La dimensión comunicativa del paisaje: Una propuesta teórica y aplicada

Abstract

Landscape ecological science has pro- duced knowledge about the relationship between landscape pattern and landscape processes, but it has been less effective in transferring this knowledge to society. We argue that design is a common ground for scientists and practitioners to bring scientific knowl- edge into decision making about landscape change, and we therefore propose that the pattern–process paradigm should be extended to include a third part: design. In this context, we define design as any intentional change of landscape pattern for the purpose of sustainably providing ecosystem services while recognizably meeting societal needs and respecting societal values. We see both the activity of design and the resulting design pattern as oppor- tunities for science: as a research method and as topic of research. To place design within landscape ecol- ogy science, we develop an analytic framework based on the concept of knowledge innovation, and we apply the framework to two cases in which design has been used as part of science. In these cases, design J. I. Nassauer (&) School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, 440 Church St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1041, USA e-mail: nassauer@umich.edu P. Opdam Department of Land Use Planning & Alterra Landscape Center, Wageningen University Center, PO Box 46, Wageningen 6700 AA, The Netherlands elicited innovation in society and in science: the design concept was incorporated in societal action to improve landscape function, and it also initiated scientific questions about pattern–process relations. We conclude that landscape design created collabo- ratively by scientists and practitioners in many disciplines improves the impact of landscape science in society and enhances the saliency and legitimacy of landscape ecological scientific knowledge.