The Concept of Cultural Landscape: Discourse and Narratives

Abstract

The book contributes to the relatively extensive study of landscapes by exploring the interfaces in the landscape. Instead of taking a viewpoint of some of the disciplines we try to map the links between them, indicate points for common understanding and cooperation. These interfaces happen between different cultures, between natural and human sciences, past and present, lay people and experts, time and space, preservation and use, ecology and semiosis. It compares how different cultures interpret landscapes, how cultural values are assessed, explores new tools for assessment, picks up the discussion about landscape authenticity, and finally draws perspectives for further research. It is not a textbook on its own, rather it is additional reading for any course dealing with landscapes on advanced levels, for geographers, landscape ecologists, landscape architects and everybody concerned with landscapes.