Regenerative Landscapes
Globalisation and Agricultural Landscapes
The culmination of 3 years international collaborative research on rural landscape change has recently been published, co-edited by LEaP Fellow Professor Jorgen Primdahl and theme leader Professor Simon Swaffield. The text includes case studies of landscape change from ten different OECD countries as well as overview and synthesis chapters. The conceptual basis for the work was the investigation of the dynamics of change in local landscapes at the intersection of two very different policy agendas-the open market agenda, and the sustainability agenda. The analyses reveal change patterns and policy trends, and conclude by identifying a number of research priorities. The text is available through Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org/970521517898
Research Theme
Landscape – the distinctive character of an area - provides the setting for our lives. New Zealand landscapes express the interaction of a unique biodiversity with a rich bicultural history and an emerging multicultural society, shaping personal, iwi and community identity. Landscape is celebrated in arts and culture, and underpins tourism, primary production, and the lifestyle that is critical to a knowledge economy.
Landscapes change in response to both global dynamics and local initiatives. Change in familiar landscapes can be a highly contested area of public policy, but can also provide a powerful focus for community development. Creative landscape change through design and planning enriches many dimensions of life, from health to biodiversity to community wellbeing.
This research theme draws together knowledge of culture, society and ecology to provide critical and creative insight upon the way local and regional landscapes change and can be changed through design and policy. It aims to stimulate design and planning critique and innovation in both urban and rural environments, at a range of scales.
News
Book release: Globalisation and Agricultural Landscapes
The culmination of three years international collaborative research on rural landscape change has recently been published, co-edited by LEaP Fellow Professor Jorgen Primdahl and theme leader Professor Simon Swaffield. The text includes case studies of landscape change from ten different OECD countries as well as overview and synthesis chapters. The conceptual basis for the work was the investigation of the dynamics of change in local landscapes at the intersection of two very different policy agendas - the open market agenda, and the sustainability agenda. The analyses reveal change patterns and policy trends, and conclude by identifying a number of research priorities. The text is available through Cambridge University Press.