IN-PERSON Barcelona. Section B

Abstract

The concept of landscape inherently encompasses the dimensions of ‘place’ and ‘time’, with the former historically receiving more emphasis. A geographic region evolves into a landscape through human engagement, requiring specific physical conditions to attract people. In response to diverse human expectations, landscapes catalyze and mold the ‘socio-cultural’ trajectory of societies. Over centuries, humans have exploited landscapes in various ways, and evolving demands, driven by technological advancements, continually reshape these landscapes. Consequently, landscapes endure, bearing imprints of the past and offering prospects for the future, while the present exerts a dramatic influence, posing threats to their integrity. This study aims to delve into and assess the resilience of both natural and cultural heritage sites facing the impacts of industrialization and modern landscape exploitation. To achieve this goal, the Maeander Valley has been selected as a case study, boasting rich natural and archaeological heritage sites alongside the contentious emergence of geothermal facilities in the past decade. The investigation will focus on the valley and its socio-cultural evolution throughout the centuries, exploring the intertwined concepts of time and heritage. This exploration will encompass both ‘the old,’ represented by archaeological heritage sites, and ‘the new,’ symbolized by industrial facilities, all within the framework of ‘timeless’ landscapes.