conservative – unplanned – innovative
Landscape architecture in the countryside
The village – including rural areas and agglomerations – is the great blind spot in Swiss landscape architecture. It is considered conservative, unplanned, and boring.
But is that true?
Yes, villages and rural Switzerland are conservative, but the cooperative tradition that has developed over time is also a great strength.
Yes, agglomeration landscapes and rural areas are characterized by urban sprawl and infrastructure construction, and there is an increasing lack of basic services.
What is the answer to this? More urban development? Expansion of existing infrastructure? Isn't it precisely this mosaic of natural and cultural landscapes and village structures that offers an opportunity for the future? Do we pay too little attention to hidden sociocultural and ecological qualities?
Projects in rural areas are considered to be purely contract work and the implementation of regulatory requirements – innovative projects are expected to be found in urban areas. Not true! Some of the most exciting current landscape architecture projects have been created in villages.