Shelter in the rural landscape

Abstract

Shelter planting is an important factor in the rural landscape from an economic, cultural, ecological and visual viewpoint. Rural farm landscapes lie in the middle of the landscape spectrum between cultural and natural systems. These are some of our most dynamic landscapes, recording thought and expressing our cultural values on the land. (NZFS 1985). This dissertation is concerned primarily with planted shelter in our rural landscapes. Chapter one outlines my perception and concept of shelter along with the positive and negative effects planting can cause. Chapter two focusses on the benefits shelter can provide. It is important to understand why shelter is important not only from a philosophical viewpoint but also from a practical and functional viewpoint. These are what ultimately provides benefits to people and the environment. Chapter three examines the evolution of shelter in our rural landscapes and proposes an evolutionary cycle which we have followed. Changing attitudes and people's perception of shelter over time is also studied. Chapter four reviews the organizations and individuals who are responsible for influencing shelter establishment in the last forty years. Chapter five studies a series of real life situations and suggests changes to improve benefits obtained from planting. The conclusion ties all previous discussion together looking at where we have come from and are at now, along with what the future may hold and the role of Landscape Architects in this future.