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Land
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Feature Papers for Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Section
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Feature Papers for Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Section

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Land Planning and Landscape Architecture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 10538

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Thomas Panagopoulos

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Science and Technology, Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-Being, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Interests: nature-based solutions; landscape restoration; sustainable development; climate change adaptation; green infrastructure; environmental justice; carbon neutral cities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Landscape is an important part of the quality of life of people in urban and rural contexts. Taking into consideration the fact that sustainable development is based on a harmonious relationship between social needs, economic activity, and the environment, the landscape constitutes a resource favorable to economic activity and whose protection, management, and planning can contribute to job creation. Acknowledging that the quality and diversity of landscapes constitute a common resource and a basic component of the natural and cultural heritage that contribute to human well-being, it is important to develop research towards their protection, management, and planning.

In this Special Issue, we invite papers focusing on, but not limited to, the following topics:

  • Landscape protection/management/restoration;
  • Multi-scale planning and design;
  • Landscape as infrastructure;
  • Land planning and landscape architecture as they pertain to the following:
    • Smart cities;
    • Ecosystem services;
    • Human health and well-being;
    • Biodiversity;
    • Education;
    • GIS, remote sensing, big data, AI, VR, BIM, the IoT, and other advanced technologies;
    • Social/spatial/environmental/distributional/procedural justice;
    • Transport;
    • Heritage;
    • Real estate;
    • Energy transition.

We look forward to receiving your submissions.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Panagopoulos
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • land planning
  • landscape management
  • landscape protection
  • landscape architecture
  • landscape urbanism
  • environmental design
  • landscape perception

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3729 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Factors Shaping Urban Greenspace Interactions: A Case Study of Nagpur, India
by Shruti Ashish Lahoti, Shalini Dhyani and Osamu Saito
Land 2024, 13(10), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101576 - 27 Sep 2024
Viewed by 525
Abstract
This study aims to investigate how urban residents interact with Urban Green Spaces (UGSs) in Nagpur, India, specifically focusing on the patterns of visitation and engagement. Data were collected via a face-to-face questionnaire survey using the Survey 123 app. The analysis included interaction [...] Read more.
This study aims to investigate how urban residents interact with Urban Green Spaces (UGSs) in Nagpur, India, specifically focusing on the patterns of visitation and engagement. Data were collected via a face-to-face questionnaire survey using the Survey 123 app. The analysis included interaction (types of UGSs, visitation frequency, and UGS availability); engagement (activities); demographics (age, gender, and work status); and nature connection (self-reported) aspects. Using data from 2002 participants, the study employs statistical analyses using R software (4.3.2) to explore the correlations between these variables. The results revealed key factors influencing UGS usage, highlighting the interplay between environmental and social aspects. Neighborhood UGSs, proximity, and accessibility were found to be pivotal in promoting frequent visitation, while physical activity emerged as the most common activity among daily visitors. Older adults visited UGSs less frequently, suggesting potential barriers, while employed individuals visited more often. A strong association between nature connection and UGS interaction was highlighted, emphasizing the psychological and emotional aspects of UGS usage. For example, individuals who felt more connected to nature reported using UGSs for physical activities, mental relaxation, and socializing. These findings underscore the need for integrating UGSs within broader urban social-ecological systems, which means recognizing these spaces as vital components contributing to overall health and resilience and catering to the population’s diverse needs, ensuring that these spaces are accessible and enjoyable for all community members, including those from different cultural, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, fostering nature connectedness through education and exposure to natural environments is recommended to enhance UGS usage, supporting broader urban planning strategies to create sustainable and healthy urban environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Section)
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23 pages, 3235 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Supercell Storm-Induced Uprooting of Amenity Trees—Monetization of Environmental and Socio-Economic Losses
by Mirjana Ljubojević, Bojana Buča, Veljko Šarac, Tijana Narandžić and Thomas Panagopoulos
Land 2024, 13(9), 1540; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091540 - 23 Sep 2024
Viewed by 617
Abstract
Amenity trees contribute to the overall quality of urban environments and are valued for their beauty and the benefits they bring to communities. However, the assessment of this capital commonly concludes with considerations of its vitality and decorativeness. Thus, this research provided a [...] Read more.
Amenity trees contribute to the overall quality of urban environments and are valued for their beauty and the benefits they bring to communities. However, the assessment of this capital commonly concludes with considerations of its vitality and decorativeness. Thus, this research provided a monetary assessment of losses caused by the supercell storm-induced uprooting of trees growing in three public green spaces utilized by the most vulnerable population (children aged 3–18 years). For these purposes, the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) formula was applied taking into account growth parameters, species dependence, and the specimens’ condition and location. Prices from national and European nurseries were utilized to obtain appropriate base values. The results indicate that the total appraised monetary loss amounted to EUR 495,864 (national) and EUR 1,528,481 (European prices). The species P. nigra, B. alba, T. tomentosa, F. excelsior, A. saccharinum, P. occidentalis, and P. cerasifera showed lower uprooting resistance with no clear species-specific responses, but there was an interaction of biotic, abiotic, and artificial influences. Understanding the complex factors influencing tree stability is crucial for urban planners and arborists to mitigate storm- and wind-related risks. Collaborative planning and participatory management are essential for safeguarding both economic and environmental interests and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations in outdoor spaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Section)
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11 pages, 426 KiB  
Article
Non-Institutional Factors That Contribute to the Green Building Premium
by Kwong Wing Chau, Derek D. Huo and Ervi Liusman
Land 2024, 13(7), 1044; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071044 - 11 Jul 2024
Viewed by 740
Abstract
This study examines the non-institutional factors that affect the green building premium (GBP). Residential properties are chosen for empirical analysis since they are free from institutional factors such as corporate social responsibility (CSR). The study adopts both Mahalanobis Distance Matching (MDM) and Propensity [...] Read more.
This study examines the non-institutional factors that affect the green building premium (GBP). Residential properties are chosen for empirical analysis since they are free from institutional factors such as corporate social responsibility (CSR). The study adopts both Mahalanobis Distance Matching (MDM) and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to identify the treatment observations (buildings with a green building certificate) and the control observations (non-green buildings). The results are robust across the two methods. The study found that residential buildings with green certificates command a premium and that this premium does not decline over time, which suggests that consumers are willing to pay a GPB in the absence of institutional mandatory requirements. Furthermore, the GBP is higher but with a slower growth rate in higher-income areas, which is consistent with the post-materialist value theory and the prosperity or affluence hypothesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Section)
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25 pages, 9918 KiB  
Article
Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Spatiotemporal Distribution of Rural Houses Construction Development in Mountainous Villages of China (1980–2019): A Case Study of Qingyuan Town
by Naifei Liu, Huinan Zhang, Kaijian Yue and Jun Shan
Land 2024, 13(6), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060854 - 14 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 922
Abstract
Rural house is a fundamental component of rural settlements, and understanding its construction and development characteristics is crucial for rural land use and development planning. This paper focuses on the spatiotemporal characteristics and influencing factors of Rural Houses Construction Development (RHCD) from 1980 [...] Read more.
Rural house is a fundamental component of rural settlements, and understanding its construction and development characteristics is crucial for rural land use and development planning. This paper focuses on the spatiotemporal characteristics and influencing factors of Rural Houses Construction Development (RHCD) from 1980 to 2019 with a case study of Qingyuan Town in China. Based on the literature review and filed research, a set of evaluation indicators for RHCD was established. The article calculates RHCD indicators from temporal and spatial dimensions, uses the location entropy method to demonstrate the spatial distribution of indicators, and classifies the RHCD type of 14 villages in Qingyuan Town using clustering algorithms. It also analyzes the influencing factors of spatiotemporal distribution. The results show that the RHCD in Qingyuan Town exhibits typical characteristics of mountainous areas and aligns with the development trends of rural society in China. Population growth, geographical location, and economic development are the primary driving factors for the quantity indicator (Qi), while economic growth, construction technology, industrial development, and policy adjustments are the key factors influencing the form indicator (Fi). In future policy-making, greater emphasis should be placed on optimizing development strategies, improving data and monitoring systems, and integrating administrative strength with actual development needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Section)
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23 pages, 11340 KiB  
Article
Spatial and Temporal Distribution Characteristics and Influential Mechanisms of China’s Industrial Landscape Based on Geodetector
by Mi Yan, Qingmiao Li and Yan Song
Land 2024, 13(6), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060746 - 26 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1214
Abstract
The industrial landscape constitutes a crucial aspect of a region’s historical and cultural identity, serving as a valuable asset in the development of industrial tourism. Exploring the industrial landscape supports initiatives in industrial tourism, acts as a catalyst for community revitalization, and contributes [...] Read more.
The industrial landscape constitutes a crucial aspect of a region’s historical and cultural identity, serving as a valuable asset in the development of industrial tourism. Exploring the industrial landscape supports initiatives in industrial tourism, acts as a catalyst for community revitalization, and contributes to sustainable urban progress. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics and underlying determinants of China’s industrial landscape (CIL) to inform urban planning, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable development initiatives. This study utilized analytical tools, such as the nearest neighbor index, geographic concentration index, and hot spot analysis, to comprehensively examine the spatial distribution of CIL. Additionally, Geodetector was employed to explore the correlating factors behind this distribution. The findings reveal the following: (1) CIL exhibited a pronounced agglomerative spatial pattern characterized by a high degree of concentration, significant disparities, and substantial spatial autocorrelation. (2) Over time, the agglomeration of CIL varied, intensifying initially and then diminishing, with the center of gravity of its distribution shifting eastward before subsequently moving westward in a directional trend resembling “northeast–southwest”. (3) There was a diverse array of industrial landscape types within China, with notable disparities in the prevalence of different categories. The manufacturing and transportation sectors boasted the highest number of heritage sites. (4) The distribution pattern of CIL was shaped by factors such as the level of economic development, socio-demographic conditions, transportation infrastructure, and cultural milieu. The interplay between these factors had a substantial impact on this distribution pattern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Section)
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17 pages, 1640 KiB  
Article
Legislative Foundations: Exploring Land Take Laws and Urban Regeneration Policies in Italy and Europe
by Annamaria Felli and Francesco Zullo
Land 2024, 13(5), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050713 - 19 May 2024
Viewed by 1317
Abstract
Soil is now a central issue on the European as well as the national political agenda, as it represents a fundamental ecosystem for human survival on the planet. Today, more than ever, its protection and proper use in various contexts (agricultural, natural, urban) [...] Read more.
Soil is now a central issue on the European as well as the national political agenda, as it represents a fundamental ecosystem for human survival on the planet. Today, more than ever, its protection and proper use in various contexts (agricultural, natural, urban) require stringent policies that can be implemented immediately. The difficult reversibility of urban transformations is the main threat to the ecosystem integrity of soil. Starting from this statement, the main objective of the proposed work is to analyze how the main European countries (Italy, France, Germany, and Spain) are addressing the issue of the goal of zero net land take by 2050 by examining the current laws and strategies. The results highlight how the regulatory aspect plays a key role in managing the phenomenon and how the absence of a national framework law can generate strong distortions and different interpretations of the soil ecosystem. The analysis of the Nature Restoration Law, adopted by the European Commission in July 2023, enables us to assess whether the regulations and measures adopted by the major European countries align with the European Union’s trends. Through a comparative perspective, the study aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development practices and provide valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and academics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Section)
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27 pages, 4976 KiB  
Article
Roadside Vegetation Functions, Woody Plant Values, and Ecosystem Services in Rural Streetscapes: A Qualitative Study on Rural Settlements in Western Slovakia
by Gabriel Kuczman, Denis Bechera, Zdenka Rózová and Attila Tóth
Land 2024, 13(3), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030272 - 21 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1197
Abstract
Woody plants in roadside green spaces of rural settlements provide a wide range of ecosystem functions and services. The study presented in this paper was conducted in three rural settlements in Western Slovakia, representing three different rural landscape types—lowland, basin, and mountainous landscapes. [...] Read more.
Woody plants in roadside green spaces of rural settlements provide a wide range of ecosystem functions and services. The study presented in this paper was conducted in three rural settlements in Western Slovakia, representing three different rural landscape types—lowland, basin, and mountainous landscapes. The assessed woody vegetation is situated in diverse settlement structures, with various spatial patterns. A comprehensive woody plant assessment was conducted in selected central streetscapes of three model settlements, examining spatial, compositional, visual, aesthetic, and other values, as well as the characteristics of woody plants. These attributes were clustered according to five main functions and fourteen value parameters and the results were assigned to three quality categories, to objectivise a qualitative woody plant assessment in roadside vegetation structures in the countryside. The findings show the level of suitability of woody plants based on how they fulfil aesthetic, compositional, climate, safety, cultural, and historical functions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Section)
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29 pages, 9853 KiB  
Article
Regional Policies, Practices, Tools, and Strategies to Implement Polycentric Development: Comparative Case Studies of Portland, Seattle, and Denver
by Reid Ewing, Torrey Lyons, Seyed Hassan Ameli, John Hersey and Justyna Kaniewska
Land 2024, 13(2), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020238 - 15 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1593
Abstract
Many of the larger US metropolitan regions promote polycentric development as a way of fostering livability, accessibility, and sustainability. Polycentric urban structures can increase transit ridership, promote active transportation, and decrease vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and CO2 emissions. Although many regions include [...] Read more.
Many of the larger US metropolitan regions promote polycentric development as a way of fostering livability, accessibility, and sustainability. Polycentric urban structures can increase transit ridership, promote active transportation, and decrease vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and CO2 emissions. Although many regions include ambitious polycentric aspirations in their plans, only a few follow up with rigorous implementation and see their efforts come to fruition. The topic of implementation is also widely omitted from scholarly inquiry. This research aims to explore three examples of successful implementation of urban polycentricity: Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Denver, Colorado. Each region employs a very distinct polycentric development model, but each relies heavily on its regional governance organization for direction, guidance, and even command in the implementation process. To understand specific strategies and methods used by each region, the authors conducted interviews with metropolitan planning organizations, central cities, and transit agencies in the three regions and used qualitative techniques to analyze the interview transcripts and collected documents. As regional governance organizations play a crucial role in implementing regional plans, their policies and practices were also investigated by the authors. Based on collected data and insights, we conclude that the three regions are great examples of an advanced implementation of polycentric development. This research can be helpful to other US metropolitan regions that wish to promote polycentric development. The lessons learned from the three case studies can provide guidance and possible paths to successful implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Section)
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Review

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16 pages, 2563 KiB  
Review
Landscape Agroecology: Methodologies and Applications for the Design of Sustainable Agroecosystems
by Miguel A. Altieri, Clara I. Nicholls, Manuel González de Molina and Angel Salazar Rojas
Land 2024, 13(11), 1746; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111746 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1482
Abstract
Agroecosystem function is related to the positioning of the agroecosystem and its connectivity relationship with the surrounding landscape. Herein, three methodologies are presented, which allow assessment of the links between agroecosystems and the surrounding matrix, yielding information for promoting patterns and mechanisms that [...] Read more.
Agroecosystem function is related to the positioning of the agroecosystem and its connectivity relationship with the surrounding landscape. Herein, three methodologies are presented, which allow assessment of the links between agroecosystems and the surrounding matrix, yielding information for promoting patterns and mechanisms that foster biodiversity and the provision of multiple ecosystem services such as biological pest control, as well as energy flows and material exchanges. The three methodologies are complementary when assessing agrolandscape-level interactions in situations of regional agroecological transition. Through the use of 11 indicators, a methodology (Assessment of Beneficial Insect Habitat Suitability-ABIHS) was applied in two northern California vineyards to determine whether each agrolandscape provided suitable environmental opportunities to sponsor biological insect pest control. The Main Agroecological Structure [MAS] applied in Chilean family farms elucidates some of the relationships between farms and their biophysical environment, generating data to analyze the links between agroecosystem landscapes, management practices, and insect diversity in family farms. Social Agrarian metabolism (SAM) applied in Spanish agrolandscapes quantifies the biophysical and energy flows in agricultural systems, testing whether such flows are capable of reproducing and/or improving fund elements such as soil, biodiversity, and landscape vegetation in successive production cycles. The three methodologies provide key information for the design of sustainable agroecosystems in the context of an agroecological transition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Section)
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