Natural environment and cultural heritage in the city, a sustainability perspective

Editors:

• Jan K. Kazak,
• Katarzyna Hodor,
• Magdalena Wilkosz-Mamcarczyk

Abstract

In view of the pace regarding transformations in urban landscapes due to excessive urbanization combined with climate change that has become apparent in recent decades, concern for the future of urban landscapes seems essential. The challenge for designers and specialists in the field of creating urban space is establishing new spaces and revitalizing existing ones. These activities, based on the elements of cultural heritage, ecological design, as well as respect for the existing natural landscape of cities (such as parks or gardens), are important elements influencing the quality of life of the inhabitants. Projects supported by scientific research in the field of landscape, its transformations, and further functioning will allow us to develop solutions consistent with the principles of sustainable development. The effects of scientific research on landscapes have traditionally been disseminated annually during scientific meetings related to landscape architecture since 1994. The conferences organised by the founders of the Krakow School of Landscape Architecture (KSLA) have seen active participation by academics, designers, and representatives of local and regional authorities, gathering an international audience. Studies presented during the XXVII scientific conference (9th international edition 2020) were focused on the subject of Urban ecology and cultural heritage in the city. The presented research works outlined in this Special Issue refer to contemporary problems of cities in a global and local context and formulate methods for their solutions based on a balanced approach to the cultural and natural heritage of urban areas.