Cohesive aesthetics for multifunctional landscape territories: In time of ecological understandings

Aesthetics in landscape architecture have always reflected our values and our relationship with nature throughout history (Fink, 2003; Ritter, 1995).
With the emerging climate and biodiversity crisis (IPCC, 2023; Kolbert, 2015; McDonald e t a l ., 2019), landscape aesthetics has seen a shift towards
sustainable and ecological design in theories and practices. With Denmark undergoing a nationwide transformation of its rural area from heavily
industrialized agricultural land to a multifunctional landscape with sustainability and ecological intentions, we are facing yet another shift in the aesthetic
principles to guide this shift towards a systematic and cohesive ecosystem where all living beings on earth are presented (Morton, 2016).
This article explores the development of a vocabulary for a more ecological and systemic perspective on landscape architecture and planning. Grounded in
theories of holistic and ecological design, including Patrick Geddes’ holistic urban planning to Ian McHarg’s ecological design principles (McHarg, 1969),
Richard Forman’s concept of land mosaics (Forman, 1995) and Anne Whiston Spirn’s interpretation of landscape as a language (Spirn, 1998). The study
further integrates contemporary theories on shifting aesthetic perspectives (Coccia, 2019; Latour, 2018) in the relationship between cities, nature and
landscapes (Nielsen, 2023). The development of this vocabulary is strengthened through an analysis of relevant contemporary case studies, illustrating how
aesthetic considerations intersect with ecological and structural transformations.
This is conducted within the context of Denmark’s ongoing rural and peri-urban landscape transformation, which aims to meet the nation’s sustainability
goals by 2050 and the national demand for 30% protected nature. This initiative has placed the rural and peri-urban areas under the spotlight, as centuries
of deforestation, draining and industrialized farming have left behind barren ecological value. These land use practices have resulted in a monotonous and
often overlooked reality, reinforcing a function-oriented aesthetic in both public perception and landscape practices.
The vocabulary is tested and further developed through a primary case study: a large-scale landscape planning project near Aarhus, Denmark. Spanning
around 1.000 hectares, this project integrates multiple land-use transformations, including the establishment of an energy park, solar farms, nature
restoration, afforestation, and urban development. As a pilot initiative in collaboration with the Aarhus School of Architecture, the project aims to develop
new methods and frameworks for understanding large-scale landscape transformation and land-use change.
Through the theoretical inquiry and case study analysis, the article examines the evolving values and perceptions shaping our relationship with the
environment. It critically assesses the aesthetic dimensions of current landscape practices and their ability to reflect and respond to these shifting values at
territorial scales. Based on this analysis, the article proposes a new perspective on cohesive aesthetics for multifunctional landscape territories. It presents
design strategies that align with evolving ecological and systemic paradigms, using the Aarhus landscape transformation project as a 1:1 research by
design study(Jonas and Grand, 2012; Prominski and Von Seggern, 2019; Wang and Groat, 2013). This case exemplifies a holistic and multifunctional land-
use approach, highlighting the evolving role of landscape architects in navigating large-scale ecological transitions.