The landscape that surrounds us is not just a set of natural or artificial elements. It is, above all, the reflection of the
relationship between the human being and the projects in which they live. This relationship, laden with stories, traditions, cultural values, and transformations over time, constitutes what is called
cultural landscape. In the context of architecture and urbanism, this concept becomes even more relevant, as it guides projects, preserves memories, and helps to build a collective identity. When architects and urban planners understand the cultural layers of a space, they start to design with more
respect for local history and the characteristics that make that place unique.
What is cultural landscape
Cultural landscape is a term that designates the interaction between nature and human action over time. It includes not only visible material elements, such as buildings, squares, roads, and plantations, but also
immaterial aspects, such as traditional knowledge, land use, and symbolic relationships with the territory. According to UNESCO, cultural landscapes are "combined works of nature and man" and are recognized as world heritage for their historical, cultural, and aesthetic importance. The concept arose from the need to understand that the projects are not a static stage, but a living organism, transformed by culture over the centuries. The cultural landscape therefore involves the
collective memory of a society and is directly related to the identity of a people. Since 2009,
IPHAN (National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage) has formally recognized these landscapes as cultural goods, considering not only the material elements but also the ways of life, cultural manifestations, and knowledge associated with the territory.
Authors and architects and urban planners who have addressed the topic in books
Various scholars have reflected on the concept of cultural landscape, contributing to its understanding within architecture and urbanism. One of the main authors is German geographer
Carl Sauer, who in the early 20th century proposed the idea that the landscape is a cultural product, resulting from human interaction with the projects. In Brazil, architect and urban planner
Nádia Somekh is one of the most active voices in the field of preservation and revaluation of urban landscape, addressing how historical context influences project decisions. Another important name is architect
Kevin Lynch, author of the classic "The Image of the City", in which he discusses urban perception and how people interact with urban spaces. The cultural landscape is also a frequent theme in the works of
Norberg-Schulz, with his idea of "genius of the place" (
genius loci), and authors such as
Yi-Fu Tuan, who combine geography and human experience to understand spaces. These thinkers offer different perspectives on the same phenomenon, reinforcing its importance for contemporary architecture.
Difference between natural and cultural landscapes
Although often interconnected, natural and cultural landscapes have clear distinctions. The
natural landscape is one that forms without direct human interference. It includes geological formations, native vegetation, watercourses, and ecosystems in a more primitive state. In contrast, the
cultural landscape arises from human intervention in this setting, transforming the space with their activities, beliefs, techniques, and needs. A cultivated field, a
historical city, a planned garden, or a candomblé terreiro are all examples of cultural landscapes. The understanding of this difference is fundamental for
architecture and urbanism professionals, as it directly affects project, restoration, and urban intervention approaches. Preserving the natural landscape does not imply the same actions as preserving the cultural landscape. The latter requires a careful look at symbolic values, daily uses, and stories that accumulate in the layers of space.
Examples of famous cultural landscapes
Several cultural landscapes around the world have been recognized as world heritage by UNESCO, distinguished by their historical and symbolic value. One of the most emblematic examples is the
historic center of Florence, Italy, where Renaissance architecture integrates with the streets, squares, and the Arno River, composing a landscape laden with artistic and cultural meaning. In Japan,
the terraced rice fields of Shirakawa-go reflect the harmony between agricultural tradition and vernacular architecture. In Brazil, the
historic center of Ouro Preto, with its baroque churches and stone slopes, is a clear example of a cultural landscape that blends history, art, and topography. Other notable examples include the
Loire Valley, France, with its castles and gardens integrated into nature; and the
Camino de Santiago de Compostela, which constitutes a cultural landscape in constant transformation, shaped by the experience of thousands of pilgrims over the centuries. These places show how architecture can converse with time, creating a living relationship between past and present.
How to preserve and value this concept
Preserving a cultural landscape requires more than restoring old facades or maintaining monuments standing. It involves understanding the
historical processes that shaped that space and ensuring that its functions and meanings continue alive. This implies multidisciplinary actions involving architects, urban planners, historians, local communities, and public managers. An effective strategy is
heritage education, which raises awareness among the population about the value of the landscape and stimulates a sense of belonging. In addition,
specific protection legislation and incentives for
urban revitalization are essential. The use of technologies such as 3D mapping and digital modeling can also contribute to the documentation and planning of more conscious interventions. Finally, it is important that contemporary architectural projects consider the
cultural context in which they are inserted, adopting solutions that respect the memory of the place and strengthen local identity. By valuing cultural landscape, we preserve the living history of cities and promote a more sensitive and sustainable development.
