Our quality of life is intertwined with the surrounding environment. The landscape in which one lives has a myriad of purposes – wellbeing, economic contribution, reduced pollution, local microhabitat stabilization, social and cultural functions. Therefore, understanding of landscape and its role as means for sustainable local development planning is important. Our research was based on the European Landscape Convention guidelines that recognize landscapes are not only in beautiful places, but omnipresent as a result of long-term human and nature interaction, that landscape diversity is a good in itself and that public should be consulted in landscape planning decisions.
1.image. Linear structures in the historic city of Riga.
The Aim
To elaborate a methodology for the formulation of Landscape Quality Objectives (LQO) and to test it within a pilot area of Riga City.
Our Role
IES is the principal contractor.
2.image. Geographical position of the Riga City in Daugava River Valley.
Results
We created a new approach for constructive formulation of LQO for the Riga City. We developed a map of neighborhoods or landscape areas characterized by morphology, land use functions, history and character of change, geographical location in the context of the major urban structures, and sense of belonging or/and attitudes towards a neighborhood. We distinguished between 8 possible objectives coupled with 4 levels of importance. After asking locals to share the districts best and worst locations for social needs, economic value, nature, wellbeing and identity, we provided proposals for LQO in each location within Sarkandaugava district in Riga. Landscape assessment should be done in all areas that do not have a clear function and where new landscapes are developed.
3.image. The plan of new applied urban landscapes in Riga according to Riga Development Strategy.
Project duration: 2013
Project Manager: Dr. Geog. Anita Zarina
The project is financed by: Riga Municipality
