Landscape quality objectives as vectors of landscape transformation. A new approach to landscape quality assessment

This article has been presented at the International congress promoted by the Centre for Landscape Studies, National University of Ireland, Galway, in association with UNISCAPE. Dealing with the high complexity of global port cities allowed me to test a new approach to the issue of quality and value of places in hybrid and hyper dynamic urban landscapes. The ELC assigned the task of evaluating the quality of the landscape to perception, relying on society’s consensus. The method: to interpret “landscape quality objectives as (…) vectors of transformation” means to provide LCA with powerful tools. It implies a paradigm shift from a conception allowing landscape quality to be measured in quantitative terms, with thresholds and standards, as well as from the concept of “landscape protection” – a “Planning approach” implemented through the imposition of restrictions – to that of “landscape care” – a “Design approach” carried out through sustainable transformations.