Wybe Kuitert analyses in this article how the early historical settlement and development of Seoul, which started in the 1390s, had a strong connection with the natural landscape, and how this is still readable in the landscape. Particularly Seoul’s rolling hills were favourable and secure places to live. In contrast many water-induced areas and flood …
In 2012 the UNESCO World Heritage Convention celebrates its 40th Anniversary. Here a reminder of how it all began and some of the purposes and philosophies behind the Convention and the UNESCO World Heritage List. For the full article see under this link. It can be said that the World Heritage Convention and the World Heritage …
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 …
Controversy exists in Fiordland in New Zealand over a proposal for a new tunnel to shorten travel time for tourists to the famous Milford Sound. The region is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read the article online at the Daily Mail. Text by Jan Haenraets. Photo: dailymail.co.uk.
The Tripitaka Koreana is one of the most complete Buddhist scriptures and are housed at the Haensa Temple. They consist of 81,258 printing woodblocks of about 70x24cm. It took the craftsmen 16 years, from 1236 to 1251 to complete the carving. The depository building, the ‘Janggyeong Panjeon’ consists of two main buildings and while simple …
The heritage site of Herkenrode is located in the city of Hasselt, Belgium. The history of the site goes back to 1182 when the foundations were laid for this former Cistercian abbey. Herkenrode has had a chequered history, with periods of impressive heights, but sadly also periods of demise and dereliction. Since 2000 the site has experienced a transformation through …
