Bell, S., Z. Peneze, I. Grine, A. Montarzino & O. Nikodemus, 2005, Changing landscapes in eastern Europe: the case of Latvia, in: ECLAS (D. Oguz), ‘Landscape change’, Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture Ankara University, Ankara
- Author : Bell, S., Z. Peneze, I. Grine, A. Montarzino & O. Nikodemus
- Year : 2005
- Published in Book : Landscape change
- Pages : 44-55
- Abstract in English : Landscape change. Conference proceedings. Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture Ankara University: 44-55. ABSTRACT: Latvia, in common with the other Baltic States, has been undergoing significant landscape changes as a result of economic and social transformations. A study was undertaken to examine how the people of Latvia, especially those living in the countryside, perceive landscape change. The study used personal construct theory, the theory of place and facet theory as the theoretical and methodological approaches around which to structure the research. Focus group interviews were used to construct a questionnaire which was analysed to find out how the three aspects of place – the physical environment, the activities people do and the perceptions they have – relate to the changing landscape and the potential to continue living in the countryside. Studies of landscape change using GIS analysis of maps from the 1920s/30s and present day were used to relate people’s perceptions of change to the reality on the ground. The results showed that there are key elements in the landscape that are symbolic of being Latvian and of the Latvian countryside. There were marked differences between the positive aspects of life in the countryside, associated with pleasant landscape features, and negative aspects, mostly concerned with social and economic problems.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: Landscape change, landscape perception, personal construct theory, identity. / Eclas 2005.