Productive Symbiosis

Abstract

In this thesis project, a landscape architectural framework is made for a selected site in the Parkstad Limburg region. The design proposal for this region serves as a possible outcome of this framework, based on design principles and generic objectives. Parkstad Limburg used to be a wealthy region due to the thriving mining industry. The closing of these mines meant economic decline and the neglect of this region. To counter these consequences, many initiatives focus on the recovery and improvement of the landscapes’ qualities. Nature development for recreational use along the brooks, for instance, has started to greenify the landscape. The agricultural lands, however, are dealing with more challenges than the landscapes’ attractiveness. Soil compaction, erosion, and a poor carbon cycle are under discussion. The large scale agricultural practice also influenced the ecological value of these lands. Small landscape elements have been removed, resulting in shrinking biodiversity. New agricultural models are developing, such as agroforestry, food forests, and carbon farming. Their currently small scale implementations do not achieve great impact. Agroecology should be practiced on a larger scale to realize its potential benefits for food production, recreational experience, and contribution to biodiversity. The basic design objective is to increase the coverage of the agricultural land with woody plants, such as trees. Especially along the slopes, these reforestations can add value, due to their ability to stabilize the soil and reduce the water run-off. Besides forest coverage, open landscapes are equally important to biodiversity. These open landscapes provide wide views. The allocation of the forested plots should consider these existing valuable views. For the design of the high and flat plateaus, agroforestry systems are applied, to preserve these views and profit from the flat surface. On these lands, conventional crops can be cultivated. The additions of production forest typologies are placed along the slopes. Food forests are shaped in strips, following the height-lines. This strip-cultivation ensures an easy harvest method. There are also less rationally organized forests which are for wood production. Wood production which supports the development of a sustainable wood industry for high-quality use. Besides tools or furniture, a revolution in wooden architecture is at hand. The landscape architectural framework aims for the synergy of the ecological processes and the productivity of the landscape. Separation of these systems have caused problems for one another, but working together could be beneficial for both. Combining multifunctional use with recreational experiences increases awareness and support for this shift in our cultivated landscapes. The result is a future proof, ecologically and economically healthy landscape.