INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE
LANDSCAPES OF CHANGES
Michelangelo Russo Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Italy
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Contemporary Landscape is a very wide research field. The concept of Landscape is inclusive, multidisciplinary, multiscale, and focused on multiple ‘dimensions of the project’ and of the governance of today’s territory, of its configuration, livability, and eventually of its future project. These dimensions are different and often in conflict among them. Nowadays, the holistic concept of Landscape has overcome picturesque matters related to ‘pure visibility’. Indeed, the comprehensive feeling of Landscape as shared knowledge bridges the conventional duality between material/immaterial, physical/social dimensions. In so doing, the European Landscape Convention results non-aligned within the understanding of the contemporary landscape and territorial conditions. The contemporary concept of Landscape fosters the opportunity to lead different phenomena within its raw materials. Thus, the territory is shaped and molded following its inherent transition character. The continuous and
unpredictable phases of change lead towards a smooth and elusive transformation. As a result, Landscape is becoming a ‘specific lens’ to interpret the mechanisms which shape cities and to start its project. Landscape allows us to read - with a very wide spectrum – the phenomena which go from the processes of abandonment of territories and entire parts of the existing city, until understanding the complex relations between biodiversity and settlements, and of the social and environmental impacts of the infrastructural systems. Through the lens of Landscape, it is possible to address specific issues related to governance and architecture within management models of urban areas. Such an idea of Landscape is beginning to take plural structures as a field of investigation, research and project. Thus, Landscape is to be understood as a reference for the interpretation of the contemporary urban phenomena. Specifically, on the following points: a) Landscape as ecosystem. The
