Resilient Urban Landscape Approach

Cervera Alonso de Medina, Marina (2026) Resilient Urban Landscape Approach. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

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Abstract

This thesis examines the evolution of landscape's role within global sustainability agendas, with urban landscapes as its central focus. Despite the widespread adoption of landscape principles in regional policy, the concept remains conspicuously absent from global sustainability narratives. This disconnection contrasts with successful local-scale integration, where urban projects employing green infrastructure and nature-based solutions demonstrate effective reconciliation through transformative landscape interventions.

Sustainability challenges require new forms of knowledge production and decision-making. This research argues for drawing deeper insights from professional landscape intervention practice, policy implementation, and critical reflection on urban landscape projects. Whilst transdisciplinary sustainability research has evolved considerably, it traditionally privileges ecological metrics over phenomenological dimensions. Addressing this limitation requires context-sensitive approaches to intervention, retrofitting policies through lessons learned from planning, designing, and governing landscapes.

The thesis develops an original methodological contribution comprising two interrelated constructs. First, the Resilient Urban Landscape (RUL) approach emerges from systematic review of landscape governance literature. It proposes six attributes considered essential for building resilient urban landscapes. The RUL approach functions as an analytical lens for filtering and aligning diverse knowledge forms towards landscape quality objectives. This is operationalised through the Knowledge Alignment (KA) matrix, a tool adapted from strategic planning to benchmark knowledge forms against these six attributes.

Second, empirical application of the RUL approach generates the Transformative Urban Landscape Knowledge (TULK) framework. This framework synthesises aligned initiatives, tools, processes, and attitudes within a unified professional model. It functions simultaneously as repository and reflexive guide for built environment transformative professionals.

The research demonstrates a methodological shift from prescriptive toolkits towards attitude-driven approaches. It concludes that enhanced interprofessional collaboration, incorporating ethical frameworks and sustainability objectives, is critical for effective urban landscape interventions.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 7 May 2026 Accepted
Subjects:	CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-01 - architecture CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-03 - landscape design
Divisions:	Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering > Architecture and Built Environment > Architecture Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection
Depositing User:	Louise Muldowney
Date Deposited:	30 Jun 2026 15:02
Last Modified:	30 Jun 2026 15:02
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17096

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