Some Insights into the Theory and Practice of Heritage Ecology: Grasping the Bio-physical and Socio-historical Dynamism of the Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou

Abstract

This paper explores the theoretical and practical implications of characterizing heritage as an active and creative element of cultural landscape; specifically, as a spatial technique which plays a fundamental role in the bio-physical and socio-cultural process we call human ecology. We establish four analytical coordinates in order to better appreciate and handle the ecological dimension of heritage, among which are, besides the variable of material originality, the structural integrity of landscape, its functional continuity, and its value as representation and experience. We also suggest three levels for heritage aesthetics analysis, centered on the aesthetics of the technical-ecological process, the development of memory of urban ecology, and the experience of ecological space. The analysis of the restoration process of the Hangzhou hydrological heritage is used to illustrate the application of these concepts and methodology to communicate the active character of heritage in space, and the dynamism of landscape as an experience.

The traditional village as a part of a cultural landscape: the development of cultural agriculture tourism in Catur, Bali

“…Cultural landscape behaviors change continuously over time [30]. As a result, the cultural landscape can be regarded as an evolutionary image of people's capabilities and abilities to use and transform the environment in various biophysical and sociocultural ways within ecological cycles [31] The interaction of people's culture and the natural environment in landscapes has resulted in various cultural landscapes. People and landscapes exist because of each other in this unique interdependence [32], with landscapes mirroring culture [33].…”

“…Agricultural products are used in rituals to ensure a successful harvest and to thank God in this system. Individuals in this system have modified, classified, and interpreted their surroundings to build their identity [31]. The combination of natural elements, human belief systems, and human beings gives a location its identity.…”