Category: Europe

Infinite Landscapes of Volcanic Iceland

The landscapes of Iceland are defined by their volcanically active geology. This relatively young Nordic island sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge formed along the tectonic fault line between the North American continental plate and the Eurasian plate. The island attract millions of visitors annually that look to experience a taste of Iceland’s infinite landscapes, stunning volcanic and geological …

Hiking & climbing amongst sandstone rocks in Berdorf, Luxembourg

For some beautiful Summer hiking and tranquil nature in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, the small town of Berdorf is a great spot. Berdorf (Bäerdref in Luxembourgish) is located on a plateau that overlooks the valleys of the Black Ernz, the Sure and the Aesbach. On the plateau areas much farmland is located, while the valleys are densely forested. Berdorf is …

De Maten, Belgium – From Historic Fish Ponds to Nature Reserve

De Maten in the Province of Limburg in Belgium is a nature reserve of about 5 sq. km (536.00 ha), and man-made cultural landscape. De Maten is a protected and listed landscape since 1975 and is located within the boundaries of the towns of Genk and Diepenbeek. Centuries ago over 35 fish ponds were created by damming the local burns, including the ‘Stiemersbeek’ …

The Recent Battle of Bannockburn: Controversial Modernism Rehabilitated (Publ. in MoMo World Scotland)

This article was published in MoMo World Scotland 2014, the annual magazine by Docomomo Scotland. The full MoMo World magazine can be found at the Docomomo Scotland website, as a pdf (18 mb) or in e-reader format. The Bannockburn article features on pages 14-21 of the magazine. MoMo World is the annual magazine by Docomomo Scotland and publishes news for MoMo (Modern Movement) enthusiasts everywhere. To read and …

Liveable Cities’ Liaison with Heritage and Open Spaces

Annual surveys and lists of ‘World’s most liveable cities’ each differ but there are some clear trends from which interesting lessons can be learned. These ‘World’s most liveable cities’ surveys indicate for instance how heritage, nature and qualitative open spaces are key factors in making cities healthy environments for living. This brief article wonders how a reconnection …

Continuity in Landscape – West and East

In this article by Wybe Kuitert, the author reminds us that many historic gardens may at present appear like rather isolated green spaces, but that such gardens and parks were often laid-out as an integral part of a wider, continuous landscape. The author gives examples of historic gardens in Japan and The Netherlands to illustrate …