The class discusses landscape dynamics in co-evolutionary and ecological-relational terms, to acquire tools for the construction and management of multi-actor and multi-scalar landscape planning processes. Specifically, the educational approach is aimed at achieving the following results.

• Improvement of students' theoretical framework and practical knowledge. The course offers an in-depth study of the evolution of paradigms and the debate on landscape planning, in the international, national and regional contexts. This is aimed at developing students' ability to analyze and interpret landscape dynamics, as well as the fragility and potentialities of contemporary landscapes.

• Acquisition of technical tools aimed at the activation and coordination of landscape planning and design processes, according to current conventions and regulations. Through practical activities, the course allows students to apply theoretical ideas through various experiences in the field, using learning approaches and innovative technological and organizational devices.

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• Development of critical skills, independent judgment, and collaborative habits. Students are invited to proactively contribute to the class. Cooperation is also encouraged, not only within the small working groups and within the class, but also within a broader learning group, which includes some local actors involved in reciprocal partnerships.

For attending students, the training approach includes:

• a series of lessons aimed at discussing the theoretical framework, through a presentation of the course's topics, and the activation of debates in the classroom;
• accompaniment in carrying out a group assignment, in which the concepts addressed during the lessons on the theoretical framework will be translated into practice; if necessary, the theoretical contents will be integrated according to the new themes that emerge during the development of the assignment (circular relationship between theory and practice);
• integration with complementary training activities, such as guided site visits and fieldwork, in-depth seminars, interventions by external guests, listening experiences, and co-planning with local actors.

The course is organized in such a way as to allow for deepening of the theoretical framework and development of the assignment during class hours as much as possible, so as to leave the necessary time for individual study to go in-depth on the topics of the course. 

For non-attending students, the training approach includes:

• individual reading and study of teaching materials to achieve an understanding of the theoretical framework of reference;
• conducting an individual exercise that involves the preparation of an essay (30,000 characters including spaces) on a topic agreed with the teacher; the essay can be correlated with appropriate analytical and design drawings, always agreed with the teacher;
• the possibility of using the reception/review hours (by appointment, agreed via email) for any clarifications and any revisions of the individual assignment.

If the teaching is given in a hybrid or remote way, the necessary changes with respect to what was previously stated may be introduced.

Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD:

To guarantee equal opportunities, and compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the didactic objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the lecturers CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration Services for Disabilities and/or SLD) of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Prof. Giovanna Tropea Garzia and Prof. Anna De Angelis.

Knowledge acquired in the context of previous classes, in particular in the field of Technical Design, Analysis of the territory and settlements, Survey and computerized analysis of territorial data (GIS), History of the territory, and territorial planning. Understanding of the English language.

Attendance is strongly recommended. If students opt for attendance, they are kindly asked to communicate and discuss any justified absences with the teacher. In the case of workers or athletes students, I kindly ask you to indicate your condition to evaluate the best ways of attendance based on the different individual situations.

Reviews: by appointment, agreed in the classroom, or via email: giusy.pappalardo@unict.it

Although the course is structured in two macro-blocks (theoretical reference framework and practical exercise), they are to be considered in close relationship with each other. The topics covered in the theory are designed to be contextually understood and matured through practical exercise.

Theoretical framework 

1. Introduction. Evolution of paradigms and the debate on landscape planning
2. Elements of current legislation and landscape planning tools
3. Paradigmatic cases of landscape planning
4. Landscape ecology 
5. Fragility and risk in contemporary landscapes
6. From civic uses to common goods. Landscape planning as a multi-actor process
7. Rethinking urban agricultural landscapes in marginal contexts. Urban gardens and food landscapes
8. Cultural landscapes and ecomuseums as project devices

Practical assignment 

1. Spatial analysis through GIS and collaborative data management. Preparation of base maps
2. State of Planning 
3. Paradigmatic landscape planning experiences 
4. Evolutionary dynamics of landscapes
5. Territorial risk
6. Construction of a protocol of investigation and interaction with territorial actors
7. Mapping food landscapes
8. Strategic schemes, and pilot projects 

Below is the basic bibliography of the topics discussed in the classroom (presented in summary in the handouts) and the parts to be read, studied, and critically discussed.

Although an overall knowledge of the texts on the reference list is desirable (first list), the second list shows the minimum texts to be read to pass the exam.

The bibliography may be integrated with other texts adopted according to the debate held in the classroom and the issues that emerged during the exercise.

Reference list

1. Albrechts L., Barbanente A., Monno V. 2020. Practicing transformative planning: the territory-landscape plan as a catalyst for change. City, Territory and Architecture, 7(1)
2. Bettini, V., Canter, L.W., Ortolano, L. 2000. Ecologia dell’impatto ambientale. UTET, Torino.
3. Gambino R., 1997. Conservare Innovare. Paesaggio, ambiente, territorio. UTET, Torino
4. Magnaghi A., a cura di, 2016. La pianificazione paesaggistica in Italia. Firenze University Press.
5. Magnaghi A., 2020. Il principio territoriale. Bollati Boringhieri, Torino.
6. McHarg I., 1967. Design with Nature. John Wiley & Sons, New York, 25th-anniversary edition, 1992.
7. Nigrelli F. C., 2021. Paesaggi scartati. Manifestolibri, Roma.
8. Pappalardo G., 2021. Paesaggi tenaci. FrancoAngeli, Milano.
9. Panzini F., 2021. Coltivare la città. Storia sociale degli orti urbani nel XX secolo. DeriveApprodi, Roma.
10. Pizziolo G., Micarelli R., 2003. Dai margini del caos. L’ecologia del progettare. Alinea, Firenze.
11. Riva R., a cura di, 2017. Ecomuseums and cultural landscapes. Maggioli, Rimini.
12. Sereni E., 1982. Storia del paesaggio agrario italiano. Laterza, Bari, XX Ristampa, 2018.
13. Settis S., 2013. Il paesaggio come bene comune. La scuola di Pitagora, Napoli.
14. Spirn A. W. 2003. Urban ecosystems, city planning, and environmental education. In Berkowitz A., Nilon C.H & Hollweg K.S., Understanding urban ecosystems, 201-212, Springer, New York, NY.
15. Steiner F., 2004. Costruire il paesaggio. Un approccio ecologico alla pianificazione del territorio. McGraw-Hill, Milano, II edizione, 2004.
16. de Varine, H., 2017. L’ecomuseo singolare e plurale. Utopie concrete, Udine. 

Mandatory texts 

• Albrechts L., Barbanente A., Monno V. 2020. Practicing transformative planning: the territory-landscape plan as a catalyst for change. City, Territory and Architecture, 7(1)
• Panzini F., 2021. Coltivare la città. Storia sociale degli orti urbani nel XX secolo. Edizione DeriveApprodi, Roma, pp. 119-143
• Settis S., 2013. Il paesaggio come bene comune. La scuola di Pitagora, Napoli
• Spirn A. W. 2003. Urban ecosystems, city planning, and environmental education. In Berkowitz A., Nilon C.H & Hollweg K.S., Understanding urban ecosystems, 201-212, Springer, New York, NY

OTHER EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL

Handouts in the form of presentations projected in the classroom.

Essays, regulations, and extracts from manuals as an appendix to the handouts.

Files needed for the assignment.

This material will be published on the digital channels of the course, as indicated in class

First, the exam consists of a written test to verify the knowledge gained through the study of the theoretical framework.

If students join the ongoing tests (recommended for students that attend the class), the written test will be carried out in two phases: 5 open-ended questions as part of the first test, held in mid-November, and 5 other open-ended questions in the second test, held at the end of January.

If you do not participate in the ongoing tests (for non-attending students), the written exam will be conducted in a single test (10 open-ended questions), carried out during the exam sessions.

Each question is assigned a score from 0 to 3. The sum of the scores determines the individual starting mark (from 0 to 30). The score is assigned according to the completeness, correctness, clarity, and critical judgments expressed through the answers. 

For attending students, the exam also consists of an oral test relating to the presentation and discussion of a practical group assigment, which will be awarded a rating: insufficient (does not allow to pass the exam), sufficient (18), good (24), distinct (27), excellent (30).

For non-attended students, the oral exam consists of the discussion of an individual paper, which will be awarded a rating: insufficient (does not allow to pass the exam), sufficient (18), good (24), distinguished (27), excellent (30).

The assignment is assessed on the basis of the completeness, correctness, legibility, and originality of the documents displayed. The discussion of the assignment is assessed according to the ability to connect with the theoretical framework.

Both for the written exam and for the oral presentation of the assignment, evaluation is based on the quality of the contents, the ability to critically connect the contents of the course, the ability to report examples, the property of language, and the expressive ability of students.

For attending students, the evaluation will also take into account the proactive participation in the class discussion, the contribution offered to the class group, and to the broad learning group, including the local actors with whom the course will be in partnership. Proactive participation will be surveyed regularly and discussed periodically. At the end of the course, each student will receive a brief qualitative note on this aspect.

The final grade will be calculated through the arithmetic average between the written exam and the practical assignment.

The grade can be positively corrected according to the proactive participation in the class discussion, and the contribution offered to the class group.

Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require interpersonal distancing and according to indications provided by the University.

1. Discuss the evolution of the concept of landscape, in relation to the theoretical framework presented in the class
2. Discuss the main new elements introduced by the European Landscape Convention
3. Describe and discuss a virtuous example of landscape planning
4. The main transformations of Italian agricultural landscapes in the twentieth century
5. What are the effects of impervious surfaces on the urban water cycle
6. What are usi civici, and what importance do they play in the debate on contemporary landscapes
7. What are ecomuseums, and how can they contribute to the debate on landscape planning
8. How to activate a process of planning and management of collective urban gardens in a marginal context of the contemporary city