “De Architettura”, and dramas which have marked the his- space was conceived as a substantially was the equivalent of the Agora in Greek tory of the population of Europe. They enclosed space, whose irregular or geo- cities. The “Roman Forum” went back are also an extraordinary witness of metric shape was determined by the to the days of the Republic and was the urban architecture. disposition of buildings; the latter were location of business activities as well designed and shaped so that they could as political events and trials. During This historical and artistic heritage has adequately interact harmoniously with the imperial period more Forums were not received throughout the years, the public open space. added by different emperors (Augusto, attention it deserves. Architectural his- Nerva, Traiano) to create an extraordi- tory usually is usually more devoted The creation of public space in European nary, complex and articulated spatial to individual buildings, without con- cities was determined by the need to system with double-height colonnades, sidering public space, the context in perform three basic functions: trade, exedras and stairways to mark the pas- which these building are. Is it possible religious ceremonies and, above all, sage between the different spaces from to imagine Rome without Saint Peter’s the exercise of democracy. The core of one Forum to another. Square, or Siena without the Piazza del many European cities often coincides Campo, or Madrid without the Plaza with the Town hall square, the direct In the Middle Ages deep changes Real? descendant of the Greek Agora, the orig- occurred in the concept of public space. inal model of democratic public space. The private residential space changed The implementation of the Recom- from ancient Greek-Roman and Eastern mendation of the Council of Europe on In Greek “Agora” refers to both the traditions; the houses, once introverted “Urban open space” requires foremost assembly of citizens who gathered to and closed to the outside, became a pro- a cultural effort and research to recon- take the political decisions and the place ductive organism open to the public struct the history of what we might where they met. Pausanias claimed space, consisting usually of three ele- call “Architecture of public space” that that a city could not be said that if it ments: shops and homes along a road Gordon Cullen defi ned as Townscape, did not have an Agora where citizens and a back garden. As a consequence, the “Art of relationship”, an artistic – could gather, discuss, and trade; usually even the roads assumed the function of architectural composition whose ele- generally surrounded by arcades (Stoà) a true public space and were treated as ments are open space and individual and in the Hellenistic period assumed such in the municipal building regula- buildings. a regular geometric shape. tions, with a great attention to decorum

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and functionality. The squares in major The Baroque represents a great revolu- cities were assigned to different func- tion for urban architecture; due to the tions: religious (the Piazza del Duomo), multiplication of the perspective points civil, or commercial (the market square). of view and the creation of straight Conversely, smaller squares would each axes, the concept of urban space deeply have multiple roles. Compared to the changes. The city looks at itself; the vari- Greek Agora or the Roman Forum, the ous urban spaces visually relate to each medieval square does not have a regu- other, generating a sense of movement, The Baroque perspective: a boulevard in Paris lar geometric shape. The buildings sur- a new dynamic perception of urban rounding the square buildings defi ne space. This is the main characteristic of the morphology and play the role of the the Baroque urban architecture, a con- Modern urban design disrupts the tra- scene of the open space. ception that transforms the urban space ditional way of conceiving public urban into a monumental and scenic scale, space. As Le Corbusier suggests, in the During the Renaissance, through the use depriving it of its role as a human-scale modern city historical elements such as of perspective and the opportunities it relational space. The Baroque town the “rue corridor” and the square dis- offered in terms of design and space design also extends its control even to appear. The city becomes a large open control, the square became a body geo- building facades and the great straight green space in which concrete and glass metrically defi ned and prospectively axes create an extraordinary effect of skyscrapers refl ect the sunlight. controlled; great importance is given monumentality, order and uniformity. to proportions between the dimen- Giuseppe Fera Professor of Urban planning, sions of the square and the height of Even in the 19th century the concept University of Reggio Calabria buildings and the square is designed in of space relies on visions of the late Reggio Calabria, Italy a unifi ed way to ensure a perfect inte- Baroque. The same Haussmann’s gration between the different elements. plan for Paris, with its alignments, its During the Renaissance some of the spectacular and monumental views, most beautiful squares were designed: its scenes and landmarks, while mod- the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata ern for the general conception of the in Florence by Brunelleschi or the Piazza city and the adopted planning meth- del Campidoglio by Michelangelo in odology, is still baroque in its spatial Rome. conception. G. Fera

The Piazza della Santtissima Annunziata by F. Brunelleschi in Florence I. What public open space?

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Urban landscape and quality of the living

The most important innovation of the utilising urbanised areas as dictated by Architectura”, stipulating that buildings European Landscape Convention in the business and speculation. must provide not only stability and use- whole culture of landscape is to recog- fulness (firmitas, utilitas) but also dig- nise the importance to the entire ter- Over the last 50 years this phenomenon nity, decency and elegance (venustas). ritory, including marine areas, of the has grown in inverse proportion to the values previously ascribed solely to spe- architectural and urbanistic quality of Centuries later, this principle was reit- cifi c areas singled out for their aesthetic, the new creations. erated on an urban scale: in Biagio cultural or physical qualities. Rossetti’s project for the expansion of In these contexts, to intervene by the city of Ferrara (Addizione Erculea), ini- Consequently, when a State ratifi es the implementing the principles of the tiated by Ercole d’Este at the end of the Convention it commits to the implemen- Convention involves considering the 1400s, green areas take on the function tation of activities and measures for the citizen above all, as a user of urban of offsetting the built-up areas. In order protection, improvement and enhance- space, a concept which has been tak- to create an urban landscape geared to ment of the landscape, considered as ing shape since ancient times, and was promoting well-being, provision must be all the places in which humans live and already quoted by Vitruvius in his “De made for incorporating “green spaces”. have lived, and which have provided them with experiences and knowledge and with their history as individuals and members of the community as a whole.

Landscapes are the settings for human memories, its stages, its movements and travels, on land and by sea. The larger and more concentrated move-

ments have often been towards urban Saverio Maestrali areas, from the village to the major city, where events and human relations are more intense.

It is the streets, the squares and the buildings associated over the years and centuries around an original core, gravi- tating within an urban zone which the population recognises as the “Centre”, because of the human need to claim belonging to places and to fi nd appropri- ate means apt for orientation within the system of stratifi ed signs of spontane- ous urban phenomena, or determined by an urban project, as in the “Cité de la Fondation”.

The image of places as they are per- ceived today is the outcome of a series of small- or large-scale ethical and aes- thetic choices, or even non-choices, which are stratified from the oldest forms of settlement right up to the present, owing to lack of planning or of political will; the plans have seldom been implemented in the same way as Haussmann’s projects for Paris, or in Rome as the capital after the Italian unifi cation.

There are more examples of plans which have partially or totally failed, where urban development was proceeded by combining residential areas without any policy on living spaces, but rather Rome

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A vision of the relationship between the bodies must be committed to makign the Italian Minister for Cultural Assets individual and living environments as the public aware of landscape values, and Activities, has gone into the afore- it has developed and evolved over the by providing them with the necessary mentioned aspects in depth, with par- centuries has been powerfully refl ected tools for taking on a leading role with ticular reference to the city of Rome, in the principles of the European full knowledge of their responsibilities. recalling the specifi cities of this city, Landscape Convention, securing each whose urban development has been individual’s right to enjoy landscape, In the new conception of the town, its disorganised, devoid of any forward- including the urban landscape. outskirts and the suburban and peri- looking plan. urban fringe, there are two crucial places Applying the Convention therefore for urban orientation with which popu- Rome does, however, have a profusion requires identifying and implementing lations must be able to identify because of green areas comprising historic parks, measures to restore the relationship they are bound up with their historical archaeological parks and extensive rural between citizens and their towns and identities (monuments and testimonies areas with agricultural activities which cities, a commitment which has to be to local events and histories). These are make up the traditional Agro Romano even stronger in the major cities, where decisive loci for the recognition of urban around the city, the plots of arable land the rhythms of life and the distances spaces, which are therefore vital for the extending right into the centre of the contribute greatly to the alienation and integrated planning of urban fabric, and historic City. social disintegration phenomena. for a conception of the landscape that is coherant with the functional aspects of The population expresses its appre- This is a new conception of relations the town or city in which the individual ciation of the measures to protect the among city spaces, geared to develop- constantly receives changing visual green areas via their local commit- ing a new modus operandi whereby perceptions. tees and associations. The aforemen- technicians and specialists serve the tioned thesis also highlights cases of population, not the reverse. This is Free zones, whether enclosed or open, projects implemented with local citi- the principle that guides the choice of constitute a key resource for creating zen involvement geared to improving projects, which must be shared with the new relations among spaces, for repair- green areas. population, inciting them to be involved ing, “sewing” the fabric of urban spaces in the decision-making concerning the and restoring the quality of the relation- A recent example was the rehabilita- use of land. ship with natural environments. The tion of a green area of archaeological botanical component, whether it is domi- and naturalistic interest, the Parco di By playing an active role in the nec- nant or confi ned to aesthetic use, taking Tor Fiscale, together with the Parco essary changes, local communities a “unity in diversity” approach, sends dell’Appia, which is now managed by take responsibility for the sustainabil- out messages in urban areas which are a citizens’ committee and has become ity of projects which will affect their intrinsically positive and enhance quality a venue for events and social encoun- territories. of life for the population. ters. A website has been created provid- ing a wealth of information on the Park The authorities involved at all levels in In his specialist doctoral thesis, the (www.torredelfi scale.it). land-use policies and the governmental architect Marizio Pece, working with Maria Maddalena Alessandro Architect, Department of Landscape Management and Quality Minister for Cultural Assets and Activities Rome, Italy I. What public open space?

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Public space and urban landscape

The European Landscape Convention the scientifi c consideration of reality, and a substantial part of its cities both in clearly states that urban areas are land- the term “urban landscape” cannot be quantitative terms (surface and popula- scape, both when they have outstanding used either synonymously with previous tion) and in qualitative terms (including properties and when they do not or are approaches or simply as a way of being not only monumental historic centres, even degraded. This point of view has “fashionable” without new arguments but also other sectors of the pre-indus- not always been shared by all. being put forward. trial historic city, the peri-central nine- teenth-century areas and many of the For most people the notion of landscape Therefore, how can urban landscapes be urban peripheries of the last century)1. is still linked to areas which are predom- recognised, interpreted and governed? inantly natural or agricultural. During Along the same lines as the defi nition of Studies on urban landscapes at the the process of drafting the Convention landscape (without adjectives) set out in Centre for Landscape and Territorial the possibility of excluding urban land- the Convention, “urban landscape” can Studies of Andalusia, which were initi- scapes was raised but this proposal was be understood as “an ‘urbanised’ area, ated with a project centred on the valu- rejected as had it been admitted, the as perceived by people, whose character able array of small and medium cities in majority of Europeans would have been is the result of the action and interaction Andalusia within the framework of the excluded from what I consider to be of natural and/or human factors”. It is Transnational Co-operation Programme the main challenge of the Convention: true that the debate about what defi nes Pays.Med.Urban, are being focused making the landscape “a key element of the city is endless and that currently upon two priority issues concerning the individual and social well-being”. we can distinguish at least three very notion of urban landscape: the overall distinct conditions with reference to urban image, or exterior urban land- But what is urban landscape? To date urbanisation (the compact city, the peri- scape; and the urban scene, or interior most theoretical, conceptual and meth- urbanisation pertaining to metropolitan urban landscape. odological approaches to landscape areas and rural urbanisation resulting have focused upon natural and agri- from the sprawl or spreading of urban In both cases landscape character is cultural areas. With a few notable but elements into rural areas), which entail taken to be a special combination of dif- incomplete exceptions scientifi c refer- a similar number of basic types of urban ferent features (the relationship between ences to the urban landscape concur landscape. built-up and open spaces, distribution of with the expression “urban morphol- volumes, textures and dominant colours ogy”, “urban image” or even “city” In this necessarily brief text only the and so on) and their assessment accord- without further specifications. It is urban landscapes of the compact city ing to the values given by the local com- evident that if dedication to landscape will be addressed as this represents the munity and visitors. is to contribute something different to basic model of urbanisation in Europe The overall urban image, or exterior urban landscape, which has tradition- ally been appreciated in Europe since the late Middle Ages, is analysed on the basis of its overall composition, sky- line and major landmarks, its facades and edges, its accesses and the visual sequences of the city from the outside.

The interior urban landscape, or urban scene, is defi ned as “the quality (envi- ronmental, functional and scenic) of open public space”. To understand and assess it, several features must be taken into account: the architecture immedi- ately surrounding public spaces, their treatment and equipment, urban veg- etation and the use (private or public) of these open spaces.

This approach to urban landscapes can be easily transferred to the instru- ments used for its governance; in the main, urban plans and management Exterior urban landscape or overall urban image of the village of Gaucin, Malaga ordinances of the city, among which

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Interior urban landscape; pedestrian square, Constantina, Sevilla. Spain

the valuable example of that passed by can be achieved by applying the notion Barcelona in 1999, now used as a refer- of landscape as it is understood in the ence for other Spanish cities, should be European Landscape Convention. highlighted. Florencio Zoido Naranjo Director of the Centre for Landscape The insight and assessment of many of and Territorial Studies the aspects included in this approach Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain to urban landscape have traditionally been studied with reference to cities, 1 but have rarely been included in a uni- fi ed, cohesive vision linked closely to

social perception. Perhaps the least 1 The most recent urban landscapes (metropolitan studied aspect is the public use of and of rural urbanisation) which are not consid- urban spaces with a vision that goes ered here, are also very interesting from a social, scientifi c and technical point of view, but require beyond the merely utilitarian. This is their own theoretical, conceptual and methodologi- perhaps the main contribution which cal approach. I. What public open space?

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Public spaces and closed landscapes

Public spaces cultivate a peculiar form from all other places. Many countries combining these characteristics, are the of landscape in which the leading role across the world are currently opting result of a studied, preconceived and is held by the human being. However, for this culture of open public spaces. well-thought-out type of development are public spaces actually designed which can only produce a standardised for the citizen? Do they facilitate high- An urban landscape with these charac- landscape. quality social relations? Do they meet teristics is supposed to valorise spatial the expectations of society, or are they, resources rather than to threaten them. Let us take the example of a single on the contrary, designed under the This requires harmony between the hypermarket chain which is present diktat of technical and administrative human being and the public space, con- in towns and cities, peripheral areas, authorities, which usually simply fol- ceived of as a framework for fostering mountain and lowland areas, enclosed low the specifi c dynamics of the market social relations which, by that very fact, valleys, coastal regions, regions with economy? infl uences lifestyles and urban policy. hot, humid or cold climates, all with the same structure and outward appear- Looking back to public spaces in City centres are currently expanding ance. These installations completely Antiquity, it seems obvious that the very fast, to an extent unprecedented in change the territory in which they are Greek agora and the Roman forum human history. This involves socio-eco- established, eliminating its identifying fulfi lled the social function for which nomic changes which are increasingly features and eradicating its specific they were designed. In these specifi c oriented towards globalisation. Under nature. The values decisive to a genu- cases the urban landscape adapts to the this process contemporary western cul- inely typical landscape are replaced human scale. These are spaces in which ture is gaining a plethora of new global with new standardised, uniform values the life of the community grows up and referents, and distorted public spaces which are the same everywhere and is affi rmed. They are places which fully are proliferating and turning into closed which dilute the landscape’s identity. express the meaning and function of landscapes. At fi rst sight we might think The human scale of traditional public the city, ie they humanise individuals that they correspond to the concept of places is replaced by a different, dispro- by involving them in a common project. free spaces, embracing a huge range of portionate scale based on commercial Spatial organisation, buildings, individu- public and private areas, both in historic interests, with the clear aim of promot- als and the activities conducted in the cities and in new communities that pro- ing consumption. public space form an indissoluble whole. vide a setting for various activities liable All these elements forge its character, to change with time and spatial use. At all events, consumption and the make it recognisable and distinguish it However, many of these places, despite related socio-economic and cultural M. Linarejos Cruz Perez

Open public space designed as a meeting place for citizens, El Hedim Square, Meknès, Morocco

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mechanisms trigger large-scale social recognition, so that this view of the land- scape is totally accepted and appreci- ated. Consumption has a profound influence on contemporary culture, with repercussions in several fields, from the organisation and aesthet- ics of urban spaces and consequently their landscape, to social attitudes and approaches, through the appraisal of M. Linarejos Cruz Perez quality of life, progress and the specifi c assessment of the landscape.

Public spaces in major cities, which constitute a great deal of the everyday landscape for many people, have grad- ually turned into “purchasing centres” which emphatically impose their pres- ence and organisational conditions, so much so that the simple fact of using the public space is converted into an act of consumerism. Historical centres, pedestrian areas, transport zones and plain urban streets are in fact being turned into shopping centres, with consumption as the sole activity. This spatial organisation defi nes everyday landscapes in which individual lives are lived. On the other hand, “quality” land- scapes are preserved like fortresses, in places hardly affected by globalisation, which are converted into picturesque sites.

As food for thought, it might be inter- esting to monitor the evolution of the concept of public spaces, which were initially created as places of social inter- action and which ended up as spaces Closed public space designed as a shopping centre, Madrid occupied by large numbers of persons lacking any kind of mutual relationship who function as customers rather than citizens and merely serve the individual ritual of consumption.

Maria Linarejos Cruz Perez Spanish Institute of Historical Heritage Madrid, Spain I. What public open space?

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Welcome to our city dear customer – On the commercialisation of public space

Urbanity depends on high frequent and random meetings between people, and public places are guarantees that these can happen. Urban public spaces are defi ned as belonging to everybody and everyone is welcome to spend time B. A. Lundberg there. They can be passively observed or actively used. The fact that they attract various social groups contributes to a better understanding and appre- ciation of differences. Private places, on the contrary, are controlled by one or several proprietors and have limited accessibility. There is also a third group, the semi-public spaces, which are open for everybody but impose some restric- tions on access, such as an entrance fee or special opening hours, for example The square has been a market place since the dawn of civilisation. shopping malls. Västerås, Sweden, Bengt Public places – new temples of consumption Currently, the commercialisation of public spaces for physical meetings are cities is a burning issue in the urban still vital features of a democratic soci- Today, urban public places are chal- debate. As a consequence of the fi erce, ety. For thousands of years, the square lenged or undermined. Over the past global competition between cities and has been closely intertwined with the several decades they have become regions, an increasing number of rivals emergence of democracy, yet the recent highly commercialised and this proc- have taken the offensive path of trad- democratic movement in North Africa ess has already laid a hand on urban ing with public spaces and promoting demonstrates the vitality of the square squares and other open spaces. Many themselves in order to attract tourists as still in the 21st century struggle for public spaces have been replaced by well as new inhabitants and economic democracy. For many people the Tahrir private or semi-public buildings whose investments. Commercial milieus are Square in Egypt has become the very main purpose is to worship consump- progressively taking over public spaces, symbol of the aspirations of the Arabic tion. On the other hand, the existence of and in some cases they have even Spring. public spaces helps interaction between become emblems of their cities.

Since the dawn of civilisation trade has been one of the main reasons for the development of towns and cities as well as the ever increasing attrac- tion of the urban society. With the old

town, privileges followed the right to B. A. Lundberg pursue commerce inside the city walls, and the town square was the main forum for the economic activity. This marketplace appeared to be, and still is, a tenacious urban feature. In addi- tion to its economic raison d’être, the square has other important functions, not at least as a place for social interac- tion, for meetings, whether spontane- ous or pre-arranged, such as political events and concerts. Although we live in a digital society, squares and other Slussen area in Stockholm, Sweden. The current open space and the famous traffi c-node were created in 1935. Due to physical deterioration of the structures, the area is facing an urgent need for redevelopment. In recent years, many different plans for a major redevelopment of Slussen have been proposed

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people and creates a sense of belong- ing to an urban society. Unfortunately, commercialisation divides this society into smaller target groups, and even- tually separates people from different social classes. The rich consumers tend to be more welcome because the cur- rent urban development is resolutely focused on materialism. Privatisation – a threat to the soul of the public place?

One successful strategy to develop or shape new meeting places is to use cultural heritage, as sites with strong Outdoor exhibition at Berzelii Park in Stockholm, Sweden historical identities attract people. On the other hand, urban planning based on short-term economic considerations Cities are more than the sum immigrants have expressed their need increases the risk for privatisation of of their buildings for “places to spend time without pay- common spaces and homogenisation ing a lot and without being forced to of public space. Whatever the case, The urban landscape is not only a com- consume”. the historical context sooner or later position of building blocks but also becomes lost. In Sweden, one current a matter of ideologies and stories mate- It is, beyond doubt, vital to defend urban trend is that each urban renewal project rialised in the physical shape of the city. public spaces. In order to do this we must bear its own costs. In order to sur- The objective is to create something need to acknowledge their past and be vive fi nancially, many spaces with com- that is durable in a long-term perspec- attentive to what is happening to them mercial or another sort of exploitation tive but also adjustable. There are many today as well as to be cautious with their potential have to be put on the market. good examples of changes that provide future. After all, they guarantee that the This, in some cases, has led to passion- life and meaning to a common place. city is here for everyone and everybody ate discussions and debates, such as Malmö in the south of Sweden has been is welcome on equal terms. the planning of the new Slussen area working strategically with the creation in Stockholm. of urban meeting places where people Daniel Nilsson National Heritage Board can get together. One aim is focusing Stockholm, Sweden The negligence of public space, in order on integration as many of their inhabit- to give priority to commercial interests ants are foreigners. A large number of can have negative consequences for cities. One example of this is the town square Brotorget in the city of Bollnäs. It had been a meeting place for the inhab- itants and tourists for decades. In 2007, it was bought by entrepreneurs who aimed to build a modern shopping mall, J. Moström but construction work was postponed several times. The square became a large gravel plaza, a no-man’s land in the middle of the city. The inhabitants were deprived of their most appreciated meeting place in exchange for the prom- ise of more consumption, which even today has not yet been fulfi lled. Their protests, however, resulted in a change in the situation – the City Council has now decided to repurchase the square.

Street dancers at the public space in front of the church of Sacré-Cœur in Paris, France I. What public open space?

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The people of the sun and the wind: the

Nordic countries that affect the Sámi people, raises some concern when it comes to implementing the intentions mentioned in the preamble text in the European Landscape Convention:

S. Mikaelsson “Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are their common heritage, and that this aim is pursued in particular through agreements in the economic and social fi elds”.

These last years, establishments of roads, power lines, prospecting, mining, windmill parks, decreased minimum- age for clear cutting of forests, introduc- tion of foreign tree species, etc, has all together created what is described as mono cultures and key habitat deserts especially in the eastern part of Norr and Vasterbotten. Our traditionally used The Sámi people have lived and occu- believe that the development in various lands and water have been fragment pied large parts of what is known as human rights instruments and national sized in a way that is diffi cult to under- the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom law, have never happened. Sweden and stand, and to deal with. of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and Finland have been under the same king Northwest parts of Russian Federation, for more than 700 years and 13 kings We, the Sámi people, are the indigenous for so many years, that no one knows have lived in turku/åbo. The countries people of Sápmi. Our land is divided any time that was otherwise. do have a historical background that into four countries and stretches from makes it easier to achieve a mutual northern Scandinavia all the way to the We Sámi name this area for Sápmi, our future. Kola Peninsula. Our people have lived homeland. here since time immemorial managing However taking into account the prob- the lands and waters with great care and At the funeral of Gustav Vasa in 1560, lems that have occurred when it comes respect. Our culture is based on a life the heraldic symbol of the Västerbotten to harmonising the various laws in the in which humans and all other living province was a reindeer described as “six-pointed stars of gold in a studded blue fi eld was a running reindeer of pure silver with red details”, representing all the land west of the Gulf of Bothnia. The Västerbotten province at that time, extended beyond the Tornio River.

Even today, the running reindeer in sil- S. Mikaelsson ver surrounded by the 13 stars, is still the heraldic weapon for Norrbotten (with two reindeers) and Västerbotten (one larger reindeer) counties. In Sweden, performing reindeer husbandry is an exclusive privilege for the Sámi people and also granted by the European Union in Protocol 3 of the Treaty of Accession of Sweden to the European Union.

This historical background is necessary to have in order to be able to imple- ment a convention that was devel- oped and established in the end of the 20th Century. It will not be possible to

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Sámi people

beings are interrelated. We view nature as a soulful living being. Our view of nature stands in sharp contrast to the western view of nature. Only through deepened mutual understanding and

increased co-operation can we create S. Mikaelsson a common future.

Positive changes and essential techni- cal means have also been introduced in modern times. All these changes together have strongly impacted us and our pattern of life. It is important that we distinguish innovations that affect our lives in a positive way from those innovations that make us increasingly dependent on the global economy and availability of cheap gas and oil.

Global warming and the escalating climate change has already changed everyday life for the Sámi people. The possibilities for the global market and actors with no ethical or social respon- sibility to intrude on Sámi traditionally territories have increased.

Management in line with landscape quality objectives also calls for educa- tion and training, including training for specialists, elected representatives and the technical staff of local, regional and national authorities, as well as school and university courses dealing with values attached to the landscape and its protection, management and plan- ning. The Swedish Government ratifi ed the European Landscape Convention in 2010. The Swedish National Heritage Board was then asked to convene a group of authorities to draw up marshes and water. This area represents proposals for how the work will be our Sámi habitat, where the surrounding implemented. landscape, history, reindeer, language, natural resources and our place in this The Sami Parliament would like to draw whole, is the basis and premises of our attention to the importance of a Sámi culture and our existence. infl uence in efforts to implement the European Landscape Convention. The Stefan Mikaelsson President of the Sámi Parliament reindeer herding area in the Swedish General Assembly Sápmi extends to over 40% of Sweden Giron / Kiruna, Sweden and includes mountains, forests, Stockholm, Sweden I. What public open space?

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Berlin-Ankara, a journey to people and o

On a sunny late summer morning in 2005 a group of four young people got on a train in Berlin Ostbahnhof, Germany. Their train journey had taken them via Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Sofi a and Istanbul to Ankara in twelve days. There were three objects travelling with them: a chair, a table and

E. Fetzer and F. Frech a map. At each stop they asked local people about the open spaces that play a signifi cant role in their everyday lives. These interviews took place on the sites proposed by the people they met, who usually came with their own chairs. Together with the travelling chair and the travelling table, the local chair formed a momentary meeting point where the secrets of the surrounding area could be revealed. The motiva- tion for this journey was to get a bet- ter feeling for the relationship between European people and their open spaces and to raise awareness towards their A square in Istanbul everyday landscapes. E. Fetzer and F. Frech

A square in Belgrade

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In the course of this journey many dif- ferent types of open spaces were intro- duced and carefully described by their “mental owners”. A railway bridge in Berlin is a belvedere, a small commu- nity park in the outskirts of Prague is the paradise of teenagers, a grass lane next to one of Vienna’s through roads

is a prefect place to take a sun bath, E. Fetzer and F. Frech a hill in Budapest that turns the city into a painting, a bench in the new town of Belgrade where a man remembers his pigeons, a hidden courtyard in Sofi a brings people from all over the world together, and a hidden staircase in the heart of Istanbul is the place where young people invent their future.

It will never be possible to tell all the stories. But this journey was an attempt to fi nd a framework in which at least some of these tales could become vis- ible. This differs from a purely sociologi- cal approach in which a certain number of interviews would have been made in order to derive some qualitative data A square in Prague on the state of an urban area. Instead, this experimental journey aimed at capturing moments of communica- longer. Bearing this challenge in mind, before it turns into dust. And yet, we tion, at documenting the encounter of this journey can be regarded as an will only be able to appreciate what we the traveller with the resident and at experimental way of fi nding a method know. Like rare species in an intensively carefully keeping their generous gifts: for communicating the invisible values used environment these hidden values stories about a personal attachment to of open spaces. This method is not yet of open spaces might not be competi- a place that is completely unknown to fi xed, but it is emerging. The experi- tive in today’s media world. The path the travelling stranger. ment was followed by a journey across towards thoughtful and inclusive con- Romania in 2008 with similar encoun- sideration of open space is not straight. On the other side there are the experts’ ters in visible and invisible places. More It has crossroads, dead-ends and loops, views: planners, politicians, and jour- journeys will need to follow. like in Scheherazade’s tales. There is nalists. They would analyse, general- space for a chair in any place. Sit down. ise, valorise in order to defi ne and later Attention is a scarce and expensive Take your time. implement some type of change. During good in a society that has access to any this journey the travelling team always kind of information at any time. Who Ellen Fetzer Landscape Architect tried to meet local people who are not cares about some overgrown stairs in Geislingen University involved in any kind of policy-making Istanbul while everything else is just Germany or urban planning. The focus was on a stones throw away? The value of the everyday people that policy-makers places encountered during this journey Siri Frech and planners usually claim to repre- is based on their unintentional exist- Landscape Architect Offi ce Studio UC sent. A challenge is presented in that ence, which is the secret behind their Berlin Germany much of the value of a place is invisible, magic and beauty. Like an old treasure as these places have been kept in the waiting to be discovered. You will need minds of people for decades or even to decipher an almost unreadable map I. What public open space?

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Quality in urban open spaces in Norway

Most Europeans associate Norway with term planning has resulted in urban Although urban development in beautiful natural and cultural landscapes. sprawl and low-density development, Norway is mainly a municipal respon- The country also has over 900 towns with a landscape dominated by traffi c sibility, the national authorities have and urban settlements, 90% of which and a lifestyle dictated by private cars. been supporting municipal efforts for have less than 5000 inhabitants. In some urban areas traffi c, the lack of many years. The state engagement is green spaces, and under-maintained mainly expressed in the provision of Many of our towns and urban settle- urban open spaces has put further pres- the Planning and Building Act, which ments are surrounded by magnifi cent sure on the environment. However, the governs sustainable land use, the qual- landscapes, by the sea, a fjord or a river, interest in urban planning is growing, ity of the physical environment and or framed by mountains. As the sur- and most municipalities are actively regional policy. Using the term “land- roundings are so attractive, there has promoting more attractive and envi- scape”, in the sense defined by the been a tendency to pay less attention ronmentally sound development that European Landscape Convention, the to the ordinary urban landscapes. In improves the quality of life, population Act explicitly refers to landscape qual- many cases the lack of benefi cial, long- trends and business development. ity and emphasises local autonomy and active local participation. The main instruments at the state’s disposal are legislation, national development pro- grammes, regional development funds and other fi nancial schemes, as well as expertise. Guidelines for open and public spaces

As part of its new focus on the infra- structure and quality of urban open spaces, the Ministry of the Environment is drawing up national guidelines. The planning of common land has been pro- tected by law since the 13th century. Marketplaces, streets, squares and parks make up the urban infrastruc- ture for human activity, including social activity. People need a neighbourhood café, a playground, places to meet, go skating and sledding, play football or go for a walk.

All planning needs to address climate issues such as the greenhouse gas emis- sions. For example, walking, cycling and using public transport should be made more practical and attractive alternatives to driving a car.

We also have to adapt to the higher precipitation due to climate change. Surface water in public spaces can be used as a resource and result in improved design, more green spaces and greater biodiversity.

Urban planning is often uncoordinated and split up into specifi c areas such as roads, green structures, footpaths and cycle paths, squares and meeting places. The new guidelines will encourage plan- ners to regard the urban structure as

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 20 23/09/13 16:33 a whole, as a hierarchy of public spaces meeting places, showing their import- a clear, coherent and forward-looking and meeting places linked by routes for ance as a framework for town life the strategy, which encourages the active pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. actual location, and as a place for people use of Ringebu’s urban open spaces in of all ages and all walks of life to meet. interaction with the inhabitants, poli- Architectural policy ticians, administrative authorities and The winner of the 2011 award, the enthusiastic experts. “Architecture” is broadly defined in municipality of Ringebu, has 4540 inhab- Norway, and covers all man-made itants, 60% of the land is over 900 metres Ellen Husaas Senior Advisor environments and landscapes and the above sea level. Ringebu itself is a seat links between them. Thirteen ministries of municipal administration, and a com- Liv Kirstine Mortensen were involved in the work of developing mercial centre, founded in 1899, and Senior Advisor the Government’s architecture policy built according to urban design prin- document in 2009. Good architecture ciples. The Ringebu wooden medieval Kristine Omholt-Jensen should express a common culture and church (stavkirke) dates from 1220. Senior Advisor identity, contribute to a high quality of Magnhild Wie life and provide attractive, functional The municipal authorities have made Senior Advisor and universally designed buildings and it a priority to develop urban quality Ministry of the Environment landscapes. It should contribute to the and pursue a proactive strategy for Oslo, Norway welfare, sustainability and value crea- the provision of urban amenities. The tion, and provide inspiration for protect- town’s population decline has been ing and enriching the environment. reversed. A central park has been built, with a music pavilion, benches and an The National Urban enclosed playground for children, which Environment Award also functions as a meeting place for parents. The authorities have a clearly The National Urban Environment Award targeted strategy for preventing the is intended to encourage sustainable establishment of external shopping urban development and environmen- malls and supporting speciality shops tally friendly practices by drawing atten- that give new life to old buildings and tion to examples of good practices. This represent an alternative to large malls. annual award is given to the best town or settlement within a chosen theme. The The winner of the National Urban theme for 2011 was open spaces and Environment Award 2011 has pursued II. Approaches

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Open space in the Moscow Oblast

the banks of the Volga. Unfortunately, insuffi cient attention was paid to old residential areas, and Russia is faced today with having to solve serious prob-

G. Platova lems, such as the lack of housing, poor physical and social infrastructure, and obsolete communication. New challenges

The problem of preserved open spaces is actually becoming vital even for medium and small urban communi- ties. The main threat is posed by the uncontrolled and thoughtless construc- tion of 1990s, when all drawbacks and The winter view of the city of Troitsk, Moscow region violations were treated with indulgency. It was presumed that the “transition phase” of economic changes stipulated The Moscow Oblast comprises territo- and crop fields separated the cities for fast commercial, industrial and ries adjacent to the City of Moscow, but from neighbouring wilderness. Every dwelling construction aimed to meet not the city itself. There are 79 towns town had its large main square faced by people’s immediate needs. The conse- (15 with populations over 100,000) and the cathedral and municipal buildings. quences of that chaotic development 75 minor urban-type communities. The Later, in the 19th century, construc- can be seen today. urban areas total 2,000 square kilome- tion of railways led to the formation of tres (5% of the Oblast land). additional central places with vast open Commercial and expensive residen- areas: the square in front of the main tial buildings concentrate in the most Old traditions railway station, always a beautiful build- prestigious areas, i.e. historical centres ing had to be large enough to serve as and riverbanks where landscapes are Wood was the traditional construc- freight and passenger transfer between most valuable and most vulnerable. The tion material throughout central and trains and carts. higher price of land in central areas stim- northern areas of Russia. The reserves ulates concentrated spot construction of timber were abundant and produc- In the Moscow Oblast, a traveller can see where small open spaces are eliminated tion was cheap, unlike that of stone. explicit examples of old urban construc- one after another in the name of fast Hence, nearly all civil construction tion in the historic cities of Dmitrov, profi t. Large modern buildings destroy during the Middle Ages was executed Zvenigorod, Kolomna, Yegoryevsk both vertical and spatial components of in wood. Along with gold and gems, among others. historical urban pattern; and decrease stone was reserved for churches and the aesthetic value of landscape and cathedrals. That resulted in the specifi c The Soviet Period that of the objects of cultural and natu- urban planning features typical of old ral heritage. In small towns and villages Russian towns, compared to Western Socialism with its centralised planning located along major roads, newly built Europe, streets were broad and dis- and vertically structured administrat- hypermarkets and hotels form walls tances between buildings were very ing could not leave the urban pattern hiding settlements from travellers and large, which was caused not by an abun- to develop on its own. At the present claim to provide functions of centres of dance of land (though land was then an day it is a common fashion to criti- local culture and societal life. abundant reserve in central Russia) but cise everything that comes from that by fi re protection considerations. time, but we have to remind ourselves Intense construction of seasonal dwell- that centralised urban planning had ings, dachas and recreation facilities Later, when Peter the Great, and his its benefi ts. New cities were founded, beyond the city limits destroys the successors, introduced western con- designed in compliance with the most traditional system of the protective struction standards and new types of advanced concepts of that time; many measures described above. Vast open dwellings and public buildings, wood old ones were reshaped to meet resi- areas between inhabited areas, on one gave way to stone and, mainly, to brick dents’ changing demands. As every- side, and forests and bogs, on the other, construction. Urban areas became thing belonged to the State it was free to could give residents enough time to denser, but spatial planning measures allot land for boulevards, squares, public protect themselves from spring fl oods were provided by the government to gardens, and specify distances between and summer fi res. Human casualties prevent “crush jams”. Vast open areas blocks and individual buildings. Good brought by forest fi res in 2010 resulted were reserved under temporary and examples of Soviet urban planning may mainly from the lack of unconstructed seasonal markets (fairs), religious and be found in Elektrostal, Korolyov, and open spaces between settlements and public festivities. Vast belts of pastures Dubna, the “city of science” built on peat bogs and forests. Nature not only

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 22 23/09/13 16:33 becomes a source of potential trouble, but man as well, since any man-made disaster inevitably hurts wildlife too.

Lack of spatial planning knowledge and G. Platova gaps in architectural traditions make some local authorities treat open spaces as empty unused areas. Sometimes, efforts by federal and regional powers are required to stop certain planned “developments”. In many cases, thoughtful policy should be constructed in order to enlighten local residents, unaware of the values of open spaces. Legal sanctions must be provided against populist demagogues, who try New construction in the city of Troitsk, Moscow region to contrast planned spatial development with momentary economic demands.

However, in spite of old problems and of Sergiyev Posad, an old historical new challenges, much is being done in location and major centre of Russian the Moscow Oblast to protect its open Orthodoxy. spaces. Just recently, a legal case was Alexander Frolov won against developers who tried to Chief Architect, Moscow Oblast, conduct construction within the terri- Main Department for Architecture and Urban tory of “Borodinskoye Field”, a national Planning Government of the Moscow Region historical reserve, the site of the main battle of Napoleon’s army in 1812. Konstantin Ananitchev Geographer Another major problem, which is cur- Expert in Territorial Management, rently being successfully solved, is Moscow Oblast a developmental concept for the city Moscow, Russian Federation G. Platova

View of the historical city of Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavl region II. Approaches

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 23 23/09/13 16:33 II. Approaches

Reconstruction of a public space in a city

The city of Rovaniemi is located 400 kil- Lapland besides the mouth areas of the to reach Rovaniemi in 1909. A plan ometres from the Arctic Ocean at the River Tornio and the River Kemijoki. which followed a regular town plan Arctic Circle. It is situated at the con- The Rovaniemi area had been in a joint steered the building and site layouts fl uence of two large rivers, the River use of game with the Norwegians for for decades. The longitudinal streets Kemijoki and the River Ounasjoki, at a long time before any permanent set- of the plan can still be seen in the city the hill line. The area is scenically excep- tlement appeared. structure. Rovaniemi was established tional. Longitudinally the scenery opens as a market town in 1929. Clear urban widely. A great landscape can be seen The building of the chapel in the 1630s structures started to arise along with in the open river valley which is sur- determined the location of the city the city plan and stone buildings, and rounded by fl ood meadows. Due to the centre. The settlement slowly became among other things functionalism growth of the city, most of the fi elds more concentrated. Rovaniemi started started to show. The most famous of the of the shorelines have been developed. to become the centre of regional above mentioned buildings is probably The city centre is situated on a fl at area administration, transport and trade the Hotel Pohjanhovi which was built between the hills on the west side of the due to the road which was built from on the shore of the Rapid Ounaskoski. River Kemijoki. Rovaniemi belongs to Kemi to Rovaniemi. The city was situ- the northern boreal zone and the forests ated in an important node of traffi c The time for the lively developing city, are barren consisting mostly of pine. which speeded up the development new methods of construction and The hill scenery of the Ounasvaara hill of economic growth and well-being in the city image remained short. The is signifi cant for the local identity. Rovaniemi at the end of the 19th cen- Second World War ended at the Lapin tury. Forestry brought sawmills to sota (Lapland War) in autumn 1944 From riverside settlement the area and trading became livelier. invalidating the development. 90% of to urbanisation The famous market fair of Rovaniemi the 548 buildings of Rovaniemi were started. A dense population community destroyed. The prehistory of Rovaniemi goes back was constituted in 1901 as the settle- at least 8000 years. There were settle- ment, trade and industry grew. New Reconstruction and the architect ments and diverse trade connections obligations arose concerning adminis- Alvar Aalto already in the Stone Age. The oldest tration and land use planning. permanent settlements are from the The work of Alvar Aalto in Rovaniemi 11th and 12th centuries. Rovaniemi is The fi rst building code and plan were began in the ruins of a market town the oldest settlement area in Finnish compiled in 1906. The railway was built which had been destroyed during the S. Saraste

The node of the Ounasjoki River and the Kemijoki River

24 Futuropa no 3 / 2012

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 24 23/09/13 16:33 at the Arctic Circle: Rovaniemi

war. Aalto had the main responsibil- and the theatre house Lappia. The the eye of a reindeer. Streets with apart- ity and command of the reconstruc- Sculptor Kain Tapper designed an ment buildings wind like reindeer paths tion planning work. He later became environmental work of art for the forming the upper part of the crown of the most noted architect in Finland. As square. The sculpture “Vuorten synty” the antlers. a starting point and idea for the whole refl ects the rise of Rovaniemi from the reconstruction plan, Aalto considered destruction of the war. The city hall, High buildings were considered com- Rovaniemi as the capital of Lapland the library and the theatre formulate petition to the wide river and open hill and as the centre of traffi c and trans- a monumental ensemble where each scenery and they were left out of the portation of northern Finland. Different building refl ects its own purpose of use. cityscape. A major challenge for modern traffi c area reservations unite as a fi ve The administration and culture centre town planning is to secure the historical branched area in the city plan entitled is an example of the goals of Alvar layers of the city of the Arctic Circle. the Reindeer Antler Plan. In the plan Aalto to create environments with Children visiting the Santa in Rovaniemi all the important road lines and areas strong infl uence. Public buildings situ- hardly know that they are skating in reserved for the railways are situated in ated close to each other have a stronger a historical market place, in the nostril the Reindeer Antlers. The streets were infl uence than separate buildings. The of a reindeer, designed by Alvar Aalto. drawn with softer lines and buildings administration and culture buildings of were designed as a cube-like structure, Rovaniemi can be counted among the Riitta Lönnström Architect, Regional Planning Director rather than long masses of buildings. most remarkable design ensembles in Regional Council of Lapland Finnish national modern architecture. Aalto worked on the planning of the Leena Ruokanen Rovaniemi library. He presented an Aalto took into consideration the special Senior Advisor idea of a wider administration and characteristics of Lapland and empha- Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for Lapland culture centre which would include sised natural conditions in his planning. Rovaniemi, Finland not only the library but also a city hall Natural light comes in from the high top and a theatre in the same block. The windows of the library hall bringing light idea came true almost in the raw. The into the dark season of Lapland. Based square that remains between the build- on the reindeer fi gure two branches of ings divides into a paved civic square the central park form the reindeer ant- in front of the city hall and to a planted lers, two branches outline the reindeer grass covered area between the library head and one its back. The sports fi eld is S. Saraste

The library, the Lappia Theatre house and the sculpture II. Approaches

Futuropa no 3 / 2012 25

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 25 23/09/13 16:33 II. Approaches

Public space in Bucharest

Romanian legislation in the fi eld of urban A characteristic feature of the evolu- areas have thus lost their attractiveness planning and land arrangements was tion of the city over the past 20 years, due to the deterioration of the infra- practically rewritten after the fall of com- marked by the real-estate boom from structure and patrimony. munism, abandoning also a part of what 2004-2008 and the economic crisis was good in such legislation. Almost nat- after 2009, is the loss of the strategic At the beginning of 2009, the General urally, such actions were marked by the approach, prevailing in general only Department for Urban Development of concern for avoiding the danger that the the decisions favouring the immedi- the Bucharest Municipality decided to decision belonged exclusively and dis- ate economic interest, in most cases launch a plan with the aim of reorien- cretionarily to the authority of the state. the individual interest, in the sense of tating city development based on the The faulty approach of the relationship a wrongly-understood liberalism. principles of sustainable development, between urban planning and property, within the local specifi c framework that and a wrongly-understood freedom have Under such circumstances, public will materialise in the new urban gen- often led to the replacement of the brutal areas have undergone a decaying proc- eral plan of Bucharest: a both strategic “adjustment” process with schizophrenic ess mainly caused by the spectacular and operational urban documentation. accents from the 90’s with an uncon- increase in the number of vehicles and To date, as a basis of this new Urban trolled development without a vision in the irrational privatisation of the real Plan, three important studies have been many cases. estate fund (approximately 97% priva- carried out, others are foreseen as an tised at present as compared to 3% – 4% integral process of the execution of the The capital city, Bucharest, is a powerful before 1990), which led to the appear- plan: an assessment of the development regional and national attraction pole, its ance of an important number of owners of Bucharest for the period between position in the region offering the char- unable to maintain the property, to real 1990-2010, defining developmental acteristics of a continental metropoli- estate abandonment and speculation. directions from the standpoint of the tan city, a peripheral and yet dynamic reconciliation of public and private pole that concentrates approximately Due to a lack of parking places, an interests; and an integrated develop- 2,000.000 inhabitants (10% of the increase in traffi c, and the tolerance of ment plan for the centre of Bucharest; decreasing Romanian population and the police, sidewalks and public spaces and an integrated development strategy 22,8% of the national Gross Domestic and a large part of the historical centre of Bucharest and of its surrounding and Product). have been invaded by vehicles, these infl uential areas (up to 2035). Paula Craioveanu

The placement of a copy of the statue of King Carol I in Palatului Regal Square and the transformation of the adjacent area into a pedestrian one (the monument was destroyed during the communist era)

26 Futuropa no 3 / 2012

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 26 23/09/13 16:33 ious degrees of complexity and fi nanc- ing. Although achievements are still quite timid, they can be felt. The traffi c and building infrastructure of the most representative part of the Historical Centre (approximately one quarter of it) has been completed and results can Paula Craioveanu already be seen, the spectacular revitali- sation of this area leading to the reno- vation of buildings by owners and the apparition of new businesses. The few properties the Municipality still owns in this area are also being rehabilitated as an example of good practice. Due to this conversion, some small squares have been recovered.

Medium-term complex projects make provisions for the rehabilitation of the most representative squares of the city: Universita˘t,ii Square, Unirii Square, Victoriei Square and Palatului Square. From a legal point of view, the work at Universita˘t,ii Square will be partially completed this year by the commis- sioning of an underground parking lot and the surface will be converted into a pedestrian area based on an interna- tional architecture competition.

Challenges are big, the urban surface is generous, and novel, although in a deplorable state in some places, the means are uncertain but the optimism of the small team of the present admin- istration involved in urban development makes me believe that in a medium The stopping of the car traffi c in the area of access to the Anglican Church period of time the city will benefi t from a generous public space of good quality and with personality.

In order to achieve the Bucharest 2035 – The recovery of the central area at Gheorghe Patrascu Chief Architect plan, four major strategic directions the South of Dâmbovit,a River isolated Municipality of Bucharest have been proposed: by Ceais,escu’s urban operation from Romania 1980-1990; – The creation of an administrative – Long-term alternative means of body at city level and of its areas of transportation; infl uence; – An integrated parking system in the – The strengthening and revitalisation central zone; of the territorial pole system; – The recovery of public spaces; – The development of an effi cient infra- – The urban regeneration of tradition- structure system; ally degraded neighbourhoods; – The sustainable valorisation of natural – The stimulation of economic activities. and constructed heritage. As one can also see the recovery of The integrated urban development plan public spaces and of the urban identity for the central city zone aims for: is at present a major concern of public authorities, materialised into a series of – The recovery of the urban identity of projects spaced out and prioritised for

the centre; short, medium and long term and in var- II. Approaches

Futuropa no 3 / 2012 27

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 27 23/09/13 16:33 II. Approaches

Finding reinspiration in Vilnius

Collegium Medicum at Vilnius University live in tight-knit communities in Trakai. (today housed at 22 Didžioji Street). This They still serve up the traditional Karaite friend of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s had cre- dish “kibinai” to visitors near the castle. ated the Lyon Botanical Garden in France some time earlier. He was the first to Tourists would be attracted to the environs S. Zabiela describe Lithuanian fl ora in his fi ve-volume of Trakai simply because of its extraor- work Flora Lituanica. Lithuania, Vilnius and dinary landscape, its 32 lakes and the its surrounding area, with their enchant- Trakai national history park, which cov- ing natural beauty, have been attracting ers 8 200 hectares. However, in addition creative artists for centuries, have been to the important cultural heritage of the enriched by the creators of a man-made Lithuanian Grand Duchy era, this area was landscape, and are now a veritable treasure particularly enriched with 19th-centry parcs chest of landscapes and historical natural à l’anglaise designed by Edouard André, parks for its inhabitants and visitors. laid out every 10 km or so along a 25-km strip between Vilnius and Trakai. One of The troubled history of Lithuania predes- the most beautiful love stories which led to Vilnius from the top of Bekešas Hill tined it for having three capitals: Trakai, the French-style parks and the “domains of Vilnius and Kaunas, not counting Kernave·. good taste” in 19th-century Lithuania was Kernave· is now an archaeological site, that between Felix Tyszkiewicz and his wife The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, is a city a cultural reserve included, like the his- Antanina. After their wedding, the wealthy where until recently you could still pick torical centre of Vilnius, on the Unesco princely family, whose roots extend back to wild strawberries on the hills near the Old World Heritage List. This cultural and com- the Lithuanian Grand Duchy era, decided to Town, while surveying the domes and mercial centre was important before the build a villa at Palanga on the Baltic coast. spires of the Baroque and Gothic churches emergence of the Lithuania State, from The work was assigned to the Berlin archi- the late Bronze Age to the 15th century. tect Franz Schwechten, who completed the or the remains of the old Castle. You might · still be lucky enough to fi nd strawberries Nowadays, Kernave attracts a great deal of building in 1897 and advised the Count in some places nearby, because Vilnius tourism thanks to its fi ve hill forts and its to call on the services of Edouard André, is surrounded with legends and myths, idyllic landscape redolent of the pagan era. a world-renowned architect of the time especially those relating to its foundation in the valley near the Vilnia, as well as the fi nest panoramas of the Old Town from the tomb of Gediminas, the Three Crosses and Bekešas Hill are, curiously, not overrun by tourists. Perhaps because S. Zabiela these hills, which provide the best van- tage points for observing the City, have not yet been brought into line with tour- ist demands, but this tranquillity will not go on for much longer, because there are more and more visitors every year, many of whom are interested in the landscape and historical parks. Vilnius and its sur- rounding area were a major attraction for centuries because of their nature, land- scapes and harmony with the architectural heritage. The philosopher and art historian Mikalojaus Vorobjovas described Vilnius in 1940: there is no contradiction between the Vilnius landscape and the city itself. The city is a kind of fruit of nature, and nature is its womb, its receptacle, its natu- Villa in Traku˛ Voke˙, 10 km from Vilnius ral context. This merger of architectural art with nature is suffi cient to characterise the profoundly Lithuanian nature of Old On the other side of Vilnius, barely 25 km working in Paris and throughout Europe. In Vilnius. away, in the middle of a lake, we fi nd the 1879, this specialist in the creation of parks stone and redbrick castle built by the wrote a work entitled “The Art of Gardens: As the 21st century dawns, Vilnius, and Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautas, and the General Treaty on the composition of parks notably its environments, have not lost any fi rst capital of Lithuania. The castle was and gardens”, which is still topical today. of their charm and scenic beauty. Nature is partly rebuilt and restored in the 1950s. This was the beginning of several years of naturally present in Vilnius: the fi rst park in It is a monument to the Grand Duchy co-operation between Edouard André and Lithuania, known as the Bishops’ Garden, of Lithuania and its leaders, a territory the Tyszkiewicz family in Lithuania. was described in 1387. It should be remem- stretching from the Baltic to the Black bered that Lithuania was the last European Sea, and the multicultural State span- Edouard André also designed three other country to adopt Christianity (1251), and ning the 13th to the 18th centuries. The parks in Lithuania for Felix Tyszkiewicz’s that the pagan tradition considered trees Grand Duchy’s cultural heritage can be cousins, who lived near Vilnius. In sacred and protected them. The fi rst botani- found in the current territory of Belarus Lithuania, already a mature architect at the cal garden Lithuania was created in 1781 and Ukraine. Arriving from Crimea with zenith of his career and his art, Edouard by Jean-Emmanuel Gilibert at the then Vytautas over 600 years ago, the Karaites André showed an amazing understand-

28 Futuropa no 3 / 2012

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 28 23/09/13 16:33 ing of the landscape and local topography which helped him harness them to the cre- ation of his parks. In Palanga he singled out the combination of an ancient pine forest, a sea view and the Birute· legend. Legend has it that Birute· was worshipped S. Zabiela by Lithuanian pagans as a goddess, rever- ing her as the Virgin of Palanga. She had promised to preserve her virginity for the gods, but as fate would have it she became the wife of the Lithuanian sov- ereign Ke˛stutis. At Traku˛ Voke·, just a few kilometres from Vilnius, he chose the roll- ing countryside and the local man-made lakes for his work. In Lentvaris park fi fteen kilometres from Vilnius, he created a park recounting the history of the art of parks and gardens, from the simple country garden to the most sophisticated land- scape ever created by man, with artifi cial rocks, caves, water systems and appro- Tyszkiewicz family house in Palanga near the Baltic Sea priate fl ora. He integrated into the park and the Garden of Edouard André the view from the upper part of the park on to a natural valley, at whose foot lay a lake, with scenic views a little further on. Lithuanian cultural heritage specialists to The eloquence and scenic beauty of the his- In Užutrakis, barely 30 km from Vilnius, rediscover and reassess their landscape torical parks, the history of their creation, on the far side of the lake where the castle and historical parks. Their main achieve- the diversity of the cultural heritage and of Vytautas the Great rises, he used the ment was in fact to change people’s view- its sources, and the variety of Lithuanian reservoirs and the lake to create an aquatic points on historical parks and landscapes. landscapes could serve as one of the landscape with views of the romantic cas- While at the turn of the millennium the main attractions and provide Lithuania tle, which was already in ruins at the time. Lithuanian heritage protection profes- with a tourist product in eastern Europe sionals still had to evidence the fact that that would attract and interest people. While Užutrakis Park is already attracting historical parks were just as valuable as We need only think of the attractions of visitors now that it has been completely buildings, palaces and churches after ten western Lithuania: the 50-km strip along restored, virtually all the sculptures hav- years’ co-operation with the Institute, the the Courland isthmus, with its white sand, ing been returned to their rightful place, parks and landscapes are now gradually its microclimate, unspoilt beaches, excep- with the Jacques Cartiers, Josephines and becoming objects of prestige, symbols of tional fl ora and fauna and its idyllic views other historical roses already diffusing quality and “fashion icons”. The Council of from the dunes over the lagoon and the their heady fragrances, Traku˛ Voke· and Europe Cultural Routes Programme is an sea. The route continues with the Palanga Lentvaris are still awaiting their rebirth. excellent instrument for international co- park designed by Edouard André, the pal- operation which has enabled the country ace built by the Tyszkiewicz family, which One of the decisive factors which has to exploit European results in the fi eld of has since 1963 housed the Amber Museum, facilitated a different interpretation and interpreting cultural heritage and historical the huge Japanese park and a wide range proper evaluation of the possibilities of parks. In order to create the Cultural Route of cultural heritage assets in the surround- the Lithuanian historic parks and land- of Edouard André Parks in Lithuania, we ing area. To the south lie Vilnius, the three scapes has been the co-operation with have considered in detail the criteria used parks designed by Edouard André in the the European Institute of Cultural Routes for European cultural routes and the values vicinity, which will hopefully soon be linked in Luxembourg. Ten years after Lithuania upheld by the Council of Europe. The last up to form the project “Cultural Route of regained its independence, the Lithuanian stage in this endeavour involved a study Edouard André Parks in Lithuania”, and the Department of Cultural Heritage pondered of the possibilities for restoring the Traku˛ contemporary parks which have emerged what it should do with the almost 1 000 his- Voke· Park, which has been submitted to over the last 20 years since independ- torical parks in the country, most of which the Lithuanian Ministry of Culture. We ence: the Europe Park, a 55-hectare con- had been abandoned or poorly maintained are hoping that the restoration of the temporary art park which houses a range over the previous 50 years, apart from Traku˛ Voke· Park will proceed favourably. of impressive sculptures (with works by a few of them. How could they ensure that A conference held in 2001 was attended Magdalena Abakanowicz, Sol Le Witt, Denis people realised their value? What was the by international specialists from France, Oppenheim...), and the Grütas park 120 km place of Lithuanian historical parks in the Romania, the United Kingdom, Belgium to the south, displaying sculptures and art overall context of European parks? and other countries. Offi cials from fi ve from the Soviet era. This is a major tourist Lithuanian ministries also participated, attraction for people wishing to discover our An international specialist team put which was unprecedented in our coun- country and its landscapes. Furthermore, together by the Institute based its work- try at the time. Between 2002 and 2010 it is very much in line with the Council ing methods on the Council of Europe’s there was a whole series of seminars and of Europe’s values and the provisions of Cultural Routes, thus enabling the encounters, specialist visits by four young the European Landscape Convention. Lithuanian architects to European histori- However, an enormous amount of work cal parks, work in the Traku˛ Voke· Park with still lies ahead; our achievements so far are the Florentine specialist in historical park only the beginning, pointers to the future. restoration, Mariachiara Pozzana, a range of radio and TV programmes and broad- Alfredas Jomantas

S. Zabiela casts and documentary fi lms, all shored Head of the International Relations and up by an unshakeable faith in the power Information Section of the historical parks and landscapes. The Heritage Department character of Edouard André and his work Ministry of Culture galvanised all those involved, whatever Vilnius, Lithuania

Europos Parkas created in 1991, their nationality or profession. II. Approaches work by Magdalena Abakanowicz, “Unknown growth space” Futuropa no 3 / 2012 29

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 29 23/09/13 16:33 II. Approaches

Landscape in the border zone of natural

According to the European Landscape 3600 meters, give a special charm to level was calculated by comprehensive, Convention “Landscape” refers to an the lake. It is an exceptional recreational scientifi c research and ensures the res- area, as perceived by people, whose resource created by nature, which pre- toration of the ecological balance, the character is the result of the action and serves the natural balance of the whole prevention of eutrophication processes interaction of natural and/or human watershed with its salutary infl uence. and the re-emergence of biological factors. resources. Starting in the 1950s the natural envi- It is essential to mention that the inter- ronment of the lake was affected by In 2008 the Commission on issues of action of natural and human factors human interference. One part of the Lake Sevan adjacent to the President results in confl icts generating multiple water reserves was released for energy of the Republic of Armenia was estab- problems, which are often diffi cult to and irrigation purposes. As a result lished, the main function of which solve. Solving these problems is gener- of the sharp reduction of water level is the elaboration of measures con- ally much harder than if they had been (about 16 meters from its primary level) nected with preservation, restoration, prevented. The contradictions between there was a real danger of ecosystem recreation, sustainable development the infl uence of the human factor and disturbance. and use of the lake ecosystem. The the necessity to preserve “open space” Commission, which consists of state territories are particularly sharp, espe- In order to manage the existing situa- authorities, parliamentarians, experi- cially when the issue concerns sensitive tion, the authorities of Armenia have in enced professionals, representatives of and fragile ecosystems. recent years undertaken some drastic Non-governmental organisations, has measures. Water release from the lake already developed a number of con- In Armenia, Lake Sevan and its water- was signifi cantly decreased, the hydro crete measures concerning the solution shed are highly characteristic of this complex Vorotan-Arpa-Sevan was built of the above-mentioned issues. A wide phenomenon. The lake is the largest to direct the waters from rivers to the range of activities concerning spatial freshwater lake in Caucasus, and the lake and as a result the water level planning and landscape, form a part level of water table is now about 1900 started to rise. of these measures, this includes the meters with a surface area of 1260 km². approval of special legal norms defi n- According to the legislation, the water ing the peculiarities of land provision The surrounding landscapes of level of the lake should be raised to and construction in the lakeside terri- high mountains, some as high as 1903.5 metres above sea level. This tories of Sevan, including the elabora- R. Alaverdyan

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 30 23/09/13 16:33 and human factors: the Lake Sevan

tion of landscape and spatial planning Convention: hence each measure is documents. Particularly noteworthy is directed to the foundation of an appro- the amendment, between 2010-2011, priate landscape quality. Attempts have of the regional spatial plan for the lake been made to foresee and analyse the reservoir and the detailed zoning plan effects of landscape modifi cations, such for territories envisaged for construction as in the case of the implementation R. Alaverdyan in the central part of the lake (within the of planning measures. Subsequently, territory of National Park). Currently, these measures have been corrected issues on allocation of landscape and and approximated corresponding to the recreational systems, their harmoni- peculiarities of the territories. ous correlation, the formation of urban development and landscape criteria are Buffer zones of “landscape protection” in a stage of elaboration. which are not affected by construction are created between territories envis- I would like to mention some key aged for active exploitation for recrea- aspects on the principles and aims of tional purposes. The aim is to preserve territorial planning in the lakeside of and to improve the natural landscapes, Sevan. to recreate new landscapes out of those that are degraded, by restoring and The main purpose is to create the nec- extending the balance of green areas essary preconditions for the forma- affected by deforestation in territories tion and sustainable development of left under the water and in lakeside a favourable bio-environment in the off- areas. shore territories of the lake, by applying spatial planning instruments. The mosaic landscapes formed by the sequence of modifi ed and natural sec- The issues of urbanised environment tions will aid to shift the load of exten- formation are being considered as sive recreational use of the lakeside important ingredients of the ecosystem areas. of the lake, aimed, on the one hand at ensuring the use of the country’s unique With regard to the construction sec- recreational resource, and on the other tions, the planning solutions have been hand providing the requirements of res- selected in harmony with their natural toration, maintenance and recreation environment, taking into account the of the lake. relief, the conditions of isolation, the direction and strength of winds and the The existing landscapes of the central structure of the existing coastal scheme. zone of the lake have been shaped by The planning of the territories has been the forest layer creation over the open implemented by considering the exist- ground fl oated coats, where the exist- ing urban development, ecological, ence of land area does not exceed 60 economic and other various links and years. These landscapes are the result of is conditioned by the necessity of har- changes in the natural conditions infl u- monious correlation between natural enced by human activities. and urbanised environments.

The planning documents have been Ruzan Alaverdyan Deputy Minister of Urban Development developed following the main princi- Yerevan, Armenia ples defi ned by the European Landscape II. Approaches

Futuropa no 3 / 2012 31

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 31 23/09/13 16:33 III. Experiences, places

The Baku Boulevard: the pride of the na

Azerbaijan is carrying out a purposeful opment, and has signed the conclusive Azerbaijan. It is a major port located policy intended to eliminate the current documents of the UN Conference on on the southern shores of the Absheron problems within the environmental Environment and Development in Peninsula on the western coast of the sphere. This policy is one of the main 1992. Azerbaijan has also joined the Caspian Sea. Baku City is situated at the components in the quest to achieve important international Convention merging point of Europe and Asia and is a sustainable development strategy, on Biology Diversity and Framework called the “Windy City”. As the largest intended to reduce poverty and boost Convention on Global Climate Change, cultural centre in the country, Baku has economic progress. The Republic of and has become an active participant both a rich local dramatic portfolio and Azerbaijan pays special attention to its of the process “The Environment for an international repertoire. This inter- relations with the international com- Europe”. Azerbaijan is also fulfilling esting city has beautiful buildings and munities of the United Nations, the its obligations on other international has a tradition of a specifi c building style European Union, the Council of Europe agreements; among these agreements based on the fusion of ancient eastern and the Organisation for Security and is the European Landscape Convention. and modern western architecture. Co-operation in Europe, which play Since 22 October 2003, we have been a fundamental role for countries that a signatory of the European Landscape Baku Boulevard (Azerbaijani: Dәnizkәnarı wish to achieve sustainable develop- Convention. Milli Park) also known as the National ment and offers a forum for discussion Park, is an invaluable pearl in Baku, and and the solving of main issues in the Taking this opportunity I would like to is a mystifying example of our material fi eld of environmental protection. draw the reader’s attention to some culture, which combines historical and brief information on the state of protec- modern features and natural compo- Since Azerbaijan’s independence, the tion of open spaces in the country, fol- nents. Baku Boulevard is a promenade Republic has repeatedly approved the lowing the example of Baku Boulevard. that runs parallel to Baku’s seafront. Its adherence to the international ideas of Baku is one of the most beautiful cities history dates back more than 100 years, ecological safety and sustainable devel- in the world and is the capital city of to a time when Baku oil barons built

The view over Baku Boulevard

32 Futuropa no 3 / 2012

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 32 23/09/13 16:33 tion

The seafront before the Boulevard Park was built, with the Maiden’s Tower in the background

Building the seafront that is now known as the SOCAR Circle III. Experiences, places

Futuropa no 3 / 2012 33

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 33 23/09/13 16:33 III. Experiences, places

including the walking pier, the concrete quay and the yachts-clubs were fl ooded. As a result the reconstruction works raised the bottom terrace of the park- way a few meters. Today, the Caspian Sea is receding.

In 1936, the parachute tower was built and used for extreme activities. However, in the 1960s the tower turned into a weather forecasting station after a fatal accident, which led to an ultimate ban of parachuting from the tower. Even in the present day, the tower is consid- ered a landmark on the Boulevard.

The Boulevard developed further after the construction of the Bahar and Mirvari cafes, a summer cinema and other leisure attractions during 1950-1960s. In 1970, Baku Boulevard, attractions the boulevard was further expanded to the east and to the west.

The most important and historical their mansions along the Caspian shore suggesting the creation of a boulevard moment of the development of Baku and when the waterfront was artifi- for leisure activities for the residents of Boulevard was the Decree of the President cially constructed bit by bit. The park the city. The 100th year anniversary of Azerbaijan on 29 December 1998. is approximately 3 km x 750 m in size of the Baku Boulevard was celebrated Thanks to this decree, the Boulevard and is located on the southern coast of in 2009. was given the status of a National Park, the Caspian Sea. It starts at the Palace according to article 76 of the law on of Hand Games and ends at Azadlig, The park was intended to support the “Protection of Environment”. This sta- Freedom Square. continued expansion of the city in tus was also useful in order to deal with the north, providing relaxation and the environmental problems of the The history of the Boulevard recreation opportunities for the new Boulevard, such as cleaning oil pollution middle classes to the west, and an from oil platforms in the Caspian Sea. Until the early 20th century, the centre of escape from the rapidly increasing Baku city had mansions on one side and slum of the city centre, for those left Considering the historical and cultural the seafront on the other, and no trees. behind. To select the best design for the value of the Boulevard, the President In 1900, the Municipal Horticultural Boulevard, Hajinski organised a contest of Azerbaijan issued a decree on Commission of Baku decided to plant among the architects in Baku. Adolph 10 January 2008. According to this trees and shrubs along the seafront. Eykler, a German architect who had decree, management of the Baku Kazimir Skurevich, a Polish engineer, also designed Baku’s German Lutheran Boulevard was created within the designed a 20 meter-wide embank- Church, was involved in the project. Cabinet of the Ministries of Azerbaijan. ment, using vegetation that would Work was completed in 1911. The fact that the Boulevard has fi nally survive Baku’s extremely hot, dry and been given the status of National gusty climate. Massive amounts of fer- The improved Boulevard stretched from Park brings hope for the future of the tile soil were imported to improve the what is now the State Oil Company of Boulevard, and that it will gradually soil quality. The Mayor of the city, R. R. the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) Circle prove to be the vibrant park, it was origi- Hoven, supported by wealthy industrial- to the luxurious cinema, restaurant and nally intended to be when it was fi rst ists, passed a decree in the 1880s saying the casino, known as “Phenomenon”, constructed, more than a century ago. stating that all ships entering the Baku designed by the Polish architect Joseph harbour from Iran had to bring fertile K. Ploshko (1912). Today’s activities within Baku soil with them. In reality, this was a type Boulevard and future steps of imposed tax or duty, in return for the During the Soviet period, the casino right to use the harbour and load up with was converted to a Children’s Puppet Baku Boulevard is the most popular oil. Within a very short time, enough soil Theatre, a function it still serves today. place for residents of Baku and visi- was deposited and the work started on Subsequently, the Boulevard was tors of the city alike. Cool air and the the Boulevard. extended up to the Port Arrival Station. expanse of the sea along the Boulevard In the 1980s, the region was misman- attract visitors of the city. There is an The foundation of Baku Boulevard was aged and neglected maintenance. The attraction for all here, children will with lain down in 1909, after Mohammad situation further deteriorated as the pleasure pass time on a swing, and Hasan Hajinski, Head of Baku’s sea level began to rise, and many of adults can slowly enjoy a walk along Municipal Construction Department the trees and shrubs in the park started the avenues. The open-air café invites made a speech in the Baku Duma (the dying due to the salinity of the water. visitors to drink a fragrant cup of tea. equivalent of the Municipal Parliament), A significant part of the Boulevard, Great pleasure can also be derived from

34 Futuropa no 3 / 2012

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 34 23/09/13 16:34 going on a boat wherefrom the whole majestic panorama of the city can be appreciated. In the middle of the sea near the new walking pier, lies an unu- sual fountain. A powerful jet of water rises high in the air, creating a multi- coloured rainbow for all to enjoy.

Along the Boulevard there are also numerous cinemas, clubs, showrooms, yacht clubs, as well as various statues and monuments.

Baku Boulevard is adorned by chan- nels with crossing bridges. The resi- dents of Baku named this corner of the Boulevard, Venice. The opening of a musical fountain, unique in its kind, took place in 2007. The staff of the of the Baku Boulevard Management includes gardeners, who look after the greenery as well as partake in landscape architecture such as shaping and cutting The international centre of Mugam within Baku Boulevard intricate fi gures out of bushes and trees. Recently some new kinds of ornamental plants have also been delivered from is enjoyed by all, and hopes that there indicates that “Each Party undertakes the Netherlands and several new green will provide a constancy and a continu- to integrate landscape into its regional plants will be cultivated along Boulevard ity to the cleanliness and good service. and town planning policies and in its in the near future. Taking this into account and the import- cultural, environmental, agricultural, ance of the Boulevard for the residents social and economic policies, as well At present the planting areas of the of Baku, the government has decided to as in any other policies with possible Boulevard covers around 40 per cent expand the territory of Baku Boulevard. direct or indirect impact on landscape”. of the total area. The park is becoming The project of expanding the Baku popular for dog walkers and of late, an Boulevard aims to create more com- The old photos used for this article are international centre of Mugam (national fortable conditions for the residents of used at the courtesy of the National folklore) has also been constructed the capital city as well as offering visi- Archives of Photo and Cinema Documents. within the Boulevard area. tors relaxation and sports in comfort- able conditions on the Caspian seaside. Faig Sadigov Environmental specialist In 2010, a multi-storied shopping cen- The area of the Boulevard will expand Project Management Team tre named “Park Boulevard”, a Baku dually, through the transfer of the old Ministry of Economic Development Business centre and 5-D cinemas port from the centre of Baku to Alyat Baku, Azerbaijan opened on the Baku Boulevard, mak- and the extension of Baku Boulevard to ing the boulevard even more attractive. Flag Square. Necessary improvements are already underway. The Boulevard started to gain a new appearance with smoother pavements, It is necessary to note that the actions greener lawns, quainter cafés, more agreed for the development of the Baku impressive fountains and an overall Parkway correspond completely to the cleaner Boulevard. This transformation Landscape Convention, which clearly III. Experiences, places

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 35 23/09/13 16:34 III. Experiences, places

Protection of historic streetscapes in Maltese Urban Conservation Areas

Malta has a long history of human set- enhance”. Currently there are 63 areas emphasis on the conservation of key tlement, which is refl ected in various designated as UCAs within Malta’s and historical monuments and buildings had architectural styles still visible in its his- Gozo’s 68 localities. proved inadequate to ensure economic toric centres, mainly: Medieval organic and social regeneration of the historic village development, Renaissance and The fi rst “village cores” (later called cores. A “middle ground” was needed. Baroque periods, Neo-Classical (1714- “UCAs”) were designated relatively 1830), and British Colonial (1837-1910). recently, as part of the delineation of In line with the underlying principles the Temporary Provision Schemes of UCAs, the specifi cation of character The need to protect the Islands’ histori- (Development Zones) in 1988. The sub-areas followed a more territorial cal fabric was fi rst formally recognised Structure Plan, Malta’s principle land approach, aimed at valorising the local in the Antiquities Protection Act of 1925, use policy document, formalised bound- distinctive features of the area. The whose approach centred on the iden- aries and policies for UCAs. The main strategy involved the identifi cation of tifi cation and protection of individual aim of this strategy was to rehabili- areas within UCAs according to the col- historical ‘monuments’, later strength- tate historic centres (problems include lective signifi cance of their respective ened by the Structure Plan (1990) and incompatible uses, materials, building properties and spaces for proposed zon- planning legislation (1992 and 2010). heights, overdevelopment in private ing (character sub-areas). gardens), in order to help slow down Currently, there are three types of the out-migration causing further devel- A street categorisation exercise was fi rst protection for historic buildings and opment of undeveloped sites, retain carried out for the locality of Sliema in areas: classifi ed buildings (protection traditional character, and attract new 1997, following which a similar strat- of individual buildings of architectural residents. In 1995, the “Development egy was employed for the categorisa- value); street categorisation (hierar- Control within UCAs Design Guidance” tion of all village cores of the smaller chy of protection for streets within was issued, outlining details for rehabili- island of Gozo (included in the Gozo and Urban Conservation Areas); and Urban tation and redevelopment of buildings Comino Local Plan 2006). Eventually, Conservation Areas (entire historic as well as treatment of open spaces. the exercise was extended to all other cores). localities in Malta. An exception is the Street categorisation capital Valletta and the surrounding Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs) localities, mainly due to the fact that By the early 2000s, a number of local most of them are fortifi ed towns and An Urban Conservation Area is defi ned studies on urban conservation had been many buildings are planned. Therefore, by the Structure Plan as “an area of carried out, which concluded that while the degree of protection of the area was special architectural or historic inter- UCAs needed to be totally protected, the deemed suffi cient. est, the character and appearance mere application of a blanket protection of which is desirable to preserve or was not effi cient. Furthermore, placing The procedure for the identifi cation of character sub-areas involved: – Documentation of all relevant facts about the areas, acquired at historical typological and urban planning level; – Intensive surveys of all areas by a multi-disciplinary team including an urban planner, a conservation archi- tect and a photographer.

Various issues related to townscape and streetscape, such as design, material, colour, texture, fi ttings, fi xtures, street furniture, balconies, road surfacing and urban landscaping, were taken into account.

The Gozo example

Local Plan policies for development within UCAs follow a similar pattern for all areas. The regulations for Gozo, as Street Category A – Rabat, Gozo outlined in the Gozo and Comino Local Plan, will be given as an example here.

36 Futuropa no 3 / 2012

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 36 23/09/13 16:34 The street hierarchy system follows materials, colours, textures are a Grade A, B, C system. Different param- used; eters govern the various categories, – No complete replacement of with Category A being the strictest, as facades. follows: Category C: Category A: – Signifi cant alterations or demo- – No changes to facades of built fab- lition of facades and construc- ric, ancillary open spaces and street tion of additional fl oors may be Street Category C alignment; allowed provided that replace- – Structural interventions to be limited ment building refl ects surround- to replacement of deteriorated com- ing context (as for alterations in B). it is possible to redevelop the inside ponents and removal of incompatible to cater for modern standards, while accretions; In case a building within these areas is retaining the historic appearance of the – No additional fl oors. otherwise protected or listed, the more streetscape. restrictive policy prevails. It should be Category B+/B: noted that street categorisation policies Frans Mallia Assistant Director – Minor alterations to facades (e.g. apply to the facades, as opposed to the Forward Planning Division changes to apertures) and additional entire buildings, which are additionally fl oors are permitted, provided tradi- scheduled in case of valuable buildings. Joseph Magro Conti tional scale, proportions, fenestration, This means that for other buildings, Unit Manager Heritage Planning Unit

Anja Delia Senior Planning Offi cer Malta Environment and Planning Authority Floriana, Malta

Street Category B+ III. Experiences, places

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 37 23/09/13 16:34 III. Experiences, places

Inventory of squares in Portugal

a cultural area that has spread to several Carried out at the request of the continents and which, in addition to its Directorate General for Spatial Planning historical importance, may be a start- and Urban Development in Portugal, the ing point for producing new exceptional study started as a pedagogic experiment urban spaces in our cities. conducted at the Faculty of Architecture of the Technical University of Lisbon. Its Following the tradition of treatises on results were published in three volumes urbanism, we took on the job of fact- and a CD-Rom, presented as a portable fi nding, graphic restitution and illus- exhibition kit, making it easily available trating the main examples of squares to all those working on or interested in in Portugal, our intention being for our this subject. work to be a representative body of the diverse typology, the state of develop- Carlos Dias Coelho Coordinator of the Study on ment, dimensions and uses of this par- squares in Portugal ticular type of public space. Faculty of Architecture of the Technical University of Lisbon and The encyclopaedic objective of the Directorate General for Spatial Planning and work meant the examples studied had Urban Development of Portugal to be schematised in identical sheets, Portuguese squares display a very var- the aim being to characterise each ied range of urban situations that are one in the most synthetic way pos- examples of great plastic quality, with sible whilst maintaining a standard, their very own identifi able characteris- and enabling it to be used as an instru- tics. They contribute towards the way ment for practicing urbanism, as well we understand this urban feature in as teaching it.

Two streets, one square in the Catalan Transfrontier Space Eurodistrict

As part of the call for projects issued The methodology by the Common Fund of the Pyrénées- Orientales Department Council, the There are two main goals: firstly, to Catalan Town Planning Agency (AURCA) develop transfrontier co-operation by joined with the Private Foundation organising exchanges of experience and Gerona, University and Future (FPGUiF) knowledge between elected representa- to create a Forum to exchange inter- tives and technicians on either side of esting town-planning experiments and the border, and secondly, to proclaim practices in the territory of the Catalan the importance of public space quality Transfrontier Space Eurodistrict. for the residents’ living environment and thus clarify the need to act on this This Eurodistrict comprises the environment with sensitivity and fi nesse. Pyrénées-Orientales Department (northern Catalonia) and the prov- The Exchange Forum drew on a selec- ince of Gerona, also including south- tion of 40 projects implemented over ern Cerdanya. It covers an area of the last 20 years in the Eurodistrict (20 10 247 km², housing a population of in the north and 20 in the south). They almost 1 177 000 (2008 fi gures). were identifi ed by a pluridisciplinary

38 Futuropa no 3 / 2012

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 38 23/09/13 16:34 selection committee in accordance with three major categories: parks, gardens and other outside areas, urban squares, development of old town centres and redevelopment of the coast and sea- front. Each category comprises ten operations. Selection criteria

Operations were selected on the basis of having properly adapted to the strengths and weaknesses of the sites where they were being implemented and having attempted to apply an appropriate func- tional and aesthetic response, respect- ing all the physical, patrimonial, cultural and social elements. These operations stood out for their capacity to create and regenerate the urban space without dominating it. The aim is to provide the city with something which it is lacking or is already latently there.

Even though the operations pinpointed Study visit by elected representatives and technicians from the Catalan Transfrontier Area vary widely, providing a multiplicity of responses, they all contain a main thread highlighted by the ambitions of mat permitting exchange between the urban practices based on the values of the urban project managing teams vis- stakeholders and the participants. Catalan heritages. à-vis nuanced intervention on the public space, receptive to residents’ requests – A touring exhibition entitled “Two Transfrontier initiatives help highlight and sensitive to the specifi c context of streets, one square/Dos carrers, una the strengths of each region in dealing the site and the urban fabric surround- plaça” in Perpignan and Gerona, com- with similar problems. In the North, ing it. In the light of the multiple chal- prising 40 selected cities and open to the emphasis is on consultation with lenges of sustainable development, the public. This exhibition has already residents and local stakeholders, and these projects are also underpinned by attracted several hundred visitors. a social perspective on space which a determination to adapt to expected transcends the project implementa- future developments which will inevita- – A compendium of interesting devel- tion zone. In southern Catalonia, we bly impact Catalan towns and villages. opment projects in the Catalan trans- note a high degree of conceptualisa- frontier area has been published and tion of projects and meticulous, prag- Methodology extensively circulated among devel- matic implementation concentrating opment and town planning institu- on the actual project zone. These two The Exchange Forum, which is both col- tions, stakeholders, technicians and approaches are essential and comple- legial and educational in nature, com- elected representatives (It can be mentary, any action aiming at exem- prises three related strands: downloaded on the AURCA website plarity should integrate both of them. under the section on Publications/ – Two days of visits successfully con- Transfrontier studies). Gilles Planas Project co-ordinator in northern Catalonia ducted in the Gerona region and in the Pyrénées-Orientales Pyrénées-Occidentales Department. Beyond a mere catalogue of good prac- These events were the subject of video tices, the approach is intended to show Bernat Llauradó Auquer reports, which may be consulted on how, in urban and rural municipalities, Project co-ordinator in southern Catalonia the AURCA website (www.aurca.org). specifi c operations have proved particu- Province of Gerona and Cerdanya Catalan Town Planning Agency On each of the two days, fi ve projects larly exemplary, addressing common Toulouges, France were visited, with a presentation by problems and processes. This Exchange their urban managers (elected repre- Forum is part of the preparation for sentatives and/or designers), in a for- a Transfrontier observatory of good III. Experiences, places

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 39 23/09/13 16:34 III. Experiences, places

Belgrade’s ‘Urban Pockets’

The Project Belgrade’s ‘Urban Pockets’ which people might identify with and be Office for Sustainable Development was established in 2008 searching for proud of, in their localities with histori- in the Government of the Republic of knowledge and professional experience, cal and cultural identity. Serbia and as a project that was con- with a desire to introduce landscape sidered to support the principles of architecture to Belgrade’s citizens. This ‘Urban pockets’ are small urban places, sustainable development was sent to project was launched by students of with major ecological, economic and local governments in several Belgrade Belgrade University, Faculty of Forestry, social functions and potential. They all, municipalities. Department of Landscape Architecture often pass between buildings, they are and Horticulture, in cooperation with derelict inner courtyards, atriums and Today, some of the ‘urban pockets’ university assistants. At the same small parcels that currently do not have projects are realised in the Belgrade time, Serbia also signed the European the appropriate and desired purpose. Municipality Vracar, which is the fi rst Landscape Convention, which offers These places are mostly represented in municipality that recognised the poten- new opportunities to promote the pro- central Belgrade municipalities, which tial of this project. Additionally, the fession at all levels: local, regional and incidentally have the lowest percentage project was realised on the wider city national. Following the basic principles of open green spaces. level, and followed up the implementa- of the European Landscape Convention, tion projects in ten urban municipalities the Project Belgrade’s ‘Urban Pockets’ The project identified and mapped in over 15 locations. focused on small urban areas, taking potential ‘urban pocket’ locations, into account the landscape character, which involved looking at, listening to, The project was promoted at the Mikser their protection and enhancement, and and questioning the people who live, festival, the largest regional festival of involving active participation of local work and play in a particular space, creativity, with strong emphasis on communities. in order to discover theirs needs and a multidisciplinary and multicultural aspirations. This information is then approach. It took place at a breath-tak- This project has promoted the concept used to create a common vision for this ing industrial complex on the Danube of landscape planning and design, as location. waterfront, only 700 metres from the an instrument of spatial justice and lis- heart of Belgrade. During fi ve festival tening to the voices of all stakeholders, Beside the participation of citizens, one days in late May, Mikser was blurring to see how the quality of life may be of the main stages within the project the boundaries between disciplines and affected by development decisions. It was the involvement and correspond- enhancing interaction between various has further sought to regain initiative on ence with governmental authorities. fi elds of creativity, such as: design, art, matters of design and ‘place-making’, The project proposal was sent to the architecture, environmental issues,

Branicevska Street

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 40 23/09/13 16:34 business, new media, music, fi lm and theatre. This atmosphere corresponded to the concept of Project Belgrade’s Urban Pockets. Students set up an exhibition entitled “We Redraw the City – We saw Belgrade’s urban pockets within the Education Zone”. The aim of the exhibition was to familiarise visi- tors with the content of the project and its positive effects, which can directly affect the improvement of city living conditions.

The setting of the exhibition consisted of two interconnected segments. As part of the Belgrade’s ‘Urban Pockets’ project realisation, they aimed at several loca- tions of Belgrade municipalities. The second segment was more interactive. The interaction was refl ected in the pos- sibility of exhibition visitors to redraw, or draw on blank sheets, their ‘urban pocket’ or how they wish them to be portrayed.

The Project Belgrade’s ‘Urban Pockets’ proved a fruitful experience for all those who participated. Students gained invaluable experience by working with local authorities and local communities, having been faced with many problems related to administration, property rights, as well as problems concerning the status of the profession in society. Through this experience they learned a lot, and fi nally found a way to bring the complex profession of landscape Belgrade’s Urban Pockets architecture to Belgrade citizens. What is worth even more; to present what a landscape architect can and must do with the desire to achieve a sustainable urban development.

A great career lies in front of them. Wish them good luck!

Nevena Vasiljevic University of Belgrade, Faculty of Forestry Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture Belgrade, Serbia III. Experiences, places

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 41 23/09/13 16:34 III. Experiences, places

The Project of Heartlands Cornwall

Overall vision families, businesses and visitors to this South America, Australia and Africa unique region of the United Kingdom. will be planted to acknowledge this, Heartlands is a £35 million community alongside native plants, while tradi- led scheme to transform Cornwall’s Heartlands’ 19 acre landscape will be tional Cornish stone hedges will provide most derelict urban area into a truly a spectacular cultural playground offer- shelter. inspirational cultural landscape. ing year-round year round attractions Cornwall Council has been awarded for local people, tourists and business Sustainable gardening methods, inno- a £22.3 million grant from the Big users. Exhibitions, gardens and newly vative rainwater recycling systems and Lottery’s Living Landmarks programme commissioned artworks will interpret community gardening projects using and signifi cant match funding from the Cornwall’s unique landscape, wildlife, volunteers, will all be seen in action, Homes and Communities Agency, the culture and heritage. and leafy outdoor classrooms, sculpture European Regional Development Fund gardens and performance spaces will all (ERDF) and contributions from the Play and outdoor adventure play a part in the unique mix. Council itself to deliver this incredible community vision. It was one of only A newly created landscape will grow Arts, entertainment, and events three projects in the United Kingdom where there is now wasteland. Featuring to receive grants under the Big Lottery one of the largest children’s adventure Heartlands will offer a packed pro- Fund’s Living Landmarks scheme, areas in the South West, the Heartlands’ gramme of art exhibitions, festivals from over 350 applications across offer also includes gardens, water fea- and music and theatre performances the country. Heartlands will create tures, fountains, and trails, exploring attracting visitors throughout the year. a unique setting for a range of activities Cornwall’s unique culture and offering that are essential for the area’s social entertainment and fun for all families. Two outdoor spaces will accommodate regeneration. The design philosophy for this area has performances and events for up to been led by local school children work- 4,000 people, while two new squares The Heartlands design philosophy has ing with designers to produce a design will hold farmer’s markets and arts fairs. been one of responding to the historic themed around Cornish culture and A series of adaptable indoor venues, and cultural situation of the site whilst legends. including the 200 seat Heartlands Hall integrating uplifting and sensitive fea- will host everything from regional busi- tures that will enable a Unesco World Gardens and planting ness conferences to community group Heritage Site setting to be the founda- meetings and craft workshops. tion of a prosperous future for the local Heartlands is a green project with its community. The landscape design focus fi rmly on a sustainable future. Visitor Centre and architectural design that has been The gardens and planting are carefully undertaken has therefore been dual designed to refl ect Cornwall’s ecology Heartlands will be a gateway destination focussed on the historic sensitivities and but also the infl uence of the Cornish within the Cornwall and West Devon community vision, the result of which mining pioneers whose enterprising Mining Landscape World Heritage is a mixed use development of inter- spirit took them around the world. Site. The visitor centre is housed in the national quality which works for local Vibrant and exotic plant species from Robinson’s Shaft mine complex. An audio visual show will tell the story of Cornish ingenuity, past, present and future, capturing the essence of the County’s unique geology and geogra- phy. The renovation and restoration of the structures, part of the Cornwall and West Devon World Heritage Site, have had a strong conservation approach throughout, whilst striving to enhance the environmental sustainabil- ity of the buildings. These challenges have produced a Building Research Establishment Assessment Method. Excellent development which is low carbon in use, by off-setting in excess of 70% of the carbon emissions through on-site renewable technologies includ- ing wind turbines, solar panels and a bio-mass heating system.

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 42 23/09/13 16:34 The Heartlands community-led philoso- phy and vision to transform a unique and historic site has resulted in an inno- vative and uplifting setting for the future prosperity of a community, acting as a catalyst for the wider regeneration and development of the area. Heartlands will soon be open to the public.

Scott James Programme Director Heartlands Cornwall Council

John Fleet Director of the Centre for European Research within Cornwall (CERES) Cornwall, United Kingdom III. Experiences, places

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 43 23/09/13 16:34 III. Experiences, places

The Park of the Planet Cities – an open s of creative industries and innovations in

The process of the role and growth of ries allocated to twin cities, that have In return a Tver residence (a Russian cities is one of the main tendencies of their own character and development wooden palace “Russian Terem”) will human development. Cities become the plan but at the same time share a com- be built in twin cities on the same condi- main instrument of steady development mon vision for long-term development tions. Each participating city therefore of human civilisation. Aspiration for the of the city as a modern centre at an will have 100% of property assets. creation of a “green city”, open space international level in the format of open for the realisation of creative industries space. This ideology can be described For a more successful realisation of and innovations should become the as “a circle of circles”. the project the European conception main element of such development. of “open city” based on democracy of The project is a new innovative direct action needs to be adopted, where One such opportunity is offered by the approach in the urban strategy of cities the process of administrative decision- citizens’ diplomacy project the “Park of reconstruction and landscape and parks making is open for participation of all the Planet Cities”, prepared by the initi- designed, as 95% of the territory will citizens. This ideology stakes on social ative group of architects and the spatial be covered with parks and hydro parks. capital development of the city, and on and strategic planning experts of Tver. It French, Bulgarian, Chinese, Hungarian, citizens’ activity. Each citizen has a right is a redevelopment project of Tver City German, Finnish and other park zones and an opportunity to take part in the centre in the natural hydro-park zone will appear. They will refl ect the unique design and to take responsibility upon of T’maka, Lazur and Volga fl oodplains. style and special features of each coun- himself. Civil society institutions will try and at the same time they will rep- search for the best people and ideas, for To implement this project, the recon- resent business residences of each city projects and development initiatives to struction territory that has an area partner of the project. be realised. Selection of such projects, greater than 300 ha is restructured ideas and people will take place at cities in a particular way. Special zones are The rest of the territory will involve: social forums and civil congresses. selected and then distributed between business and information centres, trade investors from the twin cities; thereby and entertainment and sports com- The realisation of the project will allow the Park of the Planet Cities will be ini- plexes, museum and exhibition pavil- integrating global town planning and tiated, opening the project. Any city in ions, cinema and concert halls, hotels creative landscaping ideas. It will make any country in the world may take part and modern residential building. conditions for the realisation of creative in this project, but the project will start industries and innovations. The modern its work with twin cities. The project offers a joint partnership European conception of “open city” will in building and using the objects of the therefore be adopted, united with Tver The point of this project is that the city project property “Park of the Planet historic and cultural heritage and also begins to develop as several independ- Cities” with the income divided equally with real practice of Tver connections ent prospective centres on the territo- between two sides. with twin cities within the scope of citi- zens’ diplomacy.

At the roundtable discussion “European cooperation for regional development” of IX All-Russia Forum of regions and cities strategists held in 2010, in Saint- Petersburg, the project idea “Park of the Planet Cities” was presented. V. Bashilov & Obraztsov

44 Futuropa no 3 / 2012

kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 44 23/09/13 16:34 pace for realisation Tver, Russian Federation

Every historical age has left to descend- ants its priceless cultural and archi- tectural monuments, temples and palaces, parks and gardens, theatres and bridges. This is an opportunity to give our descendants the “Park of the Planet Cities” and doors are open for future international partners.

Vyacheslav M. Bashilov Head of the Initiative group of architects and V. Bashilov & Obraztsov the spatial and strategic planning experts of Tver, Member of the Public Chamber of Tver’, Member of the Russian Economic Developers Association (ASSET)

Vladimir I. Obraztsov Member of the Initiative group of architects and the spatial and strategic planning experts of Tver, Architect of the project, Member of the Russian Union of Architects Tver, Russian Federation V. Bashilov & Obraztsov III. Experiences, places

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A landscape project approach of the Cor of the Imrahor Valley and the Eymir-Mog

Ankara is a landlocked city. However, ering and drainage making facilities. To Ankara, the Municipal Olympic Games it has various remarkable recreational comply with international instruments, Area, the Ankara Sugar Factory Area, facilities. The Corridor of the Imrahor the water basins and valleys are pro- the Ataturk Forestry Farm, the Ankara Valley and Eymir-Mogan Lakes is one tected by agreed principles on effi cient Cultural Centre, the Park of Abdi Ipekci, of the attractive open and green space land use with a view to conserving the Park of Kurtulus, the 50th Year Park, areas in Ankara. their aesthetic and functional features. and the Corridor of the Imrahor Valley River basins and valleys in Ankara are and the Eymir-Mogan Lakes. To provide a new recreational prone to domestic and industrial pol- area to Ankara lution due to rapidly increasing popu- It is a signifi cant recreational area as lation and uncontrolled urban growth. the fi nal part of the green axis stretches Ankara is the capital of Turkey with In this respect, the rehabilitation of the from the west to the south. The Corridor approximately 4.7 million inhabitants. Corridor of the Imrahor Valley and the will pose a valuable contribution to In view of the population and geographi- Eymir-Mogan Lakes can be presented upgrade the standard of the ratio of cal position of Ankara, recreational as a good example of the conservation green area per person in the metropoli- areas provide for vital needs in the city. of natural resources and the upgrading tan area. The area is exposed to pollu- The Imrahor Valley with its beautiful of urban open spaces. tion due to rapidly increasing population scenery is located in its southeast part. and construction. The lakes could also The valley ending in the Eymir-Mogan Relevant strategies need to be designed be in danger of dying away because of Lakes offers a picturesque landscape. to integrate this area into other urban uncontrolled construction on aquifer facilities of Ankara. The Corridor has zones, which cause an interruption to The Imrahor Valley has a curvy shape, been under conservation since the fi rst the water resources supplying them. and spans approximately 8 kilometres. spatial plan of Ankara in 1932. Although A landscape project is required to gen- The Corridor of the Imrahor Valley it has been earmarked as one of the erate sustainable policies and strategies and the Eymir-Mogan Lakes provide green axes of Ankara by various master in order to develop the Corridor and to a remarkable urban recreational area plans so far, unfortunately it is becom- provide natural conservation as well as in terms of natural beauty, water res- ing diffi cult to prevent constructions in to design an open green area. ervoir, air corridor and an area of bio- the face of increasing population and logical diversity. Moreover, the whole inclining demand for housing. The roles of the Geographical region has an agricultural wealth as well Information System and Remote as important historical and archaeologi- In this respect, designing a landscape Sensing technology cal assets. The total area to benefi t from project for the Corridor will provide the landscape project is 3526 hectares. opportunities of environmental conser- The Geographical Information System vation and completion of a green axis of (GIS), which stores and manages spa- In Turkey, some misapplications have Ankara. It stretches from the west to the tial data, plays an important role in per- been experienced in the rehabilitation south with various green areas, namely forming complex analyses, such as the of water basins and valleys, such as cov- Murted Plain, the Hippodrome of management of economical, political, social and cultural resources. The sys- tem also integrates these resources for a specifi c purpose. In this respect, meth- ods of GIS provide a useful tool in the preparation of the landscape project of the Corridor of Imrahor Valley and the Eymir-Mogan Lakes. In conjunction with this, the means of Remote Sensing (RS) prove useful in terms of preparation of various analyses and the implementa- tion of the landscape project. The tools of GIS and RS provide opportunities for effective use of spatial data and inter- operability of various data.

The Site of the Imrahor Valley and the Eymir-Mogan Lakes

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Bearing in mind the benefi t of these tools, the Turkish Ministry of Public Works and Settlement in 2009, established a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). After the com- pletion of NSDI in Turkey, some basic documents, such as national land use maps, risk maps, and development plans will be produced to provide guidance to various planning projects, including landscape planning, and con- struction projects of different scales. In this respect, the landscape project of the Corridor will provide an example of the interoperability of GIS and RS technolo- gies with the spatial data.

Proposal on how to prepare The 3-D land modelling of the Corridor on the basis of the aerial photo a landscape project

Multi Criteria Decision Analysis is to determine various recreational the weights from 0 to 1; to perform site land uses by means of preparing a site analysis for each land use. The Corridor is rehabilitated with analysis appropriate for each land use. a focus on natural conservation and To prepare a site analysis, a process is The relevant land uses are determined the provision of an open green area designed in the following stages: to set based on the experience of landscape for the citizens of Ankara. The goal the criteria for the site analysis; to set architects. The geographical particu- of the Multi Criteria Decision Analysis relevant weights of the criteria; to scale larities of the Corridor are taken into consideration as main determinants of the criteria guided by the site analy- ses. The relevant weights of the criteria are set in accordance with the degree of importance by considering that the sum of total weights should be equal to one hundred. The method of setting the weights of criteria is to ask academics in the fi eld of landscape planning for their scientifi c views and making a synthesis of these.

As a result of the Multi Criteria Decision Analysis, explained above, four differ- ent land uses were chosen among six- teen original propositions: an area for horseback riding, cycling paths, picnic areas and hobby gardens.

For each land use, a site analysis map is produced by means of GIS and RS. Each site analysis map shows the viability of the site, divided into three land use cate- gories: namely appropriate, conditional appropriate and inappropriate zones. The conditional appropriate zones refer to the area needed for extra technical arrangement for a given land use. The location of the Imrahor Valley and the Eymir-Mogan Lakes III. Experiences, places

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– The picturesque view of the Corridor is enhanced by lakes and ponds of various sizes: since Ankara is a land- locked city, the lakes and ponds might create various recreational facilities, such as walking paths, cafés and res- taurants and cycling paths.

– The Corridor has numerous access points from main roads: numerous access points will induce many visi- tors to the Corridor. Thus, the attrac- tiveness will be increased by the improvement of transportation routes to the Corridor.

– There is a limited constructed area in the Corridor: Due to limited con- structed areas, the methods of expro- priation and replacement are strongly recommended in terms of increas- ing the amount of open green areas available.

Integrated approach on landscape planning

The site development of the Corridor as a result of the multi criteria decision analysis (Yellow: Appropriate zones light, Green: Conditional appropriate zones, Dark green: The integrated approach on landscape Inappropriate zones, Orange: Existing settlement areas) planning is aimed at supporting projects by the relevant fi nancial and adminis- trative/organisational proposals. The model focused especially on the Eymir- Evaluation of problematic areas the landscape project of the Corridor Mogan Lakes, which were declared and opportunities by nominating new functions such as a Special Environmental Protected Area tourism (pension houses), handcrafts by the Decree of Cabinet of Ministers Focusing on the natural conservation (hand-knitting materials, carpet weav- number 90/1117 of 22 October, 1990. and rehabilitation of the Corridor, the ing, copper works), fi eld sports (horse The Special Environmental Protection existing land use analysis covering pick riding, rowing). Areas are rich in terms of natural, his- data of environment, fl ora and fauna, torical and cultural values and with climate, geology, topography, transpor- – Number of brickyards in the corridor: biological and ecological assets in need tation, texture of property is prepared The removal of brickyards is strongly of preservation. The Authority for the by means of GIS and RS. recommended because of their highly Protection of Special Areas is in charge polluting features. The governmental of taking measures to solve the exist- As a result of the existing land use incentives and expropriation could be ing environmental problems, defi ning analysis, main problematic areas and taken into consideration. the principles for preservation and land opportunities to develop the Corridor use, developing the municipal spatial are stated in the following: Opportunities and proposed approaches plans as well as ratifying these plans. Based on the Convention for protect- Problematic areas and proposals for – The Corridor is encompassed by for- ing the Mediterranean against pollution, a solution ested areas: The forest areas provide opened for signature in Barcelona in an opportunity to prevent construc- 1976, the Authority for the Protection of – Limited amount of feasible area due tion around the Corridor. It facilitates Special Areas was originally established to the topological and geological dis- the conservation of natural environ- after reports to the Prime-ministry in advantages: The steep slope areas ment and increases the amount of 1988. Since 1991, it reports to the can be used for various recreational green area per person in Ankara. Ministry of Environment and Forestry. purposes. The method of terracing Thus, the landscape project on the slopes could also provide some plat- Corridor can easily be designed in Local authorities are conceived to be the forms, which are especially useful accordance with the principles of sus- most effective administrative bodies in for hobby gardens. The basin of the tainability and liveability. terms of implementation and monitor- Valley can be eligible for some agri- ing of land use decisions. Local authori- cultural facilities such as orchards – The fl ora of the Corridor is enriched ties, such as municipalities in Ankara and vineyards. by endemic species: the landscape should take into account: project can be enriched by various – Rural residential areas in the Corridor: recreational facilities through exist- – Efficient organisation and co-ordi- The rural areas can be integrated into ing endemic species. nation: the municipalities are local

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 48 23/09/13 16:34 authorities that know the area and the its landlocked location. The Corridor of texture of the property. Thus, they can the Imrahor Valley and Eymir-Mogan easily contact the relevant citizens and Lakes is one of the oldest potential green organisations to provide co-ordination areas. Highly exposed to urban pollu- with a view to generate sustainable tion, it needs to be managed by a land- policies and land use decisions. scape project to provide environmental protection. Three different approaches – Public participation: since the mem- and models to this, prepared by GIS and bers of the municipal parliament are RS technologies have been presented. local citizens, public participation in The main contribution of these technol- the project as well as public control of ogies is a facilitation of data collection the project will be easier. and processing. This produces reliable reference points in an area that works – Sustainable land use decisions: the as a guide for better implementation of municipalities are the local authori- a project, as well as provides an oppor- ties responsible for the preparation tunity for monitoring and auditing. Each of spatial plans as well as landscape model provides a solution in terms of plans. Thus, they can easily integrate natural conservation and fulfi lment of relevant land use decisions of the necessary standards in regards to the landscape project into other local urban green area to person quota. As spatial plans. a holistic approach, it is also possible to integrate those three models into one. In terms of fi nancial issues, the munic- ipal budget will not be sufficient. Ebru Alarslan Division Chief, Ministry of Public Works Thus, a public-private partnership can and Settlement be a good approach to finance the project. The interested fi rms can initi- Tuba Sayan ate a project, as a fi rst-step investor, City Planner, Ministry of Public Works attracted by the management of the and Settlement income-producing facilities located in Yasemin Tabar the project area. Furthermore, it is also Landscape Architect (Ms. GIS), Ministry recommended to ask for the support of Public Works and Settlement from the central government. Ankara, Turkey

After outlining some key issues about the organisation and fi nancing of the project, the main objectives of the landscape planning are to design the relevant land use areas in the Corridor with a view to providing sustainable environmental resources and liveable urban environment for the citizens in Ankara, and to create the relevant land use activities to support the fi nancing of the project.

In order to fulfi l these objectives, the landscape plan is designed on the basis of principles, such as: the conservation of forests, woods, and reedy parts of lakes; the provision of harmonious building standards in the Corridor in terms of height, colour, and design with respect to the environment; clearing aquifer zones but not interrupting the sources of water to the lakes. In the light of these principles, the relevant land uses are designed in the landscape plan as follows: areas for restaurants, cafés, and motels; camping sites; picnic areas; areas for holiday houses; and areas for fi eld and water sports. The analysis of existing land use and topography Recreational and open green areas are (Synthesis of spectral and panchromatic images of Ikonos)

vital necessities in Ankara, because of III. Experiences, places

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An urban open green space of Belgrade:

Recognising the fact that towns are not The historical development of land- The park is decorated with statues. only buildings and bearing in mind that scape is confined to the 19th and The fi rst statue set up as a park deco- open spaces form a fundamental part of 20th centuries, but it is, nonetheless, ration, was a bronze statue entitled the urban environment and an essen- tremendously important. This is due to the “Reaper” (by Viennese sculptor tial part of cultural heritage, we aim the fact that landscape development Fidelis Kimmel, 1852). This great stone to present how the open space area in started at the beginning of the restora- obelisk was raised in 1865, after the Belgrade, recognised as the oldest park tion of the Serbian state, after Serbia 50th celebration of the Second Serbian “Topc˘ider”, contributes to the improve- received its autonomous status within Uprising. ment of life and the quality of its inhabit- the Ottoman Empire. In 1831, con- ants in their built environment. struction of the residential units of the Court ensembles from nearby cit- Obrenovic´ family began, with Miloš’s ies, typical for Central Europe, sought Belgrade is a city with an array of poten- Palace and Topc˘ider Park. At one time, recreation in the natural, yet culti- tial landscapes, geographically situated the Palace held the Museum of Prince vated environment, which served as at the confluence of two rivers: the Miloš and Mihailo Obrenovic´, which in an example for Topc˘ider complex, at Sava and the Danube, and accompa- 1929 became the Forest and Hunting the time of its appearance. The Park nied by an extraordinary blend of nat- Museum. During the celebration of the has been created in the “free” English ural and cultural heritage in an urban 150th anniversary of the First Serbian style, which is characterised by winding environment. Uprising (1954), the Museum dedicated paths, native species of trees and plants to this historic event was open in the and the formulation of water mirrors. Topcider is according to the Law on cul- Palace. The abundance of natural water in this tural property, recognised as of cultural region, made it possible to set up several value and is declared a Spatial Cultural- The planting of plane trees (Platanus fountains. Historical Unit of Great Importance acerifolia), which are now located for Serbia. It consists of several zones: throughout the park, began in the spring By the end of 19th century, Topc˘ider the Topc˘ider Park zone, the Košutnjak of 1866. Today, there is a protected was recognised a recreational, historic forest zone, the Dedinje zone and the plane tree in front of Miloš’s Palace, and picnic area, providing the frame- Royal Palace complex, the racetrack which dates from this time and is one work for various leisure activities that zone as well as the zone of rail and road of the oldest and most beautiful plane have changed with time. These changes corridors in the valley of the river. trees in Europe. became particularly ardent after 1894, D. Lukic & B. Filipovic

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when a tramline from the city centre was implemented.

The railway, which passed through the valley, divided the valley forever. On the one side of the railway is the Košutnjak Forest, while on the other side the remaining residential complex of the Obrenovic´ Dynasty, is located. D. Lukic & B. Filipovic

Errors in planning and the lack of co- ordination between different authorities create risks and unresolved confl ict of use poses threats to the area. The picture of this urban open space is completely different in a photograph, than in real- ity. The birds singing, for example has been disrupted by the constant noise from surrounding roads.

Recalling that the European Landscape Convention emphasises visual expe- rience, as well as other perceptions of landscapes (sounds and smells), we come to the conclusion that the urban and traffi c development of this area poses an increasing threat to this landscape.

Managing urban open space means managing conflicts. These conflicts could be resolved at the stage of design and planning. “Planning for space should be conceived in such a way as to anticipate future needs of different user groups to enable them successfully to share the space with each other”.

Observations by the Institute for Nature Conservation, state that the Supported by the European Landscape planning open spaces, both historically environmental degradation and nega- Convention, Serbia will begin to co- and naturally valuable, like Topc˘ider tive impacts arising from the current operate on landscapes in a more effi - Park. management of this valuable urban cient way and in accordance with the open space of Belgrade require recom- Law on Environmental Protection, the Biljana Filipovic Senior Advisor for International Cooperation mendations for immediate actions. This Law on Nature Protection, the Law on Ministry of Environment, includes, fi rstly, the suspension of all planning and Construction and the Mining and Spatial Planning road construction and/or development Law on Strategic Impact Assessment. Belgrade, Serbia inside the park, by creating options or Promoting close co-operation between alternatives that would be an invest- all those concerned: politicians, engi- Dejana Lukic Head of Department of Landscapes Values ment, providing sustained development neers, architects, planners, and land- Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia benefi ts for long-term actions. scape architects must be a priority for III. Experiences, places

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Public parks of the historic town of Cetinje,

Due to its geographic location, Due to the exceptional value of the urban and the “13 of July Park” are both part Montenegro belongs to the Central agglomeration with its artistic and cul- of a design, which is carefully regulated Mediterranean, or South-East Europe. tural and historical qualities of the indi- by the city’s gardeners. They were built Montenegro could well be called the hid- vidual monuments, Cetinje Historic Centre near the palace of King Nikola, between den gem of the Mediterranean. Cetinje, belongs to the First category cultural 1891 and 1894. The parks were created the old royal capital of Montenegro, is monuments, and is on the Tentative List with different elements of garden design, designated as the former seat of the of Nominations for the inscription of prop- thus “Court Park” or “Njegošev Park” was crown, and is located at the foot of Lovcen erties on the World Heritage list. Cetinje created in the French fashion, and “City Mountain, at 42º 23’ 27’’ northern geo- Historic Centre constitutes a collection of Park” or “13 July” in the English fashion. graphic latitude and 18º 55’ 45’’ east heritage of exceptional importance, which The “Court Park” is located by the Blue geographic length. It is situated in the is characteristic for its harmonious unity Castle, the residence of the president of karst fi eld (Cetinje fi eld), which extends of heterogeneous elements, individually Montenegro. The Blue Castle, with its 7 km², and is on average 671 m above protected monuments, parks and a regular accompanying vegetation, is located at sea level. By air it is 12 km from Adriatic urban matrix. the border between “Njegos Park” and Sea, and 15 km from Skadar Lake. “13 July Park”, making up a single entity Cetinje, with 15,000 inhabitants, is the in terms of spatial and landscape consid- Cetinje, the old Royal Capital of historical as well as effective capital of erations. Together with Vladika’s garden, Montenegro, has its own unique story to Montenegro. This is due to its authentic the Summer Stage, the Old Stadium and tell. Ivan Crnojevic, the last ruler of the architecture and many historic build- the slopes of Eagle stone, the Blue Castle powerful medieval state of Zeta, founded ings, monasteries, churches, museums and the parks compose an integral com- the town in the 15th century. Due to and relics, which have awarded it the ponent of the existing sites that make up defence reasons, the capital was moved name “Museum City”. The monastery in the Historical Centre and are of great envi- into the mountains. Cetinje is a city with Cetinje, for example keeps precious rel- ronmental value. a rich cultural and historic heritage. Many ics in its treasury, including the relics of buildings in Cetinje date from the 19th cen- St. Peter of Cetinje, one of the most signifi - The layout of the Cetinje parks began tury after the declaration of Montenegrin cant in Montenegrin history, and the fi rst shortly after the noted Austrian architect independence, when it was established printed book of the South Slavs, namely Camillo Sitte became renown in 1889 with as a European capital. The Montenegrin the “Octoechos, the fi rst voice”, printed the publication of his book “City Planning royal family lived in Cetinje until the 20th in 1494. According to Artistic Principles”. For Sitte, century, and their palace is one of the most architecture was a process of culturisation. important aspects of the town’s cultural There are three Christian relics in Cetinje: The desire for Europeanisation of the small heritage. The town is renowned for its at the Cetinje Monastery, the hand of Saint Montenegrin capital imposed a new stand- museums as well as its cultural and histori- John the Baptist is kept, along with a piece ard of aesthetic design for the city and cal monuments, which have always made of the True Cross on which Christ was cru- urban behaviour. In order to design a way it appealing to visitors. The town’s rich cifi ed, the Icon of the Lady of Philerme is to make the city greener, they made use history, people and traditions, provides kept in the Blue Chapel of the Museum of of the varieties of wood that existed in the a link to the rest of the country and forms Art of the National Museum of Montenegro, area or were located nearby, which grew a larger picture. Its urban development, and is one of the most revered relics in the quickly, to meet the aesthetic criteria. strongly connected with the development Christian world as well as a masterpiece of Montenegrin history, has succeeded of universal value. The two parks of Cetinje enjoy a double to produce a unique architectural entity, protection: as part of the Historic Core’s within a small space. This entity manages Cetinje, in the heart of Montenegro, with cultural property, and as horticultural facili- to refl ect almost all eclectic styles from its historical centre, takes up 58 ha, and ties. In accordance with the current cat- the end of 19th and the beginning of 20th comprises 33 ha dense urban fabric, a park egorisation of natural resources, they are century. Due to the fact that there was complex and green landscape stretching now listed as natural monuments by the intensive urban development during the 25 hectares, and is one of the important International Union for the Conservation 19th century, which involved well-known segments of its cultural heritage. of Nature. “Njegošev Park” and “13 July European architects and builders of the Park”, with their 7, 83 ha, are protected time, the architectural structure of Cetinje Many visitors to Cetinje particularly under the decree on nature protection, was altered greatly. Originally a row of remember the parks with centuries-old which includes horticultural facilities. In rural structures, typical of the traditional vegetation. The architecture from the addition to their signifi cant aesthetic value, building style of this area, Cetinje became eighteenth and nineteenth century is they also have a strong cultural function. a settlement characterised by urbanity and sprinkled with rich greenery throughout eclectic architecture, with styles ranging this small town. In addition to preserved “Njegošev Park” is the oldest park in the from Neo-Romanesque, Neo-Baroque historical sites, Cetinje has two extremely city. The formation of the park was con- and Empire, to Art Nouveau and Cubist valuable parks, which from time imme- joined with the construction of the new architecture. Royal palaces and embassy morial have been and remain the lungs castle of King Nikola, in the latter half of the residences of the former Great Powers of of the city. The parks form a place where, 19th century. Originally it was in free-style Europe bear witness of the city’s historical shaded by ancient trees tourists can relax landscape. In 1891, Cetinje was supplied signifi cance. and enjoy recreation. “Njegošev Park” with water. During the early work on water

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supply, only one line of trees was laid out tion with the Cetinje fi elds and the Lovcen by the court “garden”, composed mainly Mountains, as well as the mausoleum at of evergreen trees. The purchase of “local the top of a hill, can be defi ned as a cultural trees (beech, aspen, lime for example) landscape where man has formed the area, Library of Congress Prints and Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Washington D.C. continued work on forming the Court gar- in an effort to enrich the environment and Centinje 1895 dens”, which was completed in 1895. improve the living standards. This land- scape is a union of historical, cultural and In the same year, on the land beneath the heritage factors, which have been adapted hotel Lokanda, which resembled a “com- to people’s needs, creating a distinctive mon pasture” with rugged paths in the Cetinje landscape. As such it should be form of a spider web, an implementation recognised, maintained and protected. project was implemented by Professor This will be one of the main tasks of the

Philip Jergovic´, who foresaw the introduc- heritage protection, regulated by the new Anita Brajovic tion to the park of “1340 various national Law on Cultural Property, and directed by forest trees, 368 trees: conifer different in the normative cultural landscape. height from 80 cm to 1 m, 82 cost trees or wild lime; 30 solitary trees, extraordinarily This is an area, to which every modern soci- Cetinje parks – the fi rst hundred years in some places gardens, 100 rose bushes, ety should devote their full attention, espe- the lawn areas around the pavilions and cially given the globally disturbed ecological at its summit, can be defi ned as a distinct fountains and the whole plot around balance. Montenegro is a proclaimed eco- cultural landscape. The two National Parks 2400 acacia gardens. Under supervision of logical state, and has a desire to allow people Lake Skadar and Lovcen, opens up the pos- Professor Philip Kovacevic responsible for to live in a much healthier, more beautiful sibility of other forms of tourism. measuring and scheduling holes, said the and cleaner environment. The town itself planting of 92 trees purchased by Anton is characterised by high quality vegetation Today, the conservation of the parks of Ferati from Gorica”1. An ice-skating rink is consisting of parks, squares, green areas Cetinje, involves many parties such as: fac- located, under the aspen tree slightly away along the roads, avenues, and green spaces ulties of architecture in the country as well from the monastery, which is managed around public facilities. The total area of as in the region, NGOs, and the government by the city. urban green space is about 25 ha. The long- program of Montenegro, “Cetinje-City of term goal to achieve environmental stand- Culture 2010-2013”. The reconstruction The parks of Cetinje were fi nally fi nished ards is also related to the construction of and rehabilitation of the parks is a prior- in 1910. At this point the Division of the a new landfi ll, which will enable the collec- ity. The regeneration will be conducted in National Economy, shared the lawful regu- tion and recycling of solid waste. The mod- co-operation with the National Museum lation of the municipal park, and ordered ernisation of the sanitation network and the of Montenegro and the Republic Institute 1500 softwood trees, 50 sawmills chestnut sewage treatment, which cleans water sup- for Protection of Cultural Monuments in trees, climbing roses, evergreen trees and plies, and the provision of adequate utility Cetinje. The coordinator of the project is ornamental shrubs and fl owers of various vehicles as well as storage containers for the Minister of Culture of Montenegro. sorts to be planted. waste are all part of the project to achieve a better environment. Educational and pro- The preservation of this environment is Today it is a public green area which motional programs are not to be neglected, our obligation because of the diversity of has been reworked several times. The but will aid to raise environmental aware- Cetinje’s cultural heritage, which offers an park is dominated by several types of ness among the population. insight into the history of this area as well trees, deciduous as well as conifer trees as the wider region of Montenegro. The of large dimensions. Various reconstruc- Montenegro, as a recently established continuity and authenticity of cultural her- tions has been carried out and planned independent state, is facing many chal- itage, the power of history, and architec- and unplanned planting and harvesting lenges in regards to nature conservation. tural, environmental and landscape values, has occurred, leaving the present dense By bringing together and allying regional together with the spirit of the former and group of trees. For this reason, the foliage organisations, experts and policy makers, current Royal Capital with its rich spiritual is now clustered, trees interfere with each Montenegro is identifying roads of action. heritage, form a unity which makes Cetinje other, and certain parts of the park look This will promote sustainable develop- Historic Centre the core of Montenegrin quite neglected. ment of coasts and hinterland, while historical and national identity, remem- respecting the natural environment and brance and existence. Assessing the landscape is an essential complying with international conventions starting point in appreciating the space and standards. In 2008, Montenegro for- Dobrila Vlahovic Republic Institute for the Protection as a whole, and thus the historic town of warded the alignment of environmental of Monuments of Culture Cetinje must be seen with its immediate laws with international standards, includ- Cetinje, Montenegro environment. According to the European ing the directives of the European Union. Landscape Convention, the character of 1 a landscape is the result of an interaction The values of the Cetinje Historic Centre 1 Tatjana Jovic´, Urban development of Cetinje (1878- between natural and / or human factors. in its broader context of the Cetinje plain 1918), Glasnik Narodnog muzeja Crne Gore, No 6,

The Historical Centre of Cetinje in conjunc- and Mount Lovc´en, with the Mausoleum Cetinje 2010. III. Experiences, places

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Multifunctional green open space in the ce

Warsaw is the largest city in Poland, resistant to trampling (in the eastern Events functioning as a centre for scientifi c, part), dense foliage with a predomi- cultural, political and economic life in nance of lime, hornbeam, chestnut, Within the open city space of the Europe. One of the goals of the city’s maple, poplar trees and fl ower beds. Mokotowskie Field, various events have development direction is the growing Within Mokotowskie Fields the pres- been organised over the past 10 years. importance of urban green areas as ence of 40 species of breeding birds has The most famous of these is the annual public open spaces. In Polish legisla- been noted (for example sparrow, night- Earth Day which highlights broad envi- tion, public space is defi ned in the Act ingale, pheasant, woodpecker, chalet) ronmental issues. Among those par- on Spatial Planning and Development and also various small mammals, such ticipating is the General Directorate for as “the area of special importance to as squirrels. Environmental Protection. This year’s meet the needs of residents, improve event was held on 8 May 2011 with the the quality of their lives and contribut- History theme: “The Forest quite close to us”. ing to making social contacts due to As part of this, the European Landscape its location and spatial and functional Before World War II the Mokotowskie Convention has been promoted in the characteristics, as defi ned in the study Field had a total of 200 ha and func- context of the ecological education of of conditions and directions of spatial tioned as an airport. The pioneering society, highlighting the importance management”. fl ights of Zwirko and Wigura (the fi rst and diversity of forest landscapes. On Polish pilots) took place there. There the Earth Day event, other international Main characteristics was also a horseracing track in the park conventions were also encouraged, of the Mokotowskie Field along with allotments and land parades. which have their secretariats in General After World War II parcelling out the land Directorate for Environmental Protection One of the biggest green spaces in started and the area turned into the city (the Ramsar Convention, the Bern Warsaw is Mokotowskie Field, a park park Mokotowskie Field. Artifi cial ponds Convention and the Memorandum of located near the centre of Warsaw, and paths were created, and trees and Understanding concerning Conservation between the three districts: Mokotów, shrubs were planted. Within the park Measures for the Aquatic Warbler). Ochota and the City Centre, with a total boundaries, the Central Statistical Offi ce area of 68.54 hectares. The fl ora of the headquarters, the National Library and The Mokotowskie Field also hosts park include large grassy areas with the Warsaw Technical University were numerous sporting events (Capital Bike isolated trees (39 ha), including lawns built. Tour “Mass of autism marathon relay race”), social events (e.g., Campaign for Conscious Parenting, Polish-Indian Friendship Day), artistic and cultural events (Juwenalia – annual concerts organized by universities and the International Street Art Festival). The park also has on-site pubs and restau- rants, which are family-friendly, and also hosts concerts and artistic events. Other functions

The Mokotowskie Field Park complex also serves as the climate creator, involving the formation of favourable Aleksander Tomczak, GDOS air circulation in the city by reducing air temperature and the simultane- ous increase in the moisture. But the most signifi cant function is recreation, Warsaw residents can enjoy the park, relaxing on the grass, riding bicycles, roller-skating, playing with their dogs or simply walking. Mokotowskie Field in relation to the European Landscape Convention

Mokotowskie Field is an example of Earth Day 2011. After a day of ecological awareness, participants could relax multifunctional urban open space, and enjoy making music in the middle of Mokotowskie Field which follows the European Landscape

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 54 23/09/13 16:34 ntre of Warsaw: Mokotowskie Field Park Malgorzata Opechowska, GDOS

Artifi cial pond in the central part of Mokotowskie Field

Convention. One of the actions that is essential for further development this reason good park management took place recently in the Park was and protection against degradation of relating to the recommendations of the the creation of an educational path common urban space. A spatial devel- European Landscape Convention is so devoted to Ryszard Kapuscinski, the opment plan has been established for important, thus preserving the scenic famous Polish reporter and columnist, Mokotowskie Field, which states that landscape of the park while the multi- who died in 2007. The project is a joint the park will be open to all and continue functional character is kept intact. action with Ochota District authorities, to be shaped as an assembly area of the National Library, the Institute of parks, greenery and the accompanying Magdalena Wolicka General Directorate for Journalism at Warsaw University and infrastructure, sports and services. The Environmental Protection the Foundation for Change Bec. The main principles as established in the Department of Nature Conservation path consists of 15 points, each of which plan aim to preserve and protect exist- Warsaw, Poland refers to quotations from the works of ing areas of the park and its facilities, Kapuscinski. The project is joint with maintaining links with the neighbouring landscape management in a small scale green areas, urban park avenue devel- by establishing the path and in the same opment, so as to ensure continuity of time encouraging people to familiarise the public space grid of the city (sur- themselves with Kapuscinski’s work by rounding streets and squares, collision- freely accessing his quotations. free access for pedestrians) shaping the “green front park” from the surrounding Management public space, through the preservation and introduction of a border of green Urban green spaces form an integral parkland in the form of a compact high part of the town structure, by creat- massif of trees and shrubs. ing open public spaces, which serve urban residents in many different ways. The Mokotowskie Field Park will be

Therefore, their proper management a showcase of modern Warsaw, for III. Experiences, places

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The Seveso and Meda Oak Wood Park (Bosc

I am pleased to present two individual ate an extensive tree-lined meadow of A section of the Oak Wood is now threat- accounts of the birth and continued limited natural and landscape value. ened by plans for a new motorway. We renewal of nature in the Seveso and There were major technical diffi culties are hoping that this plan will be shelved, Meda Oak Wood (Bosco delle Querce) as in rooting the trees and grass because in tribute to the results obtained and a practical expression of the possibility of low soil fertility, extra soil had to be the economic and human resources of re-creating the forest area which was brought in from the outside to raise the invested, as well as a mark of respect completely destroyed after the major level by several centimetres. In 1985, for the local population. disaster in Seveso on 10 July 1976. the Commissioner decided to transfer Three European directives have been the management of the area to the Paolo Lassini Director of Lombardy Region adopted with a view to preventing the Regional Forestry Association, which and Director of the rehabilitation work future recurrence of such accidents. had directed the initial work. on the “Bosco delle Querce” www.boscodellequerce.it The ‘2011 Summer University on the A group of young agronomists, for- European Landscape Convention’ was esters, experts and workers became The decision to plant a forest after the geared to show the young participants, involved in this undertaking, and now, removal of the contaminated topsoil who had not yet been born when the after ten years, the whole area was came as the result of public outcry in Seveso toxic cloud passed over, how redeveloped in consultation with the Seveso in the aftermath of the accident. human beings are capable of not only institutions and the population, and Environmental and forest work began destroying but also re-creating a land- the group has set out the basis for the in 1984 and were completed two years scape, with respect for nature, biodiver- current landscape and environmental later. Today the Wood is a symbolic sity and natural laws for human quality situation in the Oak Wood. They have place with a story to tell. of life. been determined to constantly increase the level of biodiversity and landscape The Oak Wood of Seveso and Meda is Giovanni Bana complexity, accurately defi ning the area a naturalistic area of anthropic origin President of the Il Nibbio Foundation (FEIN) Summer University (UdE) for the benefi t of the local population. located within an area that stretches Every year new trees and bushes are from the Greater Milan metropolitan On 10 July 1976 the Oak Wood Park, planted and small lakes created, the area to the pre-Alpine Lake District. which currently covers over 40 hec- forest management strategy has been The landscape features vast slopes of tares, was affected by a dioxin cloud adapted and the population has been grass and trees with patches of shrubs released by a chemical plant. This was kept informed of all initiatives. Intensive on the hills surrounding Seveso and the worst environmental accident ever and extensive techniques have been Meda. A naturally grown forest with in Europe, an incident which left its tried out with a view to renaturalising a rich undergrowth completes the park mark on environmental legislation in the most damaged sections. whose naturalistic vocation only allows Europe. for limited access. In 1996 the area was inaugurated All the subsequent actions up to 1986 and protected under regional legis- Through the years, thousands of trees were adopted and co-ordinated by lation prohibiting any change to its and bushes were planted. Different a special commissioner, fi rst of all in the use. It was declared the Oak Wood plants were displayed quite regularly person of Antonio Spallino, lawyer and “Experimentation Area” under the over the area, except for the hills located former Mayor of the City of Como, who Framework Law on Regional Protected upon the two wide “basins” built to pro- led the operations during this major dis- Areas 86/83. The level of biodiversity vide safe storage for the polluted mate- aster, followed by Luigi Noè, engineer in 2003 was higher than that of the rial. Due to the poor soil depth, only and former MEP. Both these politicians, neighbouring Monza Park, which has shrub-type bushes were able to grow. men of high integrity who were keenly centuries-old forests. In 2004, the area aware of the action needed, confronted was entrusted to Seveso Town Hall, By 1998, there was over 45,000 trees a dramatic situation with courage and which has maintained the operational and bushes in the Park, four times the expertise, who consulted regularly the and technical support of the Regional amount of 1984, when the Oak Wood local population and institutions. The Forestry Organisation (now the was started. In 2006, the Oak Wood area was completely devastated, and all Regional Organisation for Agricultural was made a Regional Natural Park, the polluted soil was shut away in two and Forestry Services – ERSAF). thus contributing to the vital role the large hi-tech dumps. area has despite its limited surface, as The Municipality has implemented for its natural element and biodiversity Contrary to the wishes of some, it was a number of schemes, including a per- within the North Milanese area, which decided that the 42 hectares which manent exhibition, as the forest pre- is extremely overbuilt. were affected would be used to create serves the signifi cance of the events a major environmental area as a perma- of the past. The local population has The 1976 disaster made the people of nent natural compensation for the dis- now reappropriated the Oak Wood Seveso more aware of environmental aster, a memorial to what had occurred area and come to terms with an expe- issues. In 2000 the Councils of Seveso, and a buffer zone for the two dumps. rience which was extremely diffi cult Meda, Cesano Maderno and Desio In 1984 work was carried out to cre- emotionally. started the process of Local Agenda 21

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pollution so as to ensure the safety of the local population. Three European Community directives concerning con- trol of industrial risks are called the “Seveso Directives”, named after the town which endured so much back in 1976. Seveso has become a worldwide symbol of environmental protection.

Today, Seveso is the offi cial nominee for the title of “Environmental City” in the context of Expo 2015, but the Oak Wood Park is “under attack” due to some project plans to use the soil of the park for building a new motorway, the “Pedemontana”. The entire Community (City Council, Associations...) believes that another solution is possible for sav- ing the park (Pedemontana Company has asked 12 acres to build the highway) and for this reason it has been asked to change the project. The City Council has formalised the request to modernise the street which is actually present, without entering the park. The Community is waiting for an answer that could change the everyday life of a town that has already suffered after the accident on 10 July 1976.

Massimo Donati Mayor of Seveso Seveso, Italy

Massimiliano Fratter Director of the Oak Forest Park Seveso, Italy

for sustainable development. In 2001 of the disaster of 10 July 1976. All docu- the Council of Seveso with the “Laura mentation produced by the committees, Conti” Seveso Branch of Legambiente which sprang up spontaneously in that (an Italian non-profit environmental period, was collected, studied and fi led; protection group) and the Fondazione it is now part of the public archives and Lombardia per l’Ambiente (established is freely accessible. after the Seveso accident) began the his- torical-scientifi c research project called The experience of Seveso started “The Bridge of Memory”. Its purpose a new phase in policy-making which was to reconstruct the chain of events controls by rule of law all sources of III. Experiences, places

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Facade colours in Europe: idealising the

petition between residents but, on the contrary, equates with repetitive com- munity practices.

According to the colourist Jacques D. Steinmetz Fillacier, the quality of public space in old towns and villages reflected a solidarity-based society which was not subjected to industry and consum- erism: tradition gave individuals the freedom to create their environment: they painted their houses, wove their clothing and manufactured their com- modities. This freedom was governed by a sense of aesthetic solidarity result- ing in the beauty of our traditional vil- lages and the charm of the embroidered costumes of our old provinces. This free- dom has gone, because nowadays it is industry that creates, only allowing the individual to choose among the items Augsburg, Germany: a trompe-l’œil city which it offers.1 In the same article, Jacques Fillacier accuses colour of being the main reason for the growing ugli- Perfecting the image of towns, cities, Built landscapes are also very carefully ness of villages: the irruption of mate- villages and landscapes seems to be treated; close attention is paid to ham- rials, the democratisation of powerful a major concern in most European lets and villages painted in the colour polychromic resources have spattered countries. Most architectural sites of the surrounding stones, resembling them with colours… one single bright which avoided the mass destruction telluric eruptions, and people are fasci- yellow house in the middle of a tradi- of World War II and have managed to nated by fi shing villages in which the tional village is enough to insult and retain a homogeneous urban fabric are multicoloured facades are refl ected in destroy it.2 strongly gravitating towards an image the water, decorated with supposedly whereby landscape and architectural “timeless” materials and colours. Although we might be surprised at developments conspire to produce an a defi nition of freedom based on dep- ideal picture. These sites owe their authenticity to the rivation of resources and frustration expression of identical procedures in of individual initiative, as if the soci- In the historic districts of towns and cit- which variety is not the same as com- ety depicted was a herd acting from ies, building facades establish discrete continuity from one edifi ce to the next, recovering the shapes and colours, and sometimes even the gilding, of their pre- industrial past. Modern elements are generally shunned, and cars barely tol- erated; bars and restaurants and trendy

shops occupy the ground fl oors of build- D. Steinmetz ings, promoting the desired animation. Moreover, towns, having carried out rebuilding in line with modern precepts, are now seeking the means of making their living environments more attrac- tive via development projects in which colour is geared to suggesting areas that correspond to old architectural styles. In the German city of Augsburg, for instance, the rows of buildings suggest a Baroque city because of the alternating curved and sawtooth gables, with faded colours and false cornice mouldings.

Burano, Italy: a gaudy fi shing village

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instinct or imitation, this is a nostalgic, versy is particularly diffi cult to settle as The local people are encouraged, or simplistic, sepia and grey tinted vision. colour is seldom governed by legislation sometimes forced, to help build up In his book Farbigkeit im Fachwerkbau, and is in any case subjective. their living environment in accordance Johannes Cramer demonstrates that the with an image which refl ects not their inhabitants of the Rhine region painted Many facade colour planning instru- aspirations but those of the project man- their houses using procedures which ments are being developed, produc- ager, who monopolises both the work were often highly inventive, as soon as ing results which scarcely vary from and “good taste”. The trend is towards they could afford to purchase colouring one region to another. The plans are idealising built landscapes on the basis agents.3 Lake Constance is surrounded assigned to specialists, who are usually of a theme stemming from specifi c local by entire towns full of houses covered architects or artists who design façade features such as vineyards, the colour from top to bottom in multicoloured colouring plans using restrictive colour pink, fi shing or half-timbering, using paintings, which the owners used to ranges and setting out practical exam- marketing techniques. This tautologi- proudly display their wealth, in accord- ples of their use, and who sometimes cal system in which all the component ance with a tradition dating back to at provide consultancy services. In some parts correspond to a brand image, is least the Renaissance. countries, such as Austria, which are dragging many towns and cities towards particularly concerned with their tourist a caricatured image, or at best one that Today’s multicoloured housing estates assets, full-scale commissions are set up resembles a stage set. are also an expression of differences comprising historians, architects, artists between neighbours. Since the colour and elected representatives, which visit Denis Steinmetz Director of the Master’s in Colour, of a painting scheme or rendering is individual citizens who wish to renovate architecture and space no longer restrictive in terms of cost, the facades of their houses in order to Strasbourg University, France anyone can indulge in the exhilaration pinpoint the ideal colour for the (pro- of choosing whatever colour he likes. visionally) perfect landscape image. In 1 2 3 Obviously, passers-by may take offence others, such as France, where colour at the lack of harmony between houses is still viewed with some suspicion, and demand measures to sort out this painted coverings are systematically “cacophony of colours”. In fact, the stripped in order to reinforce the image current debate on the colour of build- of the “bare stone” landscape. ings involves two opposing approaches: 1 Quite obviously, this conception of the Jacques Fillacier, «Nouvelle fonction sociale de la one emphasises everyone’s freedom to couleur», in Recherche et application de la cou- choose how his property should look, public space no longer belongs to the leur dans ses rapports avec l’homme, Panstwowe while the other advocates an organised population, but is the preserve of an out- Wydawnictwo Naukowe, Varsovie, 1969, p. 4. 2 Ibid., p. 6. system to which individuals must sub- side commercial or tourist authority or 3 Johannes Cramer, Farbigkeit im Fachwerkbau, mit for the common weal. The contro- artist as demiurge. Deutscher Kunstverlag München, 1990. D. Steinmetz

Le Mans, France: a patiently constructed mediaeval framework IV. Elements of public space

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Landscape and architecture in continuum

When tramline B was being constructed to ensure that the specifi c situation of a vast black plateau with oblique white in 2000 in order to decongest the each project is refl ected in the archi- stripes on which cars park in staggered city centre and reduce pollution, the tectonics. In the case of this multimo- rows, reinforcing the impression of Strasbourg Urban Community com- dal station, the architect’s challenge motionless motion. All these elements missioned a multimodal station (train, arises from the political and civic are designed and set out with an eye to tram, car, bike) from the Anglo-Iraqi desire for the tram project: prioritis- structuring a territory and obtaining an architect Zaha Hadid. The project com- ing public transport over individual unusual visual fi eld, creating an excep- prises a car park, a railway station, cars and transforming citizens’ behav- tional locus: the entrance to a city. a bike park, a small shopping area and iour in their choice of how to get from a waiting area. point A to point B. The architect transforms this heteroge- neous, banal peripheral place into a cen- The architect proposes a specifi c inves- In a destructured urban peripheral tre of gravity, of exchange between tigation of space, determined by two landscape made up of commercial different modes of transport. Rather major aspects which structure her and business areas, residential areas, than distributing areas over a piece of approach: one concerns kinetics, the garden, apartment blocks, individual ground, she seizes the context and cer- virtually obsessive consideration of the houses, car parks and railway lines, tain programme elements to propose whole area of movement and motion, the design of this terminal is geared a transformation of this locus. The aim and other is topology, the constant to structuring this composite situa- is to construct a preeminent space, concern for continual deformation of tion by linking the existing structures a haven of artifi cial nature growing up spaces, the quest for continuity. This into a continuous architectural ensem- from a compost constituted by the very makes the buildings emerge from a site, ble, a spatial continuum in perpetual nature of the site: where travel, move- and architecture and landscape mingle motion: the ground rises and falls, ments, user fl ows, and also the fabric together to give birth to a place. relief on which graphics are superim- of the landscape (volumes and topogra- posed, and various traces combine to phy, areas of exchange, landscape lines The architect develops her ideas from form fl uid, indeterminate shapes. The and all the urban traces and graphics) an analysis, an interpretation of the walls are inclined and volumes are constitute a fertile humus which makes programme and the context, in order deformed, with the relay car park as the place so individual and real. Agence Z. Hadid

Aerial view: Zaha Hadid, Multimodal terminus, Hoenheim-Nord tram station, Strasbourg – Plan of the stations

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The point which the project makes with ment forges a permanent link among

the energy of its architecture is that the all the different parts (including the Agence Z. Hadid tram is a force fi eld, a vehicle for a new steeply sloping car parks, the train and policy and vision of travel which is here tram platforms, the bus stops and the expressed in architectural terms. This pedestrian and cycle paths) and makes gravity-based architecture is a built way for a functional schema for con- Sketch for motion study metaphor for the idea of the Strasbourg tinuous exchanges among the different tram project; as a centre of gravity for means of locomotion. This scenario por- reorganising the city and its inhabitants’ trays and dramatises actions, gestures Zaha Hadid uses these architectonics to modes of transport and lifestyles. and the players of everyday life, and enshrine a veritable “poetry in motion” uses the architecture to give force and via the expression of spatial tensions. Thus the site is transformed by the extraordinary meaning to an ordinary This architectural writing dramatises effect of this motive force. The area, programme, transforming a non-place movements, configures modes of which rises to reveal two car park levels, into a metaphorical space. In order to travel, composes fl uxes with an eye to the inclined station, the curving road, manifest this permanent coup de théâ- eliciting from our ordinary humdrum the lines reorienting into an oblique tre, the architect imbues the locus with journeys a new urban symphony in strategy, objects (buildings, kiosks, bike a paradoxical spatial interplay based on order to instil magic into our everyday shelter, benches, structures) which lean the conversion and transposition: lives. She involves us in a mechanism, over, are the components of an archi- embeds us in a choreography which tectural drama which consists in cre- – of stability into instability expressed transforms and transposes dynamics, ating powerful volumes, marking the by dynamics and free forms: the in a coup de théâtre by dint of rewrit- “magnetic attraction” whose centre is ground, walls, roof, structure, objects ing our daily trips and dramatising them the station. An intensive design orders (benches, lights), and the various within a landscape and architectural each line, each trace and organises lines and traces are animated, put in continuum. each of the parking spaces by subject- motion; ing it to this original force of gravity. Pierre Litzler Architect, university teacher, Looking at the plan, all the lines merge – of instability into stability expressed Director UFR Arts to create a synchronised whole. The by an organised geometry, and move- Director for Master of Visual Arts architecture is constituted by this play ments inscribed and controlled, as in and Design, on ground movements, spatial contor- a choreographic creation. The local- Strasbourg University tions, graphics and light. This creates ity’s dynamic elements, movements France a fi eld of perceptions in the urban land- and travel linked to the different scape, which in turn reveals the station modes of transport and the various as a kind of electromagnet attracting users are stabilised by the effect of the perspectives of the site by “folding” geometry. the landscape. The aim is to produce a relief on the basis of these architecton- ics and to create a spatial continuum in which spaces, elements of the ter- minal located at different heights (car park, train platform, tram platform, and cycle and pedestrian paths) link up into a horizontal continuity. This mecha- nism involving the “folding” of spaces and horizontal concatenation points to a desire to create and promote a trans- Agence Z. Hadid formation of the architectural space.

This continuum creates a peculiar topos, setting the scene for a spectacu- lar coup de théâtre: the dénouement of this drama is intended to improve Strasbourg civic life. This spatial propo- sition dramatises space: scenography whose architectonics make the car parks look like terraces in an amphi- theatre, the tram station like the stage and the other elements like the wings where the action is being prepared,

viz the actual tram rides. This arrange- Project model IV. Elements of public space

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‘Crowning’ fountains in Val-de-Travers

On 12 September every year the inhab- into a deep, wild and picturesque gorge water for men and beasts, functioning itants of Buttes, Môtiers and other before reaching Neuchâtel lake between as public washhouses and providing clock-making villages in Val-de-Travers Colombier and Coraillod. vital water supplies in the event of fi re. decorate their villages’ public fountains. Their sumptuousness, musicality and The Fountains Festival commemorates With its seven villages and the small prolifi c water fl ow expressed the rural Neuchâtel Canton’s entry into the Swiss town of Fleurier, the Val-de-Travers communes’ shared ambition and desire Confederation in 1814. For the occa- forms a proto-urban ensemble. Most of to create enough fountains to serve the sion, local schoolchildren, residents and the villages, lined with rows of large- community. In the 19th century, when associations decorate the fountains with windowed limestone houses, date back the industrialised areas and towns of highly original displays, turning them to the 18th and 19th centuries, a period Neuchâtel Canton began demanding into veritable works of art when they which was also marked by the architec- more water, the rural communes were are lit up by hundreds of candles on the ture of the Grands Collèges built in the able to protect their vested rights of evening of the Festival. Swiss national style. The Val-de-Travers access to water from their public foun- villages have surprisingly wide streets tains. This means that the fountains are Landscape and fountains and large numbers of octagonal, oval now the property of the communes, in Val de-Travers and oblong fountains. There is a foun- which ensure their upkeep. tain approximately every fi fty metres Val-de-Travers is located halfway in the villages, repeating their specifi c The Fountains Festival between the Jura high plateaus and the style of construction which varies only hilly vineyards along Neuchâtel lake. slightly from one village to the next. The preparations for the Fountains Vallis transversa, the “valley crossing the The fountains were often hewn from Festival begin in the week preceding others”, as indicated by the name given one large piece of white limestone 12 September every year. Children to the area by the Romans because of its by specialist stone-cutters. The whole scour the countryside, rummaging in transverse orientation vis-à-vis the Jura population of the village or neighbour- the forests for the moss on which to mountain ranges, links the Swiss Three hood were involved in funding and base their decorations and clay from Lakes region to France via Pontarlier. transporting the fountains. Some of the caves near the springs in the sur- This clock-making and industrial val- them have two basins, the fi rst provid- rounding area. They also collect peb- ley is delimited by two mountainsides ing drinking water and the second being bles and straw from the fi elds around fl anked by vertiginous fi r tree forests in used as a trough. Sometimes there is their villages, and vegetables, marrows, the lower reaches, with a narrow pas- a third basin which was used for other fl owers and seasonal fruits from kitchen sage between the “la Clusette” cliffs and vital tasks such as laundering. The cen- gardens and orchards. For the Festival, the “Creux du Van” white cliffs at the tres of the octagonal fountains contain children also do the rounds in their vil- top. The Creux du Ban was also the fi rst columns topped with stone balls. The lage streets to collect a little money for Swiss nature reserve, opened in 1876, oblong fountains have obelisk-shaped the extra materials they need to install protecting large fauna such as Alpine pillars, with water pouring from bronze their decorations, sometimes planning ibex, chamois, roe deer, brown hare pipes stressing the fountain symbolism them as much as a year in advance. and western capercaillie. At the west- of vitality and health. Every fountain is Their decorations refl ect such topical ern end of the valley, the Areuse spring unique, but their common style forges village events as weddings, football gushes from the base of an enormous a cultural bond among all the villages matches they have enjoyed, regardless rock at a rate varying between 700 and in the valley. of the fi nal score, and imaginary sub- 50 000 litres per second, depending on jects with fi sh, frogs, fairies and elves the season. The Areuse collects ground- The Val-de-Travers fountains are refer- as the main protagonists. The decora- water from the higher plateaus of the ence points in the public space. They tions are set up during the afternoon of Brévine valley and the Lac des Taillères, are often located in the centre of the 12 September. The children are let off as well as from the Doubs basin, embel- village or at strategic points in the pub- school for the occasion, and the adults lishing the Val-de-Travers landscape lic space, such as major crossroads. help them with their fountain decora- with its numerous meanders over They are places where people pass tions. Everyone decorates the fountain a twenty-kilometre stretch, at altitudes every day, as well as prime areas for closest to his home, with a total number of mostly between 900 and 700 metres. encounters and discussions. They were of between ten and twelve per village Then, at Noiraigue, the river plunges formerly the only sources of drinking taking part in the traditional festivities.

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The activities are organised “on the the central square, where the children making industry became rooted in this grapevine”, and the Festival gets under sing a last song, compete with actions. poor farming valley with its harsh cli- way spontaneously, without commit- In fi ne weather the residents chat by the mate, functioning as a seasonal activity tees or offi cial launches. illuminated fountains and drink a glass during the long winter months. Whole of absinthe. Many of them get together families were involved in the work. At about 8 pm the village band starts off in groups and set off to visit the other With no need for expensive infrastruc- the procession in ceremonial uniform, villages which have also created their tures, the farmers/craftsmen set up their led by the fi rst-year children on fl oats own specifi c masterpieces. workshops in their homes and sold their pulled along by their dads. They are fol- prestigious products to commercial trav- lowed by older schoolchildren and local Common creativity ellers, who sold them on in France and residents. The procession halts at each in an industrial region Britain, and subsequently worldwide. decorated fountain, fl anked by the deco- Given its vulnerability to political events rators, and the band plays a tune. The The seven villages and the small town of and unstable luxury item markets, the schoolchildren sing and the participants Fleurier in the Val-de-Travers, which are Val-de-Travers clock-making industry comment on the decorations and con- linked up by roads lined with fruit and has undergone many crises and periods gratulate the artists. The procession con- deciduous trees, share the same culture of radical restructuring. In the 19th cen- tinues right through the village, which and history, namely that of the Swiss tury, the articulation of clock-making is lit up for the occasion by the myriad Jura clock-making industry. Introduced workshops as a manufacturing indus- candles on its fountains. The circuit by Huguenot refugees after the revoca- try linked up the homeworkers into one ends at the main octagonal fountain in tion of the Edict of Nantes, the clock- single production line. In the 20th cen- C. Wacker

The six Communes of Môtiers fountain about to be lit up for the evening procession during the Fountains Festival IV. Elements of public space

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tury, clock-making factories once again continuum from the proto-industrial age, the moss, straw, fl ower and fruit reorganised the division of labour in era to the current post-industrial period. decorations bring the landscape into the the valley’s families and communes. They are also attracting poets, writers centre of the arena, concentrating pub- For a whole generation they were able and other intellectuals to Val-de-Travers. lic attention on them on the day of the to fend off increasing international The changing decorative motifs used Festival. While respecting freedom of competition, initiated by clock-makers for the Fountains Festival bear witness choice for the current themes of the dec- in Besançon and later Philadelphia in to this phenomenon, but they also orations, moss as a traditional material the United States, Poland and, most remain faithful to a common rebel- for the fountain decorations, the date recently, modern China. Forced to spe- lious state of mind opposed to central of the event and the whole running of cialise more and more, many clock- power. Môtiers and Buttes are currently the Festival express deep attachment to making families abandoned agriculture the last Neuchâtel communes to com- the continuity of tradition. and ventured into full-time industrial memorate this canton’s entry into the work. This is why the Val-de-Travers Swiss Confederation in 1814 on the cor- Water celebrated in the heart landscape change at this time. The responding date, namely 12 September. of the village wheat fi elds were abandoned to make Other parts of the country celebrate room for fodder crops and potatoes. 1 March 1848, when the Republic was Every year, the traditional Val-de- Cyclical recessions in the clock-making proclaimed and a democratic regime Travers Fountains Festival, which is trade have led to major population fl uc- established. The fact is that the inhabit- unique in Switzerland, enables par- tuations, with newcomers moving into ants of Val-de-Travers commemorate ticipants to reinterpret their landscape the houses of families departing the the historic specifi city of having been anew, to share their viewpoints on region. Since the government refused both Swiss citizens and subjects of the their common current affairs and to to reduce local taxes, clocks were sold King of Prussia, and therefore having forge new artistic links between the vil- by smuggling them across the border been governed by monarchical institu- lages and the surrounding landscape. under cover of night. This is why the tions, from 1814 to 1848. The Festival provides a taste of the crafts villages, under the onslaught population’s present-day creativity, of foreign competition, counterfeit The ambiguity of being an independ- while at the same time evoking collec- watches and export bans, are develop- ent craft worker whose prosperity and tive remembrance of the past and the ing out proto-industrial outlets such as economic survival depend on decisions importance of collective well-being in lace, produced in domestic workshops, taken in far-fl ung places worldwide and rural villages. With the sound of the and precision tools. At nightfall, occa- of being neither a full-time farmer in the bands and the children’s singing, the sional neon signs marked L’Union and high plateau regions nor a town-dweller taste of the traditional absinthe and La boucherie sociale on hotels and shops in coastal industrial areas is refl ected the common experience of the proces- highlight the social dimension of the val- during the Fountains Festival by the sion around the decorated fountains in ley’s industrialisation. widespread support shown for local ini- the public environment, the residents tiative and creativity. By letting children of Val-de-Travers each year promote The two post-war periods in the lead the procession and placing young- the development of local culture, thus 20th century brought new industries to sters in the midst of the masterpieces preserving the specifi c features of the Val-de-Travers: local asphalt mining to created, the Festival emphasises the vil- “Cross-cutting” valley from generation tarmac America’s roads, manufacture lages’ future, the spontaneous organi- to generation. of knitting machines exported to Italy, sation of the event and the desire to and high-precision instrument facto- bring newcomers in on the joint efforts. As the European Landscape Convention ries with Japanese names. New craft While the beautiful fountain creations points out, landscape is the result of the industries such as chocolate factories recall the collective efforts of the com- action and interaction of natural and/or and absinthe distilleries also came in. munes in the past and their inhabitants’ human factors. Protecting it requires the They all combine to form a temporal attachment to their built cultural herit- involvement and empowerment of all.

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By identifying with the decorations on the public fountains and visiting them to the accompaniment of bands and children singing during the Fountains Festival, the inhabitants of Val-de- Travers revive this sense of commonal- ity in the landscape and in public spaces shared by all generations.

Corinne Wacker Ethnologist MAS – Master of Advance Studies – in Environmental Technology and Management Haute Ecole Spécialisée North-West Switzerland C. Wacker

One of the fountains decorated for the Fountains Festival in Buttes features a wedding which had prompted mixed feelings IV. Elements of public space

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Trams – shaping an area’s visual identity

between the city centre and the suburbs. combines the routes of the fi rst two As we will see, the two case-studies pro- lines. However, access to the districts posed in this contribution – Cluj-Napoca served by the tram lines is cumber- A. Pop in Romania and Montpellier in France – some, the trams are dilapidated and underwent similar developments up to journey times are longer than if using the end of the 19th century, when the other means of transport. fi rst forms of horse-drawn transport appeared. When electric trams were Trams, more than a form introduced in France, public transport of public transport in Cluj-Napoca was at an intermedi- ate stage – steam locomotives, the People are constantly on the move, approved form of transport at the time, using various means of transport (car, given the political context in Romania bicycle, bus, tram etc), and urban space resulting from its involvement in the is sometimes redistributed with no Track extension work, line 3, First World War. Half a century later regard for local distinctiveness, citizens’ Montpellier, France (1987), electric trams were introduced. wishes or even the everyday landscape. But how can we redefi ne urban space? The plan for Montpellier’s tram network Initiatives by local players can change Historic complexes, archaeological sites, includes seven lines, two of which are the “face” of an area. Empowerment of buildings of inestimable value, cycle in service, one under construction and players takes on its full meaning here. paths, parks, advertisement hoardings, the others still at the planning stage. and terraces – all these things are com- Of the two operational lines, Line 1, The Montpellier metropolitan area ponents of public space. Local areas are 15.8 kilometres in length, crosses the tram project has led to investment in assimilated, experienced and perceived whole city from Mosson to Odysseum, urban and interurban transport infra- in a certain way by their inhabitants. while Line 2, 19 kilometres in length, structure. The tram lines – the two It is precisely for this reason that all links four outlying communities to already in service and the third one cur- objects or groups of objects distributed Montpellier, from Saint-Jean de Védas rently under construction – have been spatially in a chaotic or organised man- to Jacou. integrated with the landscape, being ner become symbols of a given space. designed with due regard for the local As regards the city of Cluj-Napoca, topography (see the detours taken by Public transport over time which lies on the river Somes¸ul Mic, the existing lines), the attractiveness the tram network consists of three lines of the areas passed through (shopping The introduction of public transport, crossing part of the city and connecting precincts, green areas, new neighbour- a symbol of urban vitality, was the with other means of transport (bus and hoods, such as Antigone, for example), result of the development and spread of trolleybus). The fi rst line, number 100, and the need to ensure that all parts urban space, the expansion of industry, links Unimet and Piat,a Ga˘rii stations, of the metropolitan area are intercon- population growth, increased quality of while the second line, number 101, runs nected. An extension of the tram net- life and the need to create connections between Cla˘bucet and Piat,a Ga˘rii sta- work is planned with the building of between different parts of the city and tions, and the third line, number 102, Line 3, which will link Juvinac to Lattes and Pérols. Construction work proper is accompanied by landscaping of the line (platforms, green areas, stations). The novel feature of the existing network and also of the new line, 40 kilometres L. Papp in length, is that the routes also allow for possible future lines of urban develop- ment, since they serve the “peripheries” of existing neighbourhoods.

With certain similarities, the Cluj-Napoca tram network is currently being mod- ernised, a project launched by the city council in order to qualify for European funding for growth centres. More specif- ically, this is a scheme to develop urban transport within the Cluj metropolitan area along the Ma˘na˘s¸tur-Piat,a Ga˘rii-Bd. Muncii route. It involves modernising two sections of line: the Ma˘na˘s¸tur-Piat,a Track modernisation work, line 101, Cluj-Napoca, Romania Ga˘rii section, with 11.49 kilometres

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of new track, renewal of the road sur- tion to public transport infrastructure? face (630 m2), the building of 12 plat- Consideration might be given to the fol- forms, and the creation of green areas lowing questions: (1420 m2), and the Piat,a Ga˘rii-Bd. Muncii section, with the renewal of 14.18 kilo- – the need for an integrated approach metres of track, renewal of the road sur- to space, in which each component is face (1420 m2), 3 access ramps, and the seen in terms of its connection with creation of green areas (402 m2). The other components or with the whole; local authorities also plan to develop interurban transport to serve some of – the possibility of achieving a person- Tram, line 1, Montpellier, France the suburbs, by building some 16 kilo- alised spatial imprint, whether we are metres of new tram line to reach the talking about transport infrastructure, neighbouring municipalities of Jucu and a group of buildings or other features Gila˘u, a fairly ambitious project which of urban space; would involve work to regulate the river Somes¸ul Mic, in order to overcome the – direct participation by local people, local topography, or integrated devel- the main beneficiaries of the pub- opment scenarios in order to integrate lic service, who, unfortunately, are transport infrastructure into a space cur- sometimes not informed until after rently defi ned by rapid and uncontrolled the project has been completed; expansion of built-up areas, leaving lit- tle room for the construction of new – the need to provide for permanent transport routes (eg the municipality of connections with other existing Flores¸ti). means of transport.

Over and above the goal of large-scale Ana-Maria Pop Scientifi c researcher, doctor, Regional modernisation, account should be taken Geography Centre, Babes¸-Bolyai University of the spatial imprint and the impact on Cluj-Napoca, Romania local distinctiveness. The example of the Montpellier tram system shows how it Lelia Papp has been possible to address this aspect, Assistant lecturer, doctoral student, Faculty of Geography, Babes¸-Bolyai University which is even refl ected in the design of Cluj-Napoca, Romania the tram cars: the outside of the tram cars on Line 1 is decorated in blue with white swallows, a concept which bears the mark of stylists Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti, while the floral decoration of the tram cars on Line 2 is again inspired by Mattia Bonetti; both concepts refer to Montpellier’s urban landscapes. Pursuing the same idea, the visual identity of the third line has been created by Christian Lacroix: the Mediterranean landscape proposed for the external design of the tram ˘nescu, D. Anoaica cars evokes the beauty of the villages ˘ga through which the line passes. C. Dra Tram systems and the challenges of planning public space

The benefits which are generally expected from the use of trams, espe- cially new tram cars and lines, are less pollution, urban renewal, preservation of the existing architectural heritage and the urban landscape, and increased quality of urban transport services. Where spatial planning is concerned,

what are the main challenges in rela- Tram, line 101, Cluj-Napoca, Romania IV. Elements of public space

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Signs and symbols: Cosmothropos, a pho to reveal the imprint of Space on public CNES

“Sunfl ower” Swimming Pool, Villeneuve d’Ascq

Space activities have highlighted the displayed on a map of French territory Everyone is invited to participate in this importance of Space in terms of observ- (www.cnesobservatoire-cosmothro- amazing venture. During fi ve months, ing and studying the universe of which pos.fr). They show that Space has left the website offered people the opportu- humanity forms part. By a reversal of a deep mark on our open space – on nity to send in their own pictures and perspective, they also offer a vision of walls, shop fronts, street furniture and share them via the social networks. our planet. Our territory is analysed by architecture in general. From offi cial Space and photography enthusiasts various scientifi c tools which help to rev- signs to the most unexpected land- and anyone with a feeling for the many olutionise understanding of our world. marks, these myriad features mark different aspects of the project can However, these tremendous research out new paths. play a part in identifying and observ- resources cannot capture the “sensitive” dimension of our environment which bears witness to our relationship with Space.

It was from this perspective that the CNES Space Observatory, the cultural section of the French National Center for Spatial Studies (CNES), launched in 2012 the “Cosmothropos” project, a call for pho- tographic contributions open to all, with the aim of creating the fi rst par- ticipative inventory of human creations inspired by Space. The ultimate goal of this experimental project, designed in several stages, is to develop a model for cultural action in Europe.

In the first stage, placed under the patronage of the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, imple- mentation of the project has been confi ned to French territory, with the aim of offering a new vision of the land- scape through the eyes of those who walk in it. On the project’s dedicated The Cosmos bar, 33 rue Simplon, Paris 18e website, all the geolocated photos are

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ing the infl uence of Space in their own sions based on the images collected and environment. identifying themes which will form the

basis for future developments. CNES All visitors to the site can keep track of new developments in Cosmothropos: Gérard Azoulay Head of the Space Observatory a month and a half after its launch, National Centre for Space Research nearly 200 photos has been collected, of which a hundred have been published. Perrine Gamot A steering committee composed of fi g- in charge of the Cosmothropos project ures from the space, cultural and social for the Space Observatory science fi elds will be organising discus-

Fresco portraying a cosmonaut, rue des Pruniers, Paris 10e IV. Elements of public space

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Liquidscapes: the ‘Park of the Strait’ of M

Water is not all the same. scapes seen from and by the sea. The become a design tool for new projects. fact that it is water seems to be just an Categories of perception, reading, and The sea, as well as the earth, make accident, when in fact it is a vast square, interpreting values, as the interaction sense and meaning in relation to the a marina plain, a large park. The Strait between the place and the people who geographies where they belong. The of the Sea is a device to read, and the inhabit it, between the place and all more distance that separates the coast landscape that belongs to it. those who cross it, may offer keys of decreases, the greater the degree of interpretation of a design process. relationship that weaves between its The Strait of Messina is a device for inter- banks. The Straits of the sea in this pretation of distinct cultural and social The narration of the Strait of Messina, sense, are spaces of tension and of identities. A device of ‘translation’ and told, as was seen throughout the years a very special relationship. As mobility ‘innovation’ of a landscape that is not of its Italian history, as a ‘journey’ and has deeply transformed and expanded a traditional landscape, is not defi ned as a ‘space’ at the same time, and about the concept of “public space” potentiat- such, it is not quite tangible, objective, the thousand ways in which it was ing and enhancing the quality of urban or transmittable in the usual forms of crossed and perceived. A landscape collective recreation and interchange- communication, but a landscape that travelled, crossed, in the movements able places of the city, so the same may is fi xed only by means of perception, of very different speeds, and spins and happen for this large liquid square, the sensation and feeling. Its edges indi- returns the multiple scales of its terri- Strait of Messina. cate a discontinuity between two strips tory, and the way to think of it, defi ne of land rather than an interruption. In it, and reinvent it. The dense network of ferries and hydro- this sense it is useful to see the Strait as foils, of the trains loaded on ships, of a unique and non-traditional landscape, The Strait of Messina was considered the water crossed by cruise, military, as an element that in itself has its own a ‘united’ area perhaps more by those fi shing and tourist ships, impress the characteristics and specifi cities. who have travelled through it, rather retina of those who travelled and travel than those it has lived its banks and its this ‘piece of sea’, like it was a textile A landscape that is a mirror, which is regions. The journeys and the crossings sewn between two coasts, by the thread opposite, calling the other side and is that make those perceive this piece of of the trajectories that the territory complemented with it though the ‘link’ the sea as a unit. Were historical events, held together. The landscapes of these of the sea. Finding a new and different military strategies, naval operations, Calabrian and Sicilian areas are land- ‘mapping’ of this geographical area can and commercial businesses to let us D. Colafanceschi

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Messina

see this Strait as ‘positive’ space and part of the sea to which it belongs. The International law recognises the ‘terri- not ‘negative’: not what is between two ‘Park of the Strait’ means the capac- torial sea’, in a range of 12 miles away opposite sides, but what holds them ity that a portion of land has to restore from the coast, then the “exclusive eco- together, what binds the two shores meaning and quality, and, in parallel, nomic zones” which are those within and banks. trigger a more widespread recognition 200 miles; and international waters, of its landscape as a cultural product, inland waterways, those interdicted, The Strait is a complex landscape, it is starting from areas that are hindering, those of relevance... What is the right a cultural landscape, and it is a ‘device’. interstitial, mixed, and neglected. Cities, distance? What is, for the landscape, the The Strait is a park: the ‘Park of the suburbs, farmland, or uncultivated area of relevance? How many meters Strait’. Is being consolidated and is land and abandoned areas, belong and from the coast are we still able to sus- legitimising the idea of a unique area defi ne a system that is unique: belong- tain and perceive those tensions that extended to the territory of Calabria and ing to a single metropolitan network, to as wires we attack and anchor to the Sicily, overlooking the Strait, where cit- the same ‘system landscape’ where the mainland? These wires must be able to ies, towns, small towns, conurbations, sea is included. read them and interpret them. infrastructure, connote a single metro- politan system? It is precisely the sys- They are evidently, the coastal land- We must be able to defi ne the margin tem ‘landscape’ beginning from its sea scapes, the waterfront, the urban of ‘respect’ of the water, the essential which is the strongest ‘link’ of connec- waterfront, the linear fringe territories thickness to maintain a fi rm relationship tion and common identity. overlooking the sea a condition specifi c with the territory. We must be able to and characteristic of these geographies measure, on values of quality and iden- The term ‘Park of the Strait’ well to make themselves spaces of meetings tity, the distance-but then the relation- expresses the attitude of this geographi- between entities. Are the cities with ship-which from the sea; the water is cal area and the strong potential it offers, their marginal territories to weave a dia- still able to weave with the earth. when thinking of its territory as a device logue between banks, to build different of new meanings, as a subject capable structures and adaptability of expres- Daniela Colafranceschi Architect of supporting new strategies and to gen- sion? Is their landscape to defi ne itself Professor of Landscape Architecture, erate new processes of qualifi cation (or as a structure of a single system able Architecture Faculty of the Mediterranean re-qualifi cation) through the unconven- to overcome and undo a clear-chronic University of Reggio Calabria tional design of its landscape and that dichotomy? Reggio Calabria, Italy D. Colafanceschi V. Proposals, point of views, researches

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Internal landscape in villages

Public spaces in villages are part of The urbanistic and real-estate strands At all events, the quality of public space a larger ensemble, viz the “internal of local rural development projects development is a signal sent out by the landscape”, a concept which tran- usually concentrate on control of land local authorities to the population. At scends mere technical and urban- use, road infrastructures, integration of a time of increasing individualisation, it istic approaches. This concept of new buildings and preservation of the is important to stress the collective and internal landscape, which the Ruralité- heritage characteristics of old buildings, comprehensive dimension of a qual- Environnement-Développement rather than on the qualitative aspect ity living environment, with an eye to association has been developing and of non-built areas. Internal landscape a long-term vision. promoting for almost ten years now quality overall constitutes an important by means of frequent international criterion for the resident’s or visitors’ In rural areas, the benefi ts of proper exchanges, embraces all the elements perception of quality of life: it is the development of public spaces are some- noted by residents or passers-by mov- muse for the genius loci, so to speak. what different from those expected in ing through a village. It complements urban sites. Examples of such benefi ts the usual concept of “rural landscape” These internal village landscapes are include: as perceived from an outside vantage currently under constant pressure, point encompassing the village and its whether the surrounding rural area is – integration into the environment in surrounding landscape. booming or in recession. In boom areas, order to preserve the latter’s versatil- especially those where property devel- ity and ensure a harmonious transition The “internal landscape” of a village can opment is increasing the added value, between public and private spaces. be seen from two angles: densifi cation is damaging the internal Given the multifunctionality of public landscape with too many new buildings, spaces, they incorporate multimodal – street space, with a wide range of often badly located or non-integrated, traffi c fl ows, and their stopping points components: roads and pathways; and heavier traffi c in the public space. (bus shelters, public benches...), and fronts and environs of buildings, with There is a strong temptation in such vil- play and leisure areas. They are cur- their house front decorations and lages to gravitate towards an “urban” rently attracting more and more new yard areas: non-built plots, gardens approach to spatial development, often elements such as digital signposts and and orchards, with their fences and with intensive metallisation of the pub- “designer” waste bins whose aesthetic low walls; natural elements such as lic space. appearance and “integratedness” streams, rivers, trees and vegetation; provide planners with wide scope for public amenities, street furniture, In remote rural areas, the pressure innovation; lighting; on internal landscape quality mainly involves the negative aspect of buildings – integration into the spatiotemporal – glimpses out of the village and transi- and spaces which are damaged or badly continuum in order to accommodate tion areas to the countryside. maintained, or even derelict. the various activities on the village cal- endar: markets, festivals and secular or religious events...;

– rurality, which must refl ect the historic

RED interrelation between nature and hab- itat. This dimension incorporates the space attributed to natural elements and also the whole area of qualitative enhancement of rurality, such as tak- ing account of the agro-geographical features of the locality via the choice of materials, forms and botanical spe- cies. This concern does not, however, stand in the way of innovation or the contemporary conception of quality;

– a social dimension as an area for conviviality and collective informa- tion, which calls for attention to accessibility and user safety. It is also a public space to be used as a place of exchange and appropriation via citizen participation at the installa- tion stage. Internal landscape, which Courcelles (France): a green corridor is both in the public domain and in private ownership, is a de facto natu-

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ral medium for eliciting local par- ticipation demarches in terms of its development;

– a sustainable development showcase using durable technical functional ele- ments, combining attention to detail with low maintenance costs. In this fi eld, sobriety often guarantees sus- tainable functionality. From a broader angle, priority must also be given to Beau Cantan cultural centre low-energy street furniture, materials and services which are low in embod- ied energy and economic in overall energy.

Reasoned development of public spaces, regarded as an integral part of the internal landscape of villages, becomes totally relevant within a local Florenville (Belgium): a place for living development drive, owing both to its potential for motivating citizens and its importance in their everyday lives.

Patrice Collignon Director International association Ruralité- Environnement-Développement (RED) Attert, Belgium V. Proposals, point of views, researches

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Public goods from private land: the land

The world is undergoing a transition Europe’s land is mostly privately owned ecosystem services, and therefore pub- due to stronger demographic pressure, and managed by farmers and foresters. lic goods, is so complex. A new response which is re-shaping our climatic, eco- Pervasive market failures arise from the is therefore needed. A constructive way logical and economic reality. This new fact that land management for farming to achieve this response is to view these reality results from a number of trends: or forestry purposes has the capacity to market failures as public environmental population explosion, mushrooming both conserve and enhance the environ- services that can be delivered by suit- urbanisation, market globalisation and ment or to harm it. With growing affl u- ably incentivised land managers. changing lifestyles. Resource limitations ence, the demand of European society are starting to show their effects on the for environmental services has grown, But to that effect, it is necessary to make global economy; today we talk about oil as have the concerns of European soci- a clear defi nition of what we mean by and minerals scarcity, but in the future ety about their delivery. While there ecosystem services and make an esti- we could see a scarcity of fertile soil, are well functioning, albeit imperfect mate of their value and the costs of clean water and healthy air. In dealing markets for the food and fi bre chain, delivering them. This then turns atten- with the world’s major, interconnected there are no spontaneously occurring tion to the policy measures that can challenges, food security and environ- markets for environmental services. create the conditions and appropriate mental security, land managers and They are therefore not supplied to the incentive structure for delivery of the their private land must be helped to extent that society would like. Quite services. If the demand for the envi- better respond to these challenges. naturally land managers will respond ronmental services can be effectively to the market signals for their food and created, then private operators will A new paradigm is being adopted to other saleable outputs, and pay less step up to supply. The UN Millennium try and better integrate the interaction attention to the impacts of their activ- Ecosystem Assessment of the World between man’s activities and nature. ities where there are no markets. As the Bank and UNEP indicates that 60% of This is based on the concept of so- reformed Common Agriculture Policy ecosystem services are being degraded called ecosystem services. These are (CAP) incentivises market behaviours, or used unsustainably. The ongoing the benefi ts that people obtain from European farmers increasingly focus on study, the “Economics of Ecosystems ecosystems, which include provisioning what allows them to earn an income, and Biodiversity”, suggests that the services, e.g. food and water, regulating however producing farmed goods today welfare losses from the loss of biodi- services, e.g. fl oods and droughts, sup- does not really pay. The under-provision versity from terrestrial systems is of the porting services, e.g. soil formation, and of these rural, environmental services is order of €50bn per year or about just cultural services, such as recreational, a classic, pervasive market failure and under 1% of GDP, but could amount to spiritual, and religious and other non- is extremely diffi cult to deal with. This €14 trillion or 7% of estimated GDP in material benefi ts. is because measuring and quantifying 2050. The results of these studies, with all their uncertainties, suggest that the gross value of environmental services may well be of comparable order of magnitude as the value of convention- ally measured goods and services in the economy. It is instructive to refer to the experience with the CAP, which has set the pace in establishing environmental conditions for farm support and offer- ing payments for environmental service delivery. The latter are still a small share of total CAP support, and no effort has been made to calibrate rural develop- ment programmes on the basis of objec- tive information about the demand for the services, their values, or the costs of their delivery. An exercise of system- atically valuing environmental services and their delivery costs can play a useful role in reforming the CAP and better inform such future decisions.

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One of the possible approaches to reward the delivery of environmen- tal public goods is to create the cir- cumstances in which environmental services can be supplied through busi- ness-to-business transactions and to try simulating a market approach. There are several broad approaches to set this process in motion: cap and trade, fl oor and trade, offsets and contracts for services. Another possibility would be to fi nd opportunities for private sec- tor purchases of environmental series supplied by farmers and other land managers. These contracts for services already have operational examples. For instance, there are private water companies contracting with farmers or foresters in their catchments to manage their land in such a way as to reduce the costs of the environment. Besides look- ing at ways how to deliver these public goods, a key question is who should pay for them? Currently it is the European citizen who pays by suffering the con- In conclusion, European agriculture can appropriate policy instruments promot- sequences of the environmental market indeed play an important role in produc- ing the remuneration of ecosystem ser- failures. The costs are large, but diffuse. ing public goods (i.e. increasing carbon vices. If that is not so, European Union Individuals cannot measure them, and sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas institutions will miss an opportunity to do not know what to do about them. If emissions and improving habitats for help our planet. all citizens are paying for environmental biodiversity). Pillar 1 remains a vital degradation, who should pay to reverse support instrument to meet the objec- Thierry de l’Escaille Secretary General it: farmers, food and forest product tives of the CAP, and while the European European Landowner’s Organisation consumers, or taxpayers? How could Commission calls for further action to Countryside (ELO) the costs be best distributed in order to promote public goods by “greening” Brussels, Belgium incentivise the actions required? the CAP, it should focus on developing V. Proposals, point of views, researches

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Inclusive access to outdoor environments

From the Roman Empire to the present The urban places we use every day groups, our fi rst major project, Inclusive day, the concept of rus in urbe (coun- often present more hazards to health Design for Getting Outdoors (DGO), was tryside in the city) has been an impor- and wellbeing than benefits. Recent launched in 2003. The project is one tant touchstone for Europe’s urban policy on regenerating brownfi eld land of the most successful outcomes of the planners and designers in seeking to has provided us with a clear opportu- Extending Quality Life (EQUAL) pro- improve the quality of life of its citizens. nity to redress the balance, though the gramme funded by the United Kingdom In more recent history, the Garden City demands of the development industry Engineering and Physical Sciences movement in Great Britain recognised remain a challenge. It is within this con- Research Council. Working with part- the virtues of urban greenery and its text that the Research Centre has being ners in the Universities of Salford and importance for physical and mental engaging with urban residents to iden- Warwick, we have built up a clear pic- health, social connectivity and higher tify why getting outdoors matters and ture of why, and how often, older peo- life satisfaction. However, despite such which attributes of open spaces most ple go outdoors and what aspects of outcomes remaining a vital goal for our effectively support healthy attitudes the environment help or hinder them increasingly diverse European cities, and behaviour. Projects address the in undertaking simple, everyday activ- pressures on land availability and prof- experience of disadvantaged groups; ities outside. itability and demands for urban densi- those most at risk of social exclusion fi cation mean that open space is being and a reduced quality of life. The project explores the concept of the gradually squeezed out of the environ- transactional relationship between per- ments we have created for daily living The Research Centre was established son and place: the idea that supportive and working. Since 2001, the Research with a grant from the Scottish Higher open spaces can facilitate and encour- Centre OPENspace has been commit- Education Funding Council. Following age healthy behaviour on the part of the ted to bringing inclusive access to urban the publication of literature reviews on individual by helping them to do the green space back into the heart of place health, well-being and open space and things they would like to, both socially making, through providing the evidence the use of public open space by teenag- and physically. During the fi rst phase of for robust urban policymaking. ers and by black and minority ethnic the research, we found that participants C. Ward Thompson

Ward Thompson Image of the meadows in Edinburgh

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who lived within 10 minutes’ walk of sion from the national Department for and to be satisfi ed with their neighbour- a local urban green space were twice Communities and Local Government to hood, and that people living in deprived as likely to achieve the recommended map existing research into public and urban areas view green space as a key levels of healthy walking (2.5 hours) green space, in order to help set priori- service which, together with housing, per week as those who did not, and ties for the future. health, education and policing, is one more than twice as likely to be satis- of the essentials in making a neighbour- fi ed with life. In general, people who The book made “Open Space People hood liveable. felt supported by the design and main- Space” won the Research Award at the tenance of their local neighbourhood United Kingdom Landscape Institute We continue to work with policy mak- were around three times more likely to Biennial Awards. The contribution of ers at the highest level to address the be in good health compared to those the team to research within Scotland, needs of marginalised user groups in who did not. The three main reasons was marked by commissions to develop accessing the outdoor environment, people gave for going out correspond a ‘walkability’ assessment tool for the with projects such as Green-Health with those given by other marginal- Scottish Physical Activity Research funded by the Scottish Government to ised groups in the research achieved: Collaboration, and to evaluate the work with unemployed and deprived to socialise, exercise and take in fresh effectiveness of Forestry Commission people living in towns and cities across air and nature, a chance to relax and Scotland’s Woods in and Around Towns Scotland. A Government’s ‘Good Places, mentally unwind. programme. In 2010, the publication of Better Health Evaluation’ Group, looks the Centre’s second book coincided with specifi cally at the salutogenic potential The Research Centre organise an inter- the launch of fi ndings from ‘Community of place in order to advise the govern- national conference to explore the study Green: using local spaces to tackle ine- ment accordingly. of inclusive environments. This coin- quality and improve health’, a study for cided with involvement in a number the United Kingdom Commission for Catharine Ward Thompson Director of the OPENspace research centre of European projects, including two Architecture and the Built Environment University of Edinburgh European Actions on Cooperation in surveying over 500 residents of high and Heriot-Watt University Science and Technology on forestry deprivation neighbourhoods. It found Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (COST Actions 33 and 39). In the United that, if people perceive the quality of Kingdom, the Centre’s focus on knowl- their local green space to be good, they edge exchange resulted in a commis- are more likely to report better health V. Proposals, point of views, researches

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Open Space: time to ‘leap the fence’ ag

The European Landscape Convention and the historic heritage of a town.” what different concepts, but it makes came into force in 2004. The Convention they contained barely a mention of the as little sense to talk about the urban tells us that the landscape extends word ‘landscape’. landscape but to make no mention of across the whole of the territory of open space, as vice versa. However the a country, and makes it explicit that Given the importance now afforded to terminological confusion does not end urban and peri-urban areas are as vital the urban landscape by the European there. ‘Green space’ is a collective term a part of that landscape as are natural Landscape Convention, it would be frequently used in a similar context to and rural areas. The justifi cation for this expected that the guidelines on the refer to the totality of parks, gardens is clear: with more than three quarters implementation of the Convention and other non-designed spaces domi- of the ‘800 million Europeans’ living in would make amends for this apparent nated by vegetation in towns and cities. towns and cities, it is above all the urban omission and make explicit reference to landscape which is, to quote landscape the treatment of urban and peri-urban But the urban landscape is more than architect Martha Schwartz, “…the can- landscapes. Yet, while there is one para- just green space; it also includes streets vas upon which we live our lives, join graph under the heading of landscape and squares, for example, and another together as communities and build our quality objectives, which makes passing term encompassing streets and squares: cities”.1 mention of ‘town approaches’ and the the ‘public realm’ has recently become ‘urban fringe’, there is no reference to fashionable amongst architects and As self-evident as the idea of the urban ‘open space’.3 urban designers, however this much landscape might appear today, when the narrower in its reach and conception. Council of Europe’s Recommendations The only way to make sense of this on Urban Open Space were published in apparently contradictory situation is The title of a European Union funded 1986,2 despite being built on the clear to realise that our concept of urban project “UrbSpace, urban spaces: affi rmation that “Towns are not only landscape is in the middle of an ‘evolu- enhancing the attractiveness and qual- buildings: open space forms a funda- tionary spurt’. The terms ‘open space’ ity of the urban environment”, intro- mental part of the urban environment and ‘urban landscape’ refer to some- duces yet another term, but in doing

Peripheral motorway, Vienna

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so proposes a suitably broad defi nition: so they must have at least as important fence again and recognise that the entire “Commonly, open spaces in urban a role to play in defi ning urban land- city is landscape. This is an important areas are seen as individual ‘sites’ scapes. But even if we, possibly contro- challenge that the implementation of such as parks or squares, and looked versially, include the built fabric in our the European Landscape Convention at from this point of view they can take conception of urban landscape, this is has still to address. a wide variety of forms. In a broader still not enough the fully encompass the sense, however, open space can also essence of the urban landscape. Richard Stiles Professor, Department of Landscape be considered as something wider and Architecture more all-encompassing, namely as the The recommendations on the imple- Institute of Urban Design and Landscape continuous matrix of all unbuilt land in mentation of the Landscape Convention Architecture urban areas – public parks as well as make it clear that: “landscape is not sim- Vienna, Austria private gardens; urban streets as well ply the sum of its constituent parts”. It is www.landscape.tuwien.ac.at Network Coordinator LE:NOTRE Project as city squares. In this way it both links also about how they interact and com- together individual spaces and fl ows bine, but it also comprises the meanings around and between every building and and values with which people imbue it: 1 2 3 4 structure, forming the context and sur- “landscape is an area as perceived by roundings of each one and connecting people…”. Operationalising the essen- the inner city to the surrounding land- tial inclusion of ‘people’ into a physi- scape. Indeed, urban space can even cal conception of landscape represents be thought of as extending to include a diffi cult challenge, but the incorpo- all signifi cant outdoor spaces which fall ration of buildings into the concept within the infl uence of the urban area, of urban landscape could also be an for example local recreation areas out- important step in this direction, for the side the city boundaries.”4 simple reason that buildings tend to be occupied by people. 1 Martha Schartz: ‘Urban planning needs green The idea of the “matrix of all unbuilt rethink’ (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/ land in urban areas” comes much closer Whatever route we select to broaden nature/7372184.stm; Accessed 19 May 2011). to an appropriately comprehensive con- and operationalise our concept of the 2 Council of Europe: Recommendation No. R (86) 11 of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on cept, but even this still does not quite urban landscape, it would be good to Urban Open Space. encompass the full scope of ‘urban refl ect on the epitaph which Horace 3 Recommendation CM/Rec (2008)3 of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on the landscape’. Landscapes also contain Walpole wrote for William Kent, one of guidelines for the implementation of the European buildings. Indeed current approaches to the pioneers of the English Landscape Landscape Convention. landscape character assessment in rural School. Kent, said Walpole, “leapt the 4 UrbSpace Project: ‘Guidelines for Making Urban Space (http://www.urbanspaces.eu/fi les/ areas even use the type of buildings in fence and saw all nature was a garden”. JOINT_STRATEGY_makingSpace.pdf; accessed a landscape to help characterise them, Surely it is now time for us to leap the 19 May 2011). Conclusion

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Texts of the Council of Europe

1. Recommendation No R (84) 2 mulated solely on the basis of short- to the fi nding of solutions for problems of the Committee of Ministers term economic objectives without due which go beyond the national framework, of the Council of Europe consideration for social, cultural and and thus aims to create a feeling of com- to member states on the environmental factors; mon identity, having regard to North- European Regional/Spatial South and East-West relations. Planning Charter, adopted on Considering that the objectives of 25 January 1984 regional/spatial planning necessitate Its characteristics new criteria for the choice of the direc- The Committee of Ministers, under the tion in which technical progress is pur- Man and his well-being as well as his terms of Article 15.b of the Statute of sued and the use to which it is put, and interaction with the environment are the Council of Europe, that these criteria need to be in keeping the central concern of regional/spatial with economic, social and environmen- planning, its aims being to provide each Recognising that the aim of the Council tal requirements; individual with an environment and of Europe is to achieve a greater unity quality of life conducive to the develop- between its members for the purpose Convinced that all European citizens ment of his personality in surroundings of safeguarding and realising the ideals should have the opportunity in an planned on a human scale. and principles which are their common appropriate institutional framework heritage and facilitating their economic to take part in the devising and imple- Regional/spatial planning should be and social progress; mentation of all regional/spatial plan- democratic, comprehensive, functional ning measures, Recommends that the and orientated towards the longer Having regard to Consultative Assembly governments of member states: term. Resolution 687 (1979) on European regional planning; a. base their national policies on the Democratic: it should be conducted in principles and objectives set out in the such a way as to ensure the participa- Having regard to the opinion of the European Regional/Spatial Planning tion of the people concerned and their Standing Conference of Local and Charter prepared and adopted by the political representatives, Regional Authorities of Europe on the European Conference of Ministers preparation of a European Regional responsible for Regional Planning and Comprehensive: it should ensure the Planning Charter appended to its appended to this recommendation; co-ordination of the various sectoral Resolution 113 (1980) on the progress policies and integrate them in an over- of European integration; b. ensure that the Charter is distributed all approach, as widely as possible among the public Considering that regional/spatial plan- and among politicians at local, regional, Functional: it needs to take account of ning is a tool which is important to the national and international level. the existence of regional consciousness progress of European society and that based on common values, culture and closer international co-operation in this Appendix to Recommendation No. R (84) 2 interests sometimes crossing admin- fi eld is a valuable means of strengthen- istrative and territorial boundaries, ing European identity; European Regional/Spatial Planning while taking account of the institu- Charter tional arrangements of the different Convinced that in order to achieve co- countries, operation in this fi eld it is necessary The concept of regional/ to analyse national, regional and local spatial planning Long-term it should analyse and take conceptions of regional/spatial planning into consideration the long-term with a view to the adoption of common Regional/spatial planning gives geo- trends and developments of oriented: principles (designed, in particular, to graphical expression to the economic, economic, social, cultural, ecological reduce regional disparities) and hence social, cultural and ecological policies and environmental phenomena and to the achievement of a better general of society. interventions. conception of the use and organisa- tion of space, the distribution of activ- It is at the same time a scientifi c disci- Its operation ities, environmental protection and the pline, an administrative technique and improvement of the quality of life; a policy developed as an interdisciplinary Regional/spatial planning must take and comprehensive approach directed into consideration the existence of Convinced that the radical changes towards a balanced regional develop- a multitude of individual and institu- which have occurred in the economic ment and the physical organisation of tional decision-makers which influ- and social patterns of the European space according to an overall strategy. ence the organisation of space, the countries and in their relations with uncertainty of all forecasting studies, other parts of the world make it nec- Its European dimension the market pressures, the special fea- essary to review the principles gov- tures of administrative systems and erning the organisation of space in Regional/spatial planning contributes to the differing socio-economic and order to ensure that they are not for- a better spatial organisation in Europe and environmental conditions. It must

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 80 23/09/13 16:34 k Europe g 2 1 1 6 fl air, water,energy resources,faunaand ronment, theresourcesofland, subsoil, responsible managementof the envi- to conservethem,itseeks ensure for naturalresourcesandthe need confl By promotingstrategiestominimise – to theoptimum. sited inplaceswheretheywillbeused tions ofthepopulationandwhichare meet theaspirationsofdifferentsec- social andculturalamenitieswhich of jobsandtheprovisioneconomic, of eachindividualthroughthecreation and theenhancementofwell-being tionships withinhumancommunities, housing, work,culture,leisureorrela- quality ofeverydaylife,inrespect It encouragesimprovementinthe – Europe. the industrialandeconomiccentresof rebalancing shouldbebetterlinkedwith structural potentialforsocio-economic which havespecialrequirementsand tion atEuropeanlevel.Peripheralareas particularly throughmanpowermigra- with seriousemploymentproblems in decliningregionsorthosethreatened the stimulationofeconomicrecovery the infrastructuresthatareessentialto ward regions,andmaintainoradapt encourage thedevelopmentofback- are congestedordevelopingtoofast, control thegrowthofregionswhich and communicationnetworks,itshould the importantroleofdevelopmentaxes the specifi processes affectingEuropeasawhole, Taking intoconsiderationtheeconomic – and thesametimetoachieve: Regional/spatial planningseeksatone The fundamentalobjectives way possible. influences inthemostharmonious however strivetoreconcilethese 5 ora, payingspecial attentiontoareas 1 environment ral resourcesandprotectionofthe Responsible managementofnatu- Improvement ofthequalitylife of theregions Balanced socio-economicdevelopment _ E N icts betweenthegrowingdemand _ F u t u r o c regionalcharacteristicsand p a _ b . i n d d

8 1 one another regularly informed. one anotherregularly informed. own and,consequently, theymustkeep planned atthelevelaboveorbelow their into accountanymeasuresintroduced or operation, theiractionmustalways take levels, alsoasregardstransfrontier co- local, regional,nationalandEuropean to ensureoptimalco-ordination between well asadequatefi power totakeandcarryoutdecisions,as spatial planningpolicyneedtobegiventhe The variousauthoritiesinvolvedinregional/ – torical, culturalassetsandresources. of theenvironmentandnatural,his- vention andwastedisposal;protection water supplyandpurifi facilities, andpowersupplies;transport; economic activities,habitat,public mainly thedistributionofpopulation, This effortforco-ordinationconcerns – between theauthoritiesinvolved: and co-ordinationforco-operation desire forinterdisciplinaryintegration Regional/spatial planningrefl and changingtheorganisationofspace. tribute bytheiractionstodeveloping Many privateandpublicagenciescon- ical matter. planning objectivesisessentiallyapolit- The achievementofregional/spatial planning objectives Implementation ofregional/spatial which areinthepublicinterest. to makeitpossibleachieveobjectives accompanied byaland-usepolicyinorder spatial planningpolicymustbenecessarily cultural andforestryland.Everyregional/ infrastructures, andtheprotectionofagri- urban andindustrialcomplexes,major organisation anddevelopmentoflarge is concernedinparticularwiththelocation, In pursuitoftheabovedefi – architectural heritage. of naturalbeautyandtothecultural financial resources decision-making andtheequalisationof operation betweenthevariouslevelsof It facilitatesco-ordinationandco- ous sectors It seeksco-ordinationbetweenthevari- Rational useofland nancial means. In order nancial means.Inorder cation; noisepre- ned objectives, it ned objectives,it ects the ects – – tive atEuropeanlevel. instrument forco-operationandinitia- (CEMAT) constitutestheidealpolitical responsible forRegionalPlanning The EuropeanConferenceofMinisters Strengthening Europeanco-operation procedures. work ofinstitutionalstructuresand the planningprocessandinframe- a comprehensivewayatallstagesof the citizenbeinformedclearlyandin citizen participation.Itisessentialthat whatever level,mustbebasedonactive Any regional/spatialplanningpolicy,at Public participation development. importance andgeneralbalanced order toachieveobjectivesofEuropean regional/spatial planningpoliciesin At Europeanlevel:co-ordinationof regional objectives; as harmonisationofthenationaland and regionalaidarrangementsaswell ferent regional/spatialplanningpolicies At nationallevel:co-ordinationofdif- ing countries; as wellbetweenregionsofneighbour- selves andlocalnationalauthorities between theregionalauthoritiesthem- spatial planningpolicy,co-ordination ate levelatwhichtopursuearegional/ At regionallevel:themostappropri- regional andnationalplanning; ing regardtotheessentialinterestsof authority developmentplans,hav- At locallevel:co-ordinationof long-range forecasting, regionalsta- main technical planning fi it willpromoteco-operation inthe political co-operationbetween states, Besides organisingandintensifying Regional AuthoritiesofEurope. the StandingConferenceofLocal and to theParliamentaryAssemblyand European co-operationinthisfi present regularprogressreportson ernmental organisations.Itwill well aswiththerelevantintergov- and theEuropeanCommunity,as bodies oftheCouncilEurope It willintensifyrelationswiththe Futuropa n elds suchas o eld 3 /2012 2 3 / 0 9 / 1 3 81

1 6 : 3 Texts of the Council of Europe 4 Texts of the Council of

tistics, cartography and terminology. Special attention should be paid to the Europe and the industrialisation of coastal It must acquire the scientifi c, admin- improvement of living conditions, the areas, islands and the sea, demand spe- istrative, technical and fi nancial tools promotion of public transport and to all cifi c policies for these regions in order essential to the pursuit of its aims, in measures to curb the excessive move- to ensure their balanced development particular by drawing up a European ment of population away from the town and co-ordinated urbanisation, bear- regional planning concept. centres to the periphery. ing in mind the requirements of envi- ronmental conservation and regional The Ministers ask all institutions, admin- The rehabilitation of the architectural characteristics. Regard must be given to istrations and organisations dealing heritage, monuments and sites must be the specifi c role and functions of coastal with regional planning problems to have an integral part of an overall town and areas in the land-sea relationship and of regard in their work to the contents of country planning policy. sea-transport possibilities. the Charter. Frontier areas, more than all others, 2. Recommendation no R (86) 11 The Charter can be revised with a view to need a policy of co-ordination between of the Committee of Ministers adapting it to the needs of European society. states. The purpose of such a policy is to of the Council of Europe open up the frontiers and institute trans- to member states on urban The Ministers undertake to recommend frontier consultation and co-operation open space, adopted to their respective governments that and joint use of infrastructure facilities. on 12 September 1986 the principles and aims set forth in the States should facilitate direct contacts Charter be taken into consideration and between the regions and localities con- The Committee of Ministers, under that the international co-operation be cerned in accordance with the European the terms of Article 15.b of the Statute promoted with a view to achieving real Outline Convention on Transfrontier of the Council of Europe, Considering European planning. Co-operation between Territorial that the aim of the Council of Europe is Communities or Authorities in order to achieve a greater unity between its Appendix to the European Regional/ to promote increasingly close contacts members for the purpose of facilitating Spatial Planning Charter between the populations concerned. their economic and social progress;

Specific objectives In the frontier areas, no project which Considering that this aim may be pur- could have harmful consequences for sued by exchanging information and All principles set down in the present the environment of neighbouring coun- experience amongst member states on Charter have already been developed in tries should be carried out without previ- topics of common interest; the work of the European Conference ous consultation of those states. of Ministers responsible for Regional Considering that the Council of Europe Planning on rural, urban, frontier, moun- Mountain areas: In view of the import- has established, through its European tain and coastal areas and on islands. ance of these areas for the ecological, Campaign for Urban Renaissance economic, social, cultural and agricul- and subsequent work programme on Rural areas with a primarily agricultural tural functions they fulfi l and their value urban policies, a valid platform facilitat- function have a fundamental role to as depositories of natural resources, and ing such a discussion between urban play. It is essential to create acceptable of the many constraints from which administrations of its member states; living conditions in the countryside, as they suffer in these fi elds of activity, regards all economic, social, cultural spatial management policy must give Noting that the urban policies work pro- and ecological aspects as well as infra- special and suitable consideration to the gramme concentrates above all on the structures and amenities, while distin- preservation and development of moun- illustration of strategies and policies that guishing between underdeveloped and tain regions. Regions with structural help to afford a broader human dimen- peripheral rural regions and those close weaknesses where living and working sion in towns; to large conurbations. conditions have made little progress, particularly for historical reasons, or Considering that part of the quality of In such areas the development of the which could be left behind by changes in the urban environment depends on urban framework, of social and eco- their economic base, need special assist- the type, scale, scope, accessibility and nomic structures and of transport must ance related to the disparities which availability of open and public space; take account, in all spheres, of their spe- exist between living and working condi- cifi c functions and in particular of the tions within the various states. Regions Bearing in mind the reports presented conservation and management of the in decline: Specifi c policies should be at and the results of the seminars natural landscape. developed in favour of regions where held at Norrköping (1-4 June 1981) economic activity has strongly slowed as part of the European Campaign for Urban areas contribute greatly to the devel- down following industrial restructuring Urban Renaissance and at Durham opment of Europe and usually present the and ageing of their infrastructure and of (20-23 September 1983) devoted to problem of controlling their growth. their industrial equipment, very often a discussion of the provision and better monostructured. This situation is accel- use of open space in towns; A balanced urban structure requires the erated by the worldwide competition systematic implementation of plans for resulting from the new international Considering therefore that it would be land use and the application of guide- division of labour. opportune to draw up a recommenda- lines for the development of economic tion to governments on this subject, activities for the benefi t of the living Coastal areas and islands: The develop- in the belief that it will pave the way conditions of town dwellers. ment of mass tourism and transport in for positive tangible results, of use and

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 82 23/09/13 16:34 k Europe g 2 1 1 6 1.6. 1.5. 1.4. 1.3. 1.2. 1.1. 1. member states: Recommends thatthegovernmentsof 3. 2. 1. Wishing inthisrecommendationto: ily anabsoluteincreaseinresources; public authoritiesratherthannecessar- all isachangeofattitudeonthepart Considering thatwhatisrequiredabove towns; value fortheinhabitantsofEuropean 5 1 _ following considerations: Recognise andtakeintoaccountthe this respect, ation, particularlyatthelocallevelin underline theimportanceofco-oper- open space; development andmaintenanceof indicate strategiesfortheprovision, ularly fromunresolvedconfl identify thethreatstoitarisingpartic- defi E N terns andurbanplanningpractice; tially refl The signifi man inhisbuiltenvironment; way theprotectionofrights ings ofsecurityandsupportsinthis as toincreasedsocialcohesion,feel- ment intheirqualityoflife,aswell of urbaninhabitantsforanimprove- tributes tothelegitimateaspirations The enjoymentofopenspacecon- economic objectivesandactivities; development andissupportiveof action andinfosteringcommunity nifi educational role,isecologicallysig- form ofatown,playsanimportant in thearchitecturalandaesthetic the urbanheritage,astrongelement Open spaceisanessentialpartof still threatsand riskstoopenspace Despite thisrealisation, thereare with timeanduse; various activitiesthatmaychange ties andprovidesaframeworkfor historic townsandnewcommuni- of publicandprivateareasbothin Open spacecoversawiderange toric heritageofatown; the urbanenvironmentandhis- space formsafundamentalpartof Towns arenotonlybuildings:open _ ne openspace,assertitsvalues, F u cant, isimportant forsocialinter- t u r o p a _ ected incurrentsocial pat- b cance ofopenspaceispar- . i n d d

8 3 ict ofuse; 3.5. 3.4. 3.3. 3.2. 3.1. 3. 2.3. 2.2. 2.1. 2. 1.1. No. R(86)11 Appendix toRecommendation 4. in particular: based onanumberofapproachesand management ofopenspaceshouldbe Accept thatthesecuring,provisionand development andinparticular: space areanintegralpartofurban provision andmanagementofopen Take stepstoensurethatthesecuring, appendix hereto. paragraphs 1to3above,setoutinthe take intoaccountthepoints,relatingto In implementingthisrecommendation toric heritageof atown the urbanenvironment andthehis- space formsafundamentalpart of Towns arenotonlybuildings: open ment ofappropriatelevelsuse; attractiveness andtheencourage- and creationofaccessibility lution ofconfl through theidentifi To manageandenhanceopenspace arising fromunresolvedconfl Signifi agencies; from theprivatesectorandrelated The encouragementofinitiatives hood-based schemes; sible ofcommunityandneighbour- The encouragementasfarpos- of localauthorities; The recognitionofthespecifi policies; Close co-ordinationofnational sionals, authoritiesandinstitutions; tion betweenallappropriateprofes- adequate dialogueandco-ordina- social cohesionandresultsfrom all availableresources,promotes character oftheurban“grain”,uses inhabitants, respectstheexisting that itrefl space andinsodoingtoensure To encouragetheprovisionofopen quately securedandprotected; To ensurethatopenspaceisade- different authorities; of co-ordinationbetweenandwith in use,errorsplanningandlack and information; cant emphasisoneducation ects therealneedsof icts, the achievement cation and reso- c role icts tingly. Itisalways, therefore,implicit suddenly, either deliberatelyorunwit- network ofatownbuiltupgradually or Open andpublicspaceispart ofthe could berecoveredforthecommunity. trial towns,under-usedderelict landthat or behindbuildings,and,inmany indus- on asmallscale,andoftenin between space, forexampleinformalspaceoften a largestockofunknownorneglected evards andstreets.Inadditionthereis sports areas,railwayconcourses,boul- free areas,playgrounds,riverbanks, squares, parks,pedestrianandtraffi vate andpublicareasincluding Open spacecoversawiderangeofpri- 1.2. heritage ofatown. the urbanenvironmentandhistoric open spaceformsafundamentalpartof eration isparticularlyregrettablesince This inattentionorinadequateconsid- urban residents. ways thatpromotetheiracceptanceby been conceivedortheiruseplannedin parks andsquares,theyhavenotalways Even withexistinggreenareas,public provide thecentral“image”ofatown. these spaceswhenproperlyplanned and serviceshavebeendealtwith.Yet roads, car-parks,communityfacilities receive residualbudgetsoncehousing, been investedinopenspaces,which taken place.Littleskillandmoneyhave ing, environmental,conservation-has over onceallotherdevelopment-hous- where itexistsisoftenseenasaleft- Indeed theremaynotevenbeanyand esigned, unsuitableortoorestrictive. unfriendly, over-designedorunderd- too crampedorbig,uninvitingand to thecommodityofspace.Oftenitis where toolittlethoughthasbeengiven near ourhomes,work,schools,shops, ignored. Itisalltooeasytofi tion tothewell-beingofacommunity often beenneglectedanditscontribu- an informalorsmall-scalenature,have and roleofopenspace,particularly pedestrian zones,thesignifi the agora,forum,shoppingmallsand ideas, somestolenfromthepast,like and despiterecentattentiontoother lic squaresandparks,havebeencreated space intowns,suchasimpressivepub- Although inthepastlargeareasofopen time anduse ous activitiesthatmaychangewith and providesaframeworkforvari- toric townsandnewcommunities public andprivateareasbothinhis- Open spacecoversawiderangeof Futuropa n cance, value ndplaces o 3 /2012 c- 2 3 / 0 9 / 1 3 83

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in our understanding of and concern ger, to amble, to meet by prior arrange- and public areas by the motor car; there for the town although it is not always ment or by chance. Most of us recognise are often cases of conversion of open explicit in planning efforts. immediately those places where this space for inappropriate use; in some purpose is served. One cannot talk of historic towns there are real problems 1.3. Open space is an essential part of the human rights without speaking of the of excessive tourism usurping available urban heritage, a strong element in rights of man in the built environment; space; in many towns there are prob- the architectural and aesthetic form the carefully considered provision and lems of pollution, particularly by the dog of a town, plays an important educa- use of space is a strong element in sus- population, in streets and other open tional role, is ecologically significant, taining these rights. spaces. There are often confl icts in the is important for social interaction use of space between local needs and and in fostering community develop- 1.5. The significance of open space is those of a wider community. The trans- ment and is supportive of economic partially reflected in current social formation of private areas into public objectives and activities patterns and urban planning practice space, in itself often a positive develop- ment, does not always ensure adequate Not only is open space a fundamental There has been recently a revival public use and accessibility because of part of the urban heritage and a strong of interest in communal space. subsequent inappropriate or excessive element in the architectural and aes- Rehabilitation policies have a major regulation. Therefore, there is often thetic form of the built environment of space component and have brought a large gap between intended use and a town but it also has a number of sig- with them a better understanding of subsequent reality, mainly because pro- nifi cant functions and values. It has an the concept and value of open space. vision of space is often based on false important educational role, facilitating People are more concerned with the assumptions rather than on observed through its use an understanding of and value and quality of their environment behaviour. identifi cation with the city; it is ecologi- and surroundings; social changes such cally signifi cant, not just in maintaining as increased leisure and sport require- Finally, as suggested under 1.1, plan- or bringing vegetation into urban areas ments underline the need for better and ning for open space is not explicit from but also in encouraging wild life and more open space. The value of open the beginning but often considered as promoting understanding of nature; it space in assuring a human dimension a left-over once other requirements is important for social interaction, the to towns is increasingly recognised. The have been fulfi lled. well-being of individuals, and plays merits of the street, of enclosed spaces a signifi cant role in the development not earmarked for specifi c purposes 2.1. To ensure that existing open space of a community and in the creation of and therefore capable of being used is adequately secured and protected community pride, and so helps reduce for a wide variety of activities are being the inherent tension and conflict in rediscovered. It is appreciated that the Urban open space should be a forum deprived parts of urban areas in Europe; character of a town is largely expressed for a continuous interplay of individual it has an important role in providing the through its open space and that well- and commercial activities. This means recreational and leisure needs of a com- defi ned open spaces attract people and that before all other investment, stock munity and has, fi nally, an economic provide a necessary meeting place. should be taken of existing resources value in that environmental enhance- Open space expresses the collective and measures devised to protect them. ment, in which the improvement of life of the city and acts as an element Awareness of variety of uses In order open space plays a major part, assists of social cohesion. It is a sort of public to give adequate protection and secu- the economic revival of cities, not just living-room for the locality. rity to existing urban open space in our through creating jobs but in increasing European towns, it requires fi rst that the attractiveness of a town as a place Furthermore economic recession, everything is done to encourage all for business investment and sought- unemployment and consequent those who are associated with the facil- after residential areas. reduced opportunity for out-of-town ity of urban space to try to understand travel have increased the need for the more clearly what activities are actually 1.4. The enjoyment of open space con- provision and enhancement of space going on in these areas. It is only by rec- tributes to the legitimate aspirations in local neighbourhoods, while at the ognising the multifunctional demands of urban inhabitants for an improve- same time making available additional that are placed upon specifi c places that ment in their quality of life, as well as manpower resources to deal with it. those involved in urban development- to increased social cohesion, feelings sustaining, renewing, and new building- of security and supports in this way 1.6. Despite this realisation, there are will know more confi dently whether the protection of the rights of man in still threats and risks to open space adequate protection is being given to his built environment arising from unresolved conflicts in our existing resources. use, errors in planning and lack of Space, an essential and dominant part of co-ordination between and with dif- Role of surrounding buildings the historic structure and contemporary ferent authorities physical fabric of towns, is important New developments in towns have in in providing and sustaining a broader Despite the increased understanding of some cases led to the loss of façades. human dimension to the built, living the signifi cance of open space there are Often single-use, individual buildings, and working environment. It is a vital still threats, risks and defi ciencies, for set back in their own surroundings, have factor in the well-being of individuals example: public space is often threat- tended to replace traditional frontages. and the community. Cultural activity ened by uncontrolled building and road In order to remove a possible threat to and human well-being require amongst development and much still remains to the existing urban space by changes to other things that we have space to lin- be done to limit the invasion of streets its values and character, greater con-

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 84 23/09/13 16:34 k Europe g 2 1 1 6 urban tradition. Thisawarenessismore neighbourhoods andtheircharacter ness ofthescaleandnature existing There shouldbeamuchgreater aware- Respect oftheexistingurbanfabric tions andhenceavoid“overplanning”. those spacesshouldrefl subsequent designanddevelopmentof notions ofresponsibility,andthatthe their patternsofbehaviour,including recognition andanunderstandingof urban spaceresources.Itwillrequire a communitymakesofitsexisting tematic, observationoftheuseswhich This thereforerequiresclose,oftensys- behaviour ofitsresidents. community andrefl closely matchtherealneedsof and layoutofnewurbanspacesshould Of paramountimportance,thedesign Reflection ofrealneedsinhabitants 2.2. areas ofpersonalinteraction. spaces arerecoveredandsecuredas that streets,squaresandotherpublic bour lifeintowns,sohelpingtoensure tant aspectswhichbothbringandhar- “insensitive handling”oftheseimpor- “thoughtless destruction”,oratbest wider urbanarea-willhelptoavoid relationship toeachother-andthe vidual urbanopenspacesandtheir tectural andsocialsignifi understanding ofthehistoric,archi- rather thanthreatenthem.Acloser enhance existingurbanspaceresources Urban developmentshouldseekto of space Better understandingofthesignificance existing areas. crucial tothecontinuedenjoymentof the surroundingbuildingsareoften areas ofpublicopenspacetheuses total loss.Aswiththeprovisionofnew of thespace-ratherthanallowingtheir which helptodefi tion orreplacementofthebuildings sideration shouldbegiventothereten- 5 1 _ E N institutions ate professionalsandauthorities co-ordination betweenallappropri- and resultsinadequatedialogue resources, promotessocialcohesion of theurbanfabric,usesallavailable ants, respectstheexistingcharacter it reflectstherealneedsofinhabit- space andinsodoingtoensurethat To encouragetheprovisionofopen _ F u t u r o p a _ b . i n d d

8 ne theboundaries 5 ect thepatternsof ect suchobserva- cance ofindi- 2.3. a senseofcommunitypride. of responsibilityandthroughitcreate use ofpublicspacecaninvolveasense satisfactory communityrelations.The ingredient inestablishinganetworkof munity exerciseandthisisanimportant using openspacebecomesajointcom- to ensurethatplanning,creatingand in ourEuropeantowns,itispossible to secureandsustainaqualityoflife age-groups orethnicgroups.Intrying space betweendifferentgenerations, fundamental needforanduseofurban ings andthereislittledifferenceinthe spaces arelivingplaceswithoutceil- cohesion andurbanrevival.External is avitalfactorinpromotingsocial The provisionanduseofurbanspace Promotion ofsocialcohesion any futureplansforthearea. ported orshouldbeaccommodatedin often informal,useswhichcouldbesup- there isnotafailuretoobserveother, to the“offi that inrecordingunder-useregard in olderindustrialareas-makingsure under-used orderelictland.Particularly the scopeforreclaimingandreutilising time, itwillbeimportanttoexamine ing resources(2.1above).Atthesame and small-whichrepresenttheexist- areas ofurbanopenspace-bothlarge quantify andqualifyallthoseexisting it willbenecessaryattheoutsetto priate newareasofurbanopenspace, In ordertoprovideadequateandappro- particularly oldindustrialland Use ofallavailableresources, in scaleanddetail. acter andqualityofeachlocation,both that theyrespectthearchitecturalchar- quent designanddevelopmentaresuch of urbanopenspaceandtheirsubse- integration andprovisionofnewareas a whole.Itwillhelptoensurethatthe of anarea,andtownscitiesas of thearchitecturalandsocial“grain” likely toleadagreaterunderstanding These areseparate butcloselyrelated and maintenance; andenhancement. and organisationofspaces; control concerned withthelocation, design Urban openspacemanagement is appropriate levelsofuse tiveness, andtheencouragement of creation ofaccessibilityandattrac- tion ofconflicts,theachievementand through theidentificationandresolu- To manageandenhanceopenspace cial” or“intended”land-use, where regulation ofhistoricsitesisnec- urban openspace willrecognisethat regulated. Successfulmanagement of or wherealternativeareasare strictly if thereislittleotherurbanopen space signifi urban spaceswhichformthe setting of Confl Conflict: historicopenspace these urbanspaces. sonalise” ratherthan“vehicularise” and streetfurniturewhichhelpto“per- will needtoutilisematerials,surfaces encounter andinteraction.Themanager allow greateropportunityforpersonal and withinmostresidentialareasitwill to havegreaterpriorityintownstreets traffi ing thefactthatsomealreadyhave required inmanytowns,notwithstand- people andmotorvehiclesareurgently arrangements fortheco-existenceof of spaceinmanytownsandcivilised trians. Carsarestillthemajorusers between motorvehiclesandpedes- One majorsourceofconfl Conflict: carsandpedestrians change withtimeoruse. overall frameworkforactivitiesthatcan but throughitscapacitytoprovidean current fashionsorfunctionsitcanfulfi not beassessedpurelyintermsofthe other. Thevalueofopenspaceshould cessfully tosharethespacewitheach ent usergroupstoenablethemsuc- as toanticipatefutureneedsofdiffer- space shouldbeconceivedinsuchaway activities andexpression.Planningfor and alwayswiththeopportunityfornew ously withlittlehindrancetoeachother many activitiestotakeplacesimultane- interests. Successfuldesignswillenable occurrence ofconfl effort shouldbemadetoavoidthe design andorganisingstage,where Conflicts arebest“resolved”atthe cipally todowithmanagingconfl Managing urbanopenspaceisprin- from safetodangerouszone. space, itsabuseandtransformation can allleadtounder-useofurbanopen and casualorineffectivemaintenance- ate designanddetailing,over-regulation ful management-poorsiting,inappropri- intervention. Conversely,lesssuccess- open spaceasaconsequenceofsuch achieve greaterbenefi each ofthesemanagementactivitiesto and disciplines.Itispossiblethrough processes, requiringavarietyofskills c-free streets.Byallowingpeople ict canoccurintheuseof historic cant historicbuildingsespecially Futuropa n icting demandsand cial useofurban ict canbe icts. o 3 /2012 l 2 3 / 0 9 / 1 3 85

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essary, perhaps in order to safeguard that they drain easily, do not cause expenditure, initiatives from the pri- a particular function or the appearance a hazard to pedestrians and are sta- vate sector, controlled in a sensitive of an area, measures should be taken to ble. Over-design is often a threat to and fl exible way by local authorities, ensure that the area as a whole fulfi ls all the comfort of an area, making places should be encouraged. In this way part- the urban space requirements of those less attractive rather than more so, and nership between the local authority and living and working in it. increasing expenditure. Regard should the private sector can be established always be given to detail and choice of and nurtured. It is very important Visual conflict materials. Casual consideration of such that a sustained long-term emphasis matters can frequently encourage acts is placed on educational and informa- The scale and nature of a neighbour- of contempt and vandalism. Design tion programmes in schools, through hood, and of the city as a whole, should materials may be used to set signals: publications, radio and television, on be refl ected in the public space provi- different zones can thus be differently the signifi cance of policies for enhance- sion. Lack of harmony in scale, char- structured, given a different “feel”. ment of the urban environment in gen- acter and a disregard for the urban eral and provision and maintenance of tradition and the “tone” and “grain” Attractiveness: respect for quality open space in particular. Local authori- of the surrounding neighbourhood can ties too can help to encourage public cause visual confl ict which is likely to Enhancement of urban spaces should awareness of these issues. make an area forbidding. Large and be undertaken so as to make all places bleak areas of open space too are likely in towns attractive. The quality and 2.1. Close co-ordination of national to be as under-used as they are expen- not only the quantity of open space is policies sive. Cluttered or incoherent rather than important. Enhancing urban areas may diverse and detailed design can often require the introduction of trees and In some countries legislation should be cause disorientation and insecurity. other vegetation as well as introducing reviewed and sectoral policies of differ- colour, light and shade, which promotes ent administrations-for example, hous- Accessibility: delineation of space “nature” and brings a habitat for wild ing, social, environmental, transport, life in urban areas. economic development agencies-should In locating, designing and detailing be co-ordinated to ensure the provision urban open space, it will be necessary to Differentiated use of the necessary quantity and quality take into account the physical bounda- of public space and its adaptability to ries of the selected areas so as to ensure Where street furniture, parking materi- future requirements and changes. that adequate and appropriate access als, or planting become outworn and can be afforded and that the physical require replacement early attention 3.2. The recognition of the specific role of boundaries do not inhibit the use of should be given to this, and an under- local authorities the space provided. In the provision of standing of the function and often multi- new areas of space, it will be essential ple uses of these elements should ensure Local authorities should consider it one to achieve a sense of personal security that such conformity is sustained. When of their priorities to create and encour- as this can lead to a feeling of belonging managing, maintaining or enhancing age others to create and respect public and comfort for those who will use the urban spaces, it is important to recog- space in towns. They also have a respon- area. The delineation of the new space nise the multifunctional facility that is sibility for controlling the use of open may require new landscape and build- provided by walls and steps, seats and space in the interests of the community. ings to supplement those which already bollards, and when selecting or design- Overregulation should be avoided as it exist, and here, as with securing existing ing these components, or locating street can sometimes become unnecessarily urban spaces, the particular uses of sur- lighting, consideration should be given restrictive, and actually impede oth- rounding buildings and their diversity to the varied purposes that street furni- erwise intended accessibility and use. will often be crucial to the enjoyment ture can have. Local authorities have a responsibility of the space enclosed by them. for bringing back into use derelict or 2. Specific approaches under-used land and encouraging others Accessibility: structured maintenance to take such action and promote close The provision and management of co-operation between all concerned Good maintenance is an important open space must be the result of a fruit- with provision of space, including part of managing urban open space. ful and credible dialogue on an equal politicians, engineers, architects, plan- Maintenance methods should respect footing between all concerned. This ners, landscape architects and above the agreed and recognised purposes of means not only should there be close all the community or neighbourhood in the area. The upkeep of an area should co-ordination of national policies but question. not become a form of prohibition or also local authorities should consider a regulating control on behaviour, and it a priority to create and indeed allow 3.3. The encouragement as far as possible should not in any way diminish or others to create and respect public of community and neighbourhood- inhibit the accepted intention of the space in towns. Furthermore, success based schemes area. in the provision and maintenance of urban open space depends in the long As far as possible, the creation and Attractiveness: designs and materials term on the close involvement of resi- management of open space should dents in their own neighbourhoods be neighbourhood-based. Partnership The choice of appropriate materials and a healthy relationship between between local authorities and commu- must ensure that in practical terms sur- these community groups and local nity groups is invaluable in creating faces meet the specifi cation required- authorities. In a time of reduced public and maintaining open spaces so as

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 86 23/09/13 16:34 k Europe g 2 1 1 6 drama, music and dance.Inturnthis space foravariety ofactivitiesincluding other groupstomakeuseofurban open given bylocalauthoritiestoschools and benefi and otheragenciescanbe mutually the day-to-dayworkoflocalauthorities disciplines andpracticalexperience of ing foroneoftherelatedprofessional ing environmentaleducationorstudy- offi can inviteyoungpeopletovisittheir tion oflocalmeetings.Localauthorities attractive publicationsandtheorganisa- tres, up-to-dateaudiovisualmethods, such astowntrails,interpretationcen- should bedevelopedusingmethods as awhole,includingschoolchildren, greater awarenessamongthepublic Above allprogrammesofstimulating ment, onthesignifi affect thequalityofurbanenviron- planners andallthosewhosedecisions information ofofficials,architects, tions isthelong-termeducationand One ofthemostimportantconsidera- 3.5. such developments. maintaining anoverallguidancefor authorities, withthelatterofcourse dum theycanbeencouragedbypublic tives tothosesetoutinthismemoran- related agenciessupportsimilarobjec- initiatives fromtheprivatesectorand provision ofopenspace.Wheresuch ronmental improvementincludingthe for urbanregenerationandenvi- become anincreasinglyusedvehicle sector. Public/privatepartnershipshave example communityandtheprivate native provisionofsuchfacilities,for tries anincreasedinvolvementofalter- public expenditureandinsomecoun- fi services andfacilitieshasbeenmodi- larly local,authoritiesinprovidingall The traditionalroleofpublic,particu- 3.4. of unemployment. ism anditcanputtovaluableusepools This canbeusefulincombatingvandal- collective responsibilityandrespect. to promoteasenseofindividualand policing effectonpublicspace,helping involvement ofresidentshasaself- of theirneighbourhood.Thedirect respect fortheimmediateenvironment to promoteabetterawarenessofand 5 ed inrecentyearsgivenreduction 1 _ ces. Thesevisitors may beundertak- E N and information Significant emphasisoneducation agencies from theprivatesectorandrelated The encouragementofinitiatives _ cial.Encouragementcanalso be F u t u r o p a _ b . i n d d

cance ofopenspace. 8 7 overcome thisproblem. ing ofpersonalassociationcanhelpto importance oftheseareasandthefeel- space. Awarenessofthequalityand age thatlittercanbringtourbanopen focus attentionuponthevisualdam- and theotheragenciescanhelpto with thesupportoflocalauthorities Educational andpracticalexperience use ofurbanopenspace. assertive andperhapsmoreexpressive can leadtoamoreconfi sphere ofspatial developmenthastobe authorities and localauthoritiesinthe operation betweenstates, regional interregional andtransfrontier co- Convinced thatthetrans-European, ment goalsandstrategies; mon, Europe-wideterritorial develop- contribute totheco-ordinationofcom- constitute asuitablepoliticalbodyto Europe (Cemat)anditsCommittee the memberstatesofCouncil responsible forRegionalPlanningof European ConferenceofMinisters ate onanequalfootingandthatthe all thestatesofEuropecanco-oper- is theEuropeanOrganisationinwhich Considering thattheCouncilofEurope development oftheEuropeancontinent; means ofaterritoriallymorebalanced and regionaldemocracyinEuropeby Council ofEuropeistostrengthenlocal Considering thatoneoftheaims ecological andculturalfunctions; be metbytheterritoryintolinewithits well astheeconomicrequirementsto ment policiesthatbringthesocialas panied bysustainablespatialdevelop- and 11October1997,hastobeaccom- Europe attheirSecondSummiton10 the memberstatesofCouncil the headsofstateandgovernment objectives oftheCouncilEuropeby which wasdefi Believing thatsocialcohesioninEurope, of Europe, Article 15.boftheStatuteCouncil Council ofEurope,undertheterms The CommitteeofMinistersthe 3. 30 January2002 Continent, adoptedon development oftheEuropean for sustainablespatial CEMAT Guidingprinciples to memberstatesonthe of theCommitteeMinisters Recommendation Rec.(2002)1 ned asoneofthemain dent andmore – in theappendix,tobe: 8 September2000andastheyappear held inHanover(Germany)on7and responsible forRegionalPlanning the EuropeanConferenceofMinisters regions ofEuropeatthe12thSession gramme forgreatercohesionamongthe Resolution No.1onaten-pointpro- the EuropeanContinentasadoptedby Sustainable SpatialDevelopmentof Considering theGuidingPrinciplesfor routes oftheCouncilEurope; Committee ofMinistersonthecultural cultural fi rial communitiesorauthoritiesinthe frontier co-operationbetweenterrito- Council ofEuropeonfosteringtrans- Ministers tothememberstatesof No. R(2000)1oftheCommittee Considering Recommendation Charter (TorremolinosCharter); European Regional/SpatialPlanning states oftheCouncilEuropeon Committee ofMinisterstothemember Recommendation (1984)2ofthe Taking intoconsiderationthe 15 October1985); Local Self-government(Strasbourg, tocols andtheEuropeanCharterof 21 May1980)anditsadditionalpro- Communities orAuthorities(Madrid, Co-operation betweenTerritorial Outline ConventiononTransfrontier (Valletta, 16January1992),theEuropean of theArchaeologicalHeritage(revised) European ConventionontheProtection (Granada, 3October1985),the of theArchitecturalHeritageEurope 1979), theConventionforProtection and NaturalHabitats(Bern,19September the ConservationofEuropeanWildlife 19 December1954),theConventionon the EuropeanCulturalConvention(Paris, transfrontier co-operation,inparticular tial planning,localself-governmentand and culturalheritage,regionalspa- tection andmanagementofthenatural at internationallevelinthefi Having regardtothelegaltextsexisting European continentasawhole; social andterritorialcohesionofthe and eastEuropeinordertoensurethe countries ofwestEuropeandcentral strengthened, especiallybetweenthe 1997; Council ofEurope memberstatesin of HeadsStateandGovernment of sion adoptedattheSecondSummit tation ofthestrategysocial cohe- a majorcontributionforimplemen- eld andResolution(98)4ofthe Futuropa n eld ofpro- o 3 /2012 2 3 / 0 9 / 1 3 87

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– a policy framework document which ment measures for European cultural – the consideration of landscape devel- takes into account the relevant activ- landscapes as well as specifi c measures opment in international programmes; ities of the Council of Europe and its aimed at achieving a more regionally- bodies, and in particular the work balanced and sustainable development – stronger cross-border, transnational of its Parliamentary Assembly and in the individual regions of Europe are and interregional co-operation in its Congress of Local and Regional proposed. These areas are characterised the fi elds of landscape development, Authorities of Europe (CLRAE), in the by their very nature by a high degree of exchange of experience and research fi eld of continental spatial development diversity and partly overlap. The actors projects involving in particular local policy and which could contribute to concerned have to decide which of the and regional authorities; strengthen the European integration proposed measures should be taken process by means of transfrontier, inter- with which level of priority in spatial – the strengthening of the awareness of regional and transnational co-operation; development policy. people, private organisations and ter- ritorial authorities of the value of land- – a coherent strategy for the integrated 1. Landscapes scapes, their economic signifi cance, and regionally balanced development their evolution and the possibilities of of our continent, while based on the 49. Europe is composed of a plurality of conserving and improving them; principles of subsidiarity and reciproc- landscapes. They are a signifi cant part of ity, strengthens competitiveness, co- European heritage and a witness of the – stronger integration of landscape devel- operation and solidarity among local past and present relationships between opment into training programmes in and regional authorities across bor- man and his natural and built environ- various disciplines, and interdiscipli- ders, thereby making a contribution ments. Developments in production nary training programmes. to democratic stability in Europe; techniques in agriculture, forestry and industry and changes in town planning, 2. Urban areas Recalling its decision of 7 February 2001 transport, other types of infrastructure, (740/9.1 – CM (2001)6) to take into con- tourism and leisure time behaviour 51. In order to achieve the objective sideration the Guiding Principles for are accelerating the transformation of of polycentric development of the Sustainable Spatial Development of the European landscapes and can also have European settlement structure, further European Continent when giving its opin- a negative impact on their quality and measures, in addition to strengthening ion on projects with a spatial impacts, use. This not only concerns valuable nat- economic potential, are proposed for ural landscapes, but applies generally to achieving sustainable development in Recommends that the member states all types of cultural landscape, especially towns and cities. These include: of the Council of Europe: those that are an essential component of the urban environment. – developing strategies adapted to the – use the Guiding Principles for local context and aimed at overcoming Sustainable Spatial Development of the 50. Spatial development policy can the effects of economic restructuring; European Continent, as they appear in contribute to protecting, managing the Appendix, as a basis for planning and enhancing landscapes by adopting – controlling the expansion of urban and spatial development measures; appropriate measures, in particular by areas (urban sprawl): limiting trends organising better interactions between towards suburbanisation by increas- – implement these Guiding Principles various sectoral policies with regard to ing the supply of building land in towns in spatial development projects as their territorial impacts. Appropriate and cities, activation of gap sites and appropriate; measures in the fi eld of landscape pro- use of space-saving building methods, tection include: developing building land near traffi c – continue in establishing regional gov- nodes and railway stations, promoting ernmental and administrative bod- – the integration of landscape develop- inner urban development, raising the ies in order to facilitate better spatial ment into spatial planning as well as quality of living and housing condi- integration of the various regions of into sectoral policies such as those tions in urban areas, which includes Europe. related to the economy, agriculture, the conservation of existing ecosys- infrastructure and urban develop- tems and the creation of new green Appendix to Recommendation Rec ment, culture, environment, social areas and biotopes; (2002)1 development, which all have direct or indirect effects on the development of – regenerating deprived neighbour- Guiding principles for sustainable landscapes; hoods and producing a mix of activ- spatial development of the European ities and social groups within the Continent (Extracts) – the examination and general assess- urban structure, particularly in cities ment of landscapes, the analysis of where areas of social exclusion are ... their characteristics, of their ecosys- developing; tems and of the forces and pressures V. Spatial development measures transforming them; the defi nition and – carefully managing the urban ecosys- for different types of European use of landscape quality objectives; tem, particularly with regard to open regions and green spaces, water, energy, – the implementation of integrated waste and noise; 48. In addition to the principles related policies aimed at simultaneously to a sustainable spatial development protecting, managing and planning – developing effective, but at the same policy, more detailed spatial develop- landscapes; time environmentally-friendly public

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 88 23/09/13 16:34 k Europe g 2 1 1 6 – – – – – proposed inadditiontotheprinciples: cal regions,thefollowingmeasuresare and recreationalactivitiesasphysi- areas forliving,carryingoneconomic ent developmentofthecountrysideas 53. Inordertoachievetheindepend- 3. building landintheagglomerations. countered byincreasingthesupplyof demand forhomeownershipcanbe segregation resultingfromthebacklog trends towardssuburbanisationand increasing energyefficiency).New demand forarchitecturalqualityand new needs(increasedcarownership, reconstruction andtheadjustmentto improve thehousingstock,especially of dwellingsandhowtomaintain such ashowtofi member statesfacespecialchallenges, 52. Thetownsandcitiesinthenew – – – 5 1 inhabitants ofrural areasandincreas- improving theliving conditionsofthe those involvedintheeconomy; mobilising thelocalpopulationand diversifying theeconomicbaseand resources inruralareaswithaviewto conserving andimprovingendogenous sized townsandlargevillages; areas, inparticularsmallandmedium- increasing theaccessibilityof rural enterprises; establishing smallandmediumsized terlands andassuitablelocationsfor as servicesuppliersfortheirruralhin- towns aswelllargevillagestoact encouraging smallandmedium-sized tion, tourism,natureprotection); in agriculturalproduction,afforesta- employment opportunities,changes affecting ruralareas(diversifi in thediversityofdevelopments policy aimedatpreservingabalance strengthening thespatialplanning developing networksoftowns. heritage; conserving andenhancingthecultural mentation ofmeasures; co ordinatetheplanningandimple- individual townsandcommunesto local authorityboundariesbetween establishing planningbodiesacross sustainable mobility; transport designedtocontribute _ Rural areas E N _ F u t u r o p a _ b . i n d nance theconstruction d

8 9 cation of ... and theexchangeofexperience. problems andalsorequireco-operation regions areconfrontedwithsimilar tor. Rurallakedistrictsandarchipelago should bedevelopedintheprivatesec- ment generators,forexampletourism, processing industriesandotheremploy- urban ruralpartnerships.Tothisend, rural employmentandestablishnew areas. Theaimshouldbetodiversify scale outwardmigrationfromthese required topreventundesirablelarge- Effective ruraldevelopmentpoliciesare population stilllivesinthecountryside. ber statesahighproportionofthe 54. InsomeCouncilofEuropemem- – – – of Europeisto achieveagreaterunity Considering that theaimofCouncil Europe signatoryhereto, The memberStatesoftheCouncil of Preamble 4. in particularthefi quate infrastructureandnewservices, environment andestablishinganade- tural heritage;repairingdamagetothe further developingthenaturalandcul- to playanactiverole;conservingand tural, forestryandminingenterprises retired people.Thisrequiresagricul- groups, forinstanceyoungpeopleand ing theirattractivenessforallpopulation and communicationstechnologies. through theuseofnewinformation ment opportunitiesoutsideagriculture in particulardevelopingemploy- the economicdiversifi qualifi encouraging thecreationofhighly the conservationoflandscape; from thoseofnatureprotectionand needs ofagricultureorforestrydiffer compensation maybepaidwherethe diversity andtraditionallandscapes; to preservingandrestoringbiological local circumstancesandcontribute to adapttheirland-usepractices encouraging farmersandforesters countryside; forestry andcraftproductsfromthe of highqualityregionalagricultural, improving thesupplyandmarketing of EuropeSTEn°176 20 october2000),Council Convention (Florence, European Landscape ed jobopportunitiesaspartof eld oftourism; cation process, on theConservation ofEuropean ation, inparticular theConvention ernment andtransfrontier co-oper- and spatialplanning,local self gov- natural andculturalheritage, regional of protectionandmanagement ofthe ing atinternationallevelin the fi Having regardtothelegaltexts exist- sibilities foreveryone; and planningentailrightsrespon- and thatitsprotection,management ment ofindividualandsocialwell-being Believing thatthelandscapeisakeyele- of landscapes; play anactivepartinthedevelopment to enjoyhighqualitylandscapesand Wishing torespondthepublic’swish of landscapes; cases acceleratingthetransformation in theworldeconomyaremany and, atamoregenerallevel,changes infrastructure, tourismandrecreation planning, towntransport, production techniquesandinregional ture, forestry,industrialandmineral Noting thatdevelopmentsinagricul- ing beautyaswelleverydayareas; areas recognisedasbeingofoutstand- as wellinareasofhighquality, in thecountryside,degradedareas people everywhere:inurbanareasand important partofthequalitylifefor Acknowledging thatthelandscapeisan tion oftheEuropeanidentity; ing tohumanwell-beingandconsolida- natural andculturalheritage,contribut- it isabasiccomponentoftheEuropean the formationoflocalculturesandthat Aware thatthelandscapecontributesto can contributetojobcreation; protection, managementandplanning able toeconomicactivityandwhose fi ecological, environmentalandsocial tant publicinterestroleinthecultural, Noting thatthelandscapehasanimpor- environment; social needs,economicactivityandthe and harmoniousrelationshipbetween development basedonabalanced Concerned toachievesustainable economic andsocialfi in particularthroughagreementsthe heritage, andthatthisaimispursued and principleswhicharetheircommon of safeguardingandrealisingtheideals between itsmembersforthepurpose elds, andconstitutesaresourcefavour- Futuropa n elds; o eld 3 /2012 2 3 / 0 9 / 1 3 89

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Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern, signifi cant or characteristic features b. to establish and implement landscape 19 September 1979), the Convention of a landscape, justifi ed by its her- policies aimed at landscape protec- for the Protection of the Architectural itage value derived from its natural tion, management and planning Heritage of Europe (Granada, 3 October configuration and/or from human through the adoption of the specifi c 1985), the European Convention on activity; measures set out in Article 6; the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (revised) (Valletta, 16 January e. “Landscape management” means c. to establish procedures for the partici- 1992), the European Outline Convention action, from a perspective of sustain- pation of the general public, local and on Transfrontier Co-operation between able development, to ensure the regu- regional authorities, and other parties Territorial Communities or Authorities lar upkeep of a landscape, so as to with an interest in the defi nition and (Madrid, 21 May 1980) and its addi- guide and harmonise changes which implementation of the landscape poli- tional protocols, the European Charter are brought about by social, eco- cies mentioned in paragraph b above; of Local Self-government (Strasbourg, nomic and environmental processes; 15 October 1985), the Convention d. to integrate landscape into its regional on Biological Diversity (Rio, 5 June f. “Landscape planning” means strong and town planning policies and in its 1992), the Convention concerning the forward-looking action to enhance, cultural, environmental, agricultural, Protection of the World Cultural and restore or create landscapes. social and economic policies, as well Natural Heritage (Paris, 16 November as in any other policies with possible 1972), and the Convention on Access Article 2 – Scope direct or indirect impact on landscape. to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice Subject to the provisions contained in Article 6 – Specifi c measures on Environmental Matters (Aarhus, 25 Article 15, this Convention applies to the June 1998); entire territory of the Parties and cov- A. Awareness-raising ers natural, rural, urban and peri-urban Acknowledging that the quality and areas. It includes land, inland water and Each Party undertakes to increase diversity of European landscapes con- marine areas. It concerns landscapes that awareness among the civil society, pri- stitute a common resource, and that it might be considered outstanding as well vate organisations, and public authori- is important to co-operate towards its as everyday or degraded landscapes. ties of the value of landscapes, their role protection, management and planning; and changes to them. Article 3 – Aims Wishing to provide a new instrument B. Training and education devoted exclusively to the protection, The aims of this Convention are to pro- management and planning of all land- mote landscape protection, manage- Each Party undertakes to promote: scapes in Europe, ment and planning, and to organise European co-operation on landscape a. training for specialists in landscape Have agreed as follows: issues. appraisal and operations;

Chapter I – General Provisions Chapter II – National Measures b. multidisciplinary training programmes in landscape policy, protection, man- Article 1 – Defi nitions Article 4 – Division of responsibilities agement and planning, for profession- als in the private and public sectors For the purposes of the Convention: Each Party shall implement this and for associations concerned; Convention, in particular Articles 5 a. “Landscape” means an area, as per- and 6, according to its own division c. school and university courses which, ceived by people, whose character is of powers, in conformity with its con- in the relevant subject areas, address the result of the action and interac- stitutional principles and administra- the values attaching to landscapes tion of natural and/or human factors; tive arrangements, and respecting the and the issues raised by their protec- principle of subsidiarity, taking into tion, management and planning. b. “Landscape policy” means an expres- account the European Charter of Local sion by the competent public authori- Self-government. Without derogating C. Identifi cation and assessment ties of general principles, strategies from the provisions of this Convention, and guidelines that permit the taking each Party shall harmonise the imple- 1. With the active participation of the of specifi c measures aimed at the pro- mentation of this Convention with its interested parties, as stipulated in tection, management and planning own policies. Article 5.c, and with a view to improv- of landscapes; ing knowledge of its landscapes, each Article 5 – General measures Party undertakes: c. “Landscape quality objective” means, for a specifi c landscape, the formula- Each Party undertakes: i. to identify its own landscapes through- tion by the competent public authori- out its territory; ties of the aspirations of the public a. to recognise landscapes in law as with regard to the landscape features an essential component of people’s ii. to analyse their characteristics and of their surroundings; surroundings, an expression of the the forces and pressures transform- diversity of their shared cultural and ing them; d. “Landscape protection” means natural heritage, and a foundation of actions to conserve and maintain the their identity; iii. to take note of changes;

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 90 23/09/13 16:34 k Europe g 2 1 1 6 tier co-operation onlocalandregional The Partiesshall encouragetransfron- Article 9–Transfrontierlandscapes c. b. a. this Convention,andinparticular: measures takenunderotherarticlesof order toenhancetheeffectivenessof The Partiesundertaketoco-operatein exchange ofinformation Article 8–Mutualassistanceand scape considerations. relevant, theinclusioninthemofland- grammes, andtorecommend,where sion ofinternationalpoliciesandpro- consideration ofthelandscapedimen- Parties undertaketoco-operateinthe programmes Article 7–Internationalpoliciesand Chapter III–EuropeanCo-operation aging and/orplanningthelandscape. instruments aimedatprotecting,man- each Partyundertakestointroduce To putlandscapepoliciesintoeffect, E. Article 5.c. public consultationinaccordancewith scapes identifi scape qualityobjectivesfortheland- Each Partyundertakestodefi D. 2. b. 5 1 _ Convention. ters coveredbytheprovisions ofthe to exchangeinformationonall mat- results ofresearchprojects; exchange ofexperience,andthe matters throughthepoolingand scientific assistanceinlandscape to rendereachothertechnicaland at EuropeanlevelpursuanttoArticle8. ology, organisedbetweentheParties exchanges ofexperienceandmethod- procedures shallbeguidedbythe These identifi training andinformationpurposes; scape specialistsinparticularfor to promotetheexchangeofland- concerned. interested partiesandthepopulation lar valuesassignedtothembythe fi to assessthelandscapesthusidenti- Implementation E Landscape qualityobjectives ed, takingintoaccounttheparticu- N _ F u t u r o p a _ b . i n ed andassessed,after d cation andassessment d

9 1 ne land- ne 3. 2. 1. of theCouncilEurope Article 11–Landscapeaward 3. 2. 1. implementation oftheConvention Article 10–Monitoringofthe programmes. pare andimplementjointlandscape level and,wherevernecessary,pre- Committee of Ministers shalldefi Experts mentioned inArticle10the On proposalsfromtheCommittees of in question. they jointlymanagethelandscape cerned, mayapplyprovided that of localandregionalauthorities con- regional authoritiesandgroupings the Parties.Transfrontierlocaland Experts mentionedinArticle10by be submittedtotheCommitteesof award oftheCouncilEuropeshall Applications fortheLandscape management orplanning. tributions tolandscapeprotection, made particularlyremarkablecon- governmental organisationshaving tion maybealsoconferredonnon- authorities inEurope.Thedistinc- as anexampletootherterritorial ingly effectiveandcanthusserve landscape, whichhaveprovedlast- to protect,manageand/orplantheir Convention, apolicyormeasures landscape policyofaPartytothis that haveinstituted,aspartofthe authorities andtheirgroupings be conferredonlocalandregional of Europeisadistinctionwhichmay The LandscapeawardoftheCouncil of theCouncilEurope. rules governingtheLandscapeaward the criteriaforconferringand pose totheCommitteeofMinisters The CommitteesofExpertsshallpro- Ministers. the ConventiontoCommitteeof carried outandontheoperationof shall transmitareportonthework General oftheCouncilEurope Committees ofExperts,theSecretary Following eachmeetingofthe of theConvention. for monitoringtheimplementation Council ofEuropetoberesponsible the CommitteeofMinisters Europe shallbedesignatedby of theStatuteCouncil of ExpertssetupunderArticle17 Existing competentCommittees ne the formationof localculturesandthat Aware thatthe landscape contributesto contribute tojobcreation; tection, managementandplanning can able toeconomicactivitywhose pro- fi ecological, environmentaland social tant publicinterestroleinthecultural, Noting thatthelandscapehasanimpor- environment; social needs,economicactivityandthe and harmoniousrelationshipbetween development basedonabalanced Concerned toachievesustainable ture inFlorenceon20October2000; and openedtomemberstatesforsigna- of theCouncilEuropeon19July2000 adopted bytheCommitteeofMinisters Landscape Convention(ETSNo.176), Having regardtotheEuropean heritage; and principleswhicharetheircommon of safeguardingandrealisingtheideals between itsmembersforthepurpose of Europeistoachievegreaterunity Considering thattheaimofCouncil The CommitteeofMinisters, 5. to thisConvention. European Communityinvitedtoaccede of EuropeandtoanyStateorthe to eachmemberStateoftheCouncil Europe shalltransmitcertifi The SecretaryGeneraloftheCouncil in thearchivesofCouncilEurope. a singlecopywhichshallbedeposited both textsbeingequallyauthentic,in October 2000,inEnglishandFrench, Done atFlorence,this20thdayof ... 4. elds, andconstitutesaresource favour- adopted on6February2008 European LandscapeConvention, for theimplementationof member statesontheguidelines of theCommitteeMinistersto Recommendation CM/Rec(2008)3 and confertheAward. of Europe,adopttherelevantrules the LandscapeawardofCouncil and publishthecriteriaforconferring landscape areasconcerned. management and/orplanningofthe ensure thesustainableprotection, age thosereceivingtheawardto of theCouncilEuropeistoencour- The grantingoftheLandscapeaward Futuropa n ed copies ed o 3 /2012 2 3 / 0 9 / 1 3 91

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it is a basic component of the European Guidelines for the implementation of Some general principles and provisions natural and cultural heritage, contribut- the European Landscape Convention are presented below: ing to human well-being and consolida- (Extracts) tion of the European identity; – the general principles are designed Introduction to provide guidance on some of the Acknowledging that the landscape is an fundamental articles of the European important part of the quality of life for This document contains a series of Landscape Convention; people everywhere: both in urban areas theoretical, methodological and practi- and in the countryside, in degraded cal guidelines for the implementation – the general provisions are intended to areas and in areas of high quality, in of the European Landscape Convention explain the foundations of the action areas recognised as being of outstand- (hereinafter “the convention”). It is to be taken at technical and opera- ing beauty and in everyday areas; intended for parties to the convention tional level in order to promote, on the who wish to draw up and implement one hand, protection, management Noting that developments in agricul- a national landscape policy based on and planning according to landscape ture, forestry, industrial and mineral the convention. quality objectives (administrative and production techniques, and in regional institutional questions) and, on the planning, town planning, transport, It puts forward proposals taking account other, integration of the landscape infrastructure, tourism and recreation of advances and developments in the dimension into all sectoral policies and, at a more general level, changes concept of landscape in Europe and of with landscape implications (criteria in the world economy, are in many the diverse existing and practical experi- and instruments for implementing cases accelerating the transformation ence in applying the convention. landscape policies). of landscapes; The concept of landscape is undergoing The meetings of the Workshops of the Wishing to respond to the public’s wish a period of rapid and profound change Council of Europe on the Implementation to enjoy high-quality landscapes and to accompanied by signifi cant advances. of the European Landscape Convention play an active part in the development Together with the documents relating have already carried out, and will con- of landscapes; to its implementation, the convention tinue, in-depth studies of useful themes constitutes a genuine innovation com- as references for implementation of the Believing that the landscape is a key ele- pared with other international docu- convention. ment of individual and social well-being ments on cultural and natural heritage. and that its protection, management It has already led to developments in The guidelines, with their appendices and planning entail rights and respon- numerous European states, irrespective which are an integral part of them, are sibilities for everyone; of whether or not they have offi cially designed to facilitate the transposition acceded to it, not only in their national of the provisions contained in the con- Acknowledging that the quality and and regional legislation but also at vari- vention into national, regional and local diversity of European landscapes con- ous administrative levels, as well as in regulations. stitute a common resource, and that it methodological documents and experi- is important to co-operate towards its ments with active participatory land- Part I – General principles protection, management and planning; scape policies. The general principles are designed Considering the aims of the European This situation has come about both in to provide guidance on some of the Landscape Convention and wishing to states which have long been active in fundamental articles of the European encourage its implementation; this area and which have tried and tested Landscape Convention. landscape policies and instruments, and Considering the wish expressed by the in states which are not yet at that stage. I.1. Issues covered by the general Council of Europe Conference on the The convention is used as a benchmark principles European Landscape Convention, held by some countries to initiate a process of in Strasbourg on 22 and 23 March 2007, profound change in their landscape poli- A. Consider the territory as a whole that the draft guidelines for the imple- cies; for others it constitutes an opportu- mentation of the European Landscape nity to defi ne their policy. The convention applies to the entire ter- Convention, be forwarded via the rel- ritory and covers natural, rural, urban evant Committees to the Committee of The guidelines and suggestions below and peri-urban areas. It includes land, Ministers of the Council of Europe for are put forward with due regard for the inland water and marine areas. It con- adoption, in the form of a Committee of freedom, and particularly the creativity, cerns landscapes that may be consid- Ministers’ recommendation to member of the authorities of each state to draw ered outstanding as well as everyday states, up legal, operational, administrative and and degraded landscapes. technical landscape-related instruments 1. adopts the guidelines for the imple- and are not legally binding. They avoid B. Recognise the fundamental role of mentation of the European Landscape narrow or restrictive interpretations of knowledge Convention as mentioned below; the text of the convention or guidelines that have already been applied but have The identification, description and 2. recommends that the Parties to the raised problems. The courses of action assessment of landscapes constitute convention take them into account chosen by each state for the application the preliminary phase of any landscape and adopt them in the framework of of the convention will form a common policy. This involves an analysis of mor- their national policies. resource useful to all other states. phological, archaeological, historical, cul-

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kg211651_EN_Futuropa_b.indd 92 23/09/13 16:34 k Europe g 2 1 1 6 scape qualityobjectives. implementing andmonitoringland- to playanactiveroleinformulating, holders, withtheaimofenabling them of thepublicandotherrelevant stake- cedures forparticipationbymembers be precededandaccompanied bypro- and monitorlandscapepolicies should All actiontakentodefi G. (vertical integration). bodies belongingtodifferentlevels tion) andthevariousadministrative on thesamelevel(horizontalintegra- administrative bodiesanddepartments Integration concernsboththevarious that infl landscape dimensioninallpolicies allowing systematicinclusionofthe account viaappropriateprocedures Landscape shouldbefullytakeninto F. proposals. ity protection,managementorplanning sectoral, inordertoleadhigher-qual- management policies,bothgeneraland included inthepreparationofallspatial The landscapedimensionshouldbe E. landscape qualityobjectives. various strategiesshouldbelinkedby implementation tobeprogrammed.The in termsofspaceandtime,allowpolicy institutions which,whenco-ordinated These arebasedontheresourcesand within thelimitsofitscompetences. cifi regional andlocal)shoulddrawupspe- Each administrativelevel(national, D. non-specialists. in awayunderstandableevenby available, structuredandpresented sible toall,thatis,itshouldbeeasily specialised knowledgeshouldbeacces- Active publicinvolvementmeansthat C. opment anditsrecentsignifi the viewpointofbothitshistoricaldevel- the publicshouldalsobeanalysedfrom changes. Theperceptionoflandscapeby interrelations, aswellananalysisof tural andnaturalcharacteristicstheir 5 1 _ c and/orsectorallandscapestrategies policies Integrate landscapeintosectoral territorial policies Integrate thelandscapedimensionin Promote awareness Make useofpublicparticipation Define landscapestrategies E N _ F u uence thequalityofaterritory. t u r o p a _ b . i n d d

9 3 ne, implement ne, cance. conducive toeconomic activity. able development, aswellaresource and intellectualsense)for sustain- physical, physiological,psychological and socialwell-being(understood inthe nised asapreconditionforindividual ings wherepeoplelive;this is recog- the themeofqualitysurround- head-on andinacomprehensiveway, the contrary,desiretoconfront, space. Thisnewconceptexpresses,on by consideringitasapartofphysical (as “cultural”,“natural”etc.landscape) concept oflandscape)andassessesit sees inlandscapean“asset”(heritage be foundincertaindocuments,which vention differsfromtheonethatmay The conceptoflandscapeinthecon- European LandscapeConvention–Scope) or degradedlandscapes.”(Article2ofthe considered outstandingaswelleveryday areas. Itconcernslandscapesthatmightbe It includesland,inlandwaterandmarine natural, rural,urbanandperi-urbanareas. entire territoryofthePartiesandcovers Article 15,thisconventionappliestothe “Subject totheprovisionscontainedin Convention –Definitions) (Article 1oftheEuropeanLandscape tion ofnaturaland/orhumanfactors.” the resultofactionandinterac- ceived bypeople,whosecharacteris a. ‘Landscape’meansanarea,asper- “For thepurposesofconvention: I.2. achieving itsobjectives. European LandscapeConventionandin the socialandterritorialrelevanceof of fundamentalimportanceinensuring and learningfromtheseexperiencesare cal ideasbetweenlandscapespecialists theoretical, methodologicalandempiri- Information exchange,thecirculationof I. the places. also beappropriatetothefeaturesof or projectshouldnotonlymatch,but effects defi and instrumentscorrespondingtothose should thereforebeevaluatedandrules whatever theirscale,onlandscape about adecline.Theeffectsofprojects, landscape quality,oratleastnotbring tives. Itshouldinparticularimprove comply withlandscapequalityobjec- Every planningactionorprojectshould H. exchange ofinformation Develop mutualassistanceand Achieve landscapequalityobjectives Defi nition oflandscape ned. Eachplanningaction a restrictedspace. infrastructure or ofindividualactionin authorities inestablishingalarge-scale may betheoutcomeofaction by public scales oftimeandspace.Such activities in highlyvariedwaysandon differing ious stakeholdersinterritorialprocesses actions resultingfromtheactivity ofvar- is theresultofmanychange-producing ings. Thelandscapeinwhichtheylive Europe towardstheirphysicalsurround- the partofallinstitutionsandcitizens implies rightsandresponsibilitieson The legalrecognitionoflandscape General measures) of theEuropeanLandscapeConvention– a foundationoftheiridentity;”(Article5 shared culturalandnaturalheritage, an expressionofthediversitytheir component ofpeople’ssurroundings, nise landscapesinlawasanessential “Each Partyundertakes:a.torecog- I.3. and planningprocedures. integral partofmanagement,protection regarded notasaformalactbutan agement ofsuchdecisionsovertimeis and intheimplementationman- involvement indecisionstotakeaction ity oftheplaceswheretheylive.Public taking decisionsandmanagingthequal- the processesofacquiringknowledge, of populationstoplayanactiverolein tion oftherightsandresponsibilities society asawhole.Itimpliesrecogni- for individualenrichmentandthatof identity ofthepopulationitselfand the respectandsafeguardingof and culturalfeaturesareessentialfor latter’s diversityandspecialhistorical environment andrecognitionofthe ception whichapopulationhasofits tory, tactile,taste)andemotionalper- The sensory(visual,auditory,olfac- them totheentireterritory. integrated fashion,thatis,byapplying economic dimensionsinanoveralland the environmental,cultural,socialand ment isunderstoodasfullyintegrating The conceptofsustainabledevelop- their interrelations. parts areconsideredsimultaneouslyin scape formsawholewhoseconstituent artifi degraded; itisnotlimitedtocultural, regarded asoutstanding,everydayor ral parts,orbetweenpartsthatmaybe the urban,peri-urban,ruralandnatu- a whole,withoutdistinguishingbetween Attention isfocusedontheterritoryas Legal recognitionoflandscape cial andnaturalelements:theland- Futuropa n o 3 /2012 2 3 / 0 9 / 1 3 93

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I.4. Landscape policies cal, cultural, perceptive and eco- nomic and environmental processes;” nomic approaches; (Article 1 of the European Landscape “For the purposes of the convention: … b.. Convention – Definitions) ‘Landscape policy’ means an expression – incorporate social and economic by the competent public authorities of aspects. Management of landscape is a continu- general principles, strategies and guide- ing action aimed at infl uencing activ- lines that permit the taking of specific I.5. Actions on landscape ities liable to modify landscape. It can measures aimed at the protection, man- The convention gives definitions of be seen as a form of adaptive planning agement and planning of landscapes;” actions on landscape: protection, man- which itself evolves as societies trans- (Article 1 of the European Landscape agement and planning. form their way of life, their develop- Convention – Definitions) “For the purposes of the convention: … ment and surroundings. It can also d. ‘Landscape protection’ means actions be seen as a territorial project, which From the operational viewpoint, the to conserve and maintain the significant takes account of new social aspirations, convention presupposes: or characteristic features of a landscape, anticipated changes in biophysical and justified by its heritage value derived from cultural characteristics and access to – the drawing up of specifi c landscape its natural configuration and/or from natural resources. policies and concurrently the sys- human activity;” (Article 1 of the European tematic inclusion of the landscape Landscape Convention – Definitions) “For the purposes of the convention: dimension in all sectoral policies that … f. ‘Landscape planning’ means have a direct or indirect infl uence on The concept of protection includes the strong forward-looking action to changes to the territory. Landscape idea that landscape is subject to changes enhance, restore or create landscapes.” is therefore not additional to other which, within certain limits, have to be (Article 1 of the European Landscape themes but is an integral part of them; accepted. Protective measures, which Convention – Definitions) are currently being widely trialled, – a transition from a policy based only should not be designed to stop time or Landscape planning may be regarded on protecting a territory’s features to restore natural or human-infl uenced in the same way as a territorial project and parts recognised as outstanding characteristics that no longer exist; how- and concerns forms of change that can to a policy based on the quality of ever, they may guide changes in sites in anticipate new social needs by taking all living surroundings, whether out- order to pass on their specifi c, material account of ongoing developments. It standing, everyday or degraded; and immaterial features to future gen- should also be consistent with sustain- erations. A landscape’s characteristics able development and allow for the – a defi nition of and experience with depend on economic, social, ecologi- ecological and economic processes new forms of collaboration between cal, cultural and historical factors, the that may occur in the medium and the various bodies and the various origin of which often lies outside the long terms. Planning also covers the levels of administration; sites concerned. Landscape protection rehabilitation of degraded land (mines, should fi nd the ways and means of act- quarries, landfi lls, wasteland, etc.) so – a new approach to observing and ing, at an appropriate level, not only on that they meet the stipulated landscape interpreting landscape, which should the characteristics present at sites but quality objectives. henceforth: also on external factors. Landscape action is a combination of – view the territory as a whole (and “For the purposes of the convention: protection, management and planning no longer just identify places to be ... e. ‘Landscape management’ means conducted over one and the same ter- protected); action, from a perspective of sustain- ritory: certain parts and features can able development, to ensure the reg- be protected, others, particularly proc- – include and combine several ular upkeep of a landscape, so as to esses, should be managed and still oth- approaches simultaneously, linking guide and harmonise changes which ers should be intentionally adapted. ecological, archaeological, histori- are brought about by social, eco-

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1 6 : 3 Texts of the Council of Europe 4 Council of Europe Directorate of Culture and Cultural and Natural Heritage Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Spatial Planning Division F-67075 Strasbourg cedex Web: http://www.coe.int/futuropa The Council of Europe is an intergovernmental organisation founded in 1949 with its headquarters in Strasbourg, France. The statutes of the Organisation, which has 47 member states, mention that its aim is to achieve a greater unity between its members for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are their common heritage and facilitating their economic and social progress. The main objectives of the Organisation are to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law and to seek common solutions to the main problems facing European society. It is active in promoting sustainable spatial development in line with Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the “Guiding principles for sustainable spatial development of the European Continent”. The aim is to protect the life, the quality of life and well-being of Europeans taking into account landscape, cultural and natural values of the territory. The Futuropa magazine, previously named Naturopa, has been published since 1968. It is intended to raise awareness among European citizens and decision-makers of the importance of sustainable development in Europe by focusing on its unique heritage. The magazine is published in the two offi cial languages of the Organisation: English and French. In order to receive Futuropa or to obtain further information on the Council of Europe, please contact the National Agency or the Focal Point for your country (see list on http://www.coe.int/futuropa).

ISSN 1998-1457

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