The urban cure : design with local landscape dynamics

Sammanfattning: The worlds cities are currently facing challenges related to climate change, resource loss, poverty, social inequality, and technological disruptions. Sustainable urban planning is crucial, especially with the increasing global population and urbanization. Cities are the vital organs that determine the growth and further development of a region. However, as we are growing out of the industrial era, Europe is experiencing urban shrinkage in many places - understanding the underlying forces behind this shrinkage is essential for revitalizing cities. Landscape architects have expertise in urban development, but there is a lack of understanding about the term ”landscape” in interdisciplinary collaboration. The objective is to discuss the relationship between landscape architecture and urban planning in revitalizing post-industrial cities in Europe. The importance of understanding past planning and development practices, current problems, and coping strategies is highlighted. The research aims to determine the role and potential of landscape architecture in urban planning to address urban shrinkage and contribute to sustainable development. The research is built upon four subquestions: examining past planning and urban development, discussing problems arising from past urban development in Europe, exploring future-oriented urban planning guidelines, and identifying planning methods for the regeneration of post-industrial cities. The research design follows a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges of shrinking cities and outlining the future role of landscape architecture. The first part provides an overview of the historical development of European urban planning and the role of landscape architecture in shaping urban landscapes. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the natural and cultural context for sustainable planning. Part II discusses the challenges in shrinking cities, such as globalization, deindustrialization, and environmental changes, and highlights the need for a balance between human needs and the environment in urban development. The future of post-industrial cities is discussed in the third part, emphasizing the role of politics, society, and interdisciplinary approaches in addressing challenges and creating sustainable and resilient cities. In the fourth part, a new method called `DLLD - Design with Local Landscape Dynamics` is proposed. It is a landscape architecture method for revitalizing shrinking cities, incorporating insights from past and future urban development. The method focuses on spatial perception and performance, allowing for interventions in the urban system. The role of landscape architecture in urban planning is discussed separately in the future outlook, highlighting its potential in mediating between different interests and currents in urban development. The ”Design with Local Landscape Dynamics” method can play a central role in the regeneration of shrinking cities and become a fundamental field of knowledge for the future of urban development.