Recreational Value Assessment of Urban Productive Landscape of Baguatian in Hangzhou Based on Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has achieved rapid development in recent years, and the use of cloud platforms to carry various large-scale services has become the general trend of the development of the information industry. This study investigates WTP of Hangzhou residents for the recreational value of Baguatian productive landscapes based on CVM and cloud computing. In this study, we did the related analysis on the social and economic characteristics and WTP of interviewees and made the monetization assessment about the recreational value of its urban productive landscapes. The result shows 62.1% of interviewees have WTP and the average payment intention (WTP) is $40.74 per year. Besides, the total recreational value of Hangzhou Baguatian productive landscapes is 354 million yuan; the relatively accepted payment mode is tax-paying and cash payment; the educational degree, occupational background, and income are the main factors influencing the tourists’ WTP and the correlation between interviewees’ origin, permanent residence, and WTP is not apparent.

Female breeding dispersal to higher quality habitats in a philopatric top predator

Philopatry and monogamy are conventionally viewed as strategies for improving fitness. Many philopatric and monogamous species have, however, been shown to perform breeding dispersal—an exchange of territory (and often also partner) between two breeding seasons. The adaptiveness of breeding dispersal remains controversial, as data remain scarce and sporadic. For the Northern Goshawk, a typically highly philopatric and monogamous forest raptor, pairs breeding in barren forest landscapes produce fewer fledglings than pairs breeding in more productive landscapes. Using data on Finnish breeding female Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) during 1999–2016, we tested the hypotheses that: (1) breeding dispersal is more likely at barren territories, (2) dispersing females move to less barren territories, and (3) breeding dispersal improves the survival of young. About 29% of the female Goshawks in our study performed breeding dispersal, which contrasts to philopatry and suggest that site and partner fidelities show large variation within the species’ breeding range. We found no evidence that territorial landscape barrenness (proxy on habitat quality) affects the probability of breeding dispersal. However, females that dispersed upgraded to less barren territories. Nevertheless, there were no subsequent effects of breeding dispersal on reproductive performance, suggesting no obvious difference in the capability of rearing young at either site. Although dispersal events were directed to less barren habitats, we suggest that female dispersal is not driven by the pursue for more prospersous habitats, rather that those females are forced to move, for whatever reason. In addition to other observed reasons such as female–female competition for mates and loss of the original mate, intense logging of mature forests lowering local food availability and restricting nest site availability were likely a partial cause of increased breeding dispersal.

Designed Ecologies: Breaking away from islandised conservation

<p>This research investigates the role of designed ecologies in the management of our ecosystems and natural resources. It argues that society has adopted a ‘protectionist’ approach toward the planning of our landscapes which in turn has had a detrimental effect on the integration between conservation and occupation. The topic of diminishing landscapes has become increasingly more apparent within recent years and has had a significant contribution toward such approach. With concerns around global warming, climate change and an increase in population, methods of counteraction toward the decline of our native species has become of fundamental importance. It is evident that ecosystems and natural resources provide a vital component toward our livability and therefore planning their resilience is crucial. Various policies have been established to constrain and restrict development in order to protect these ecologies, often within areas of national significance e.g. national parks. These implications have proven to be successful in their intention however, the focus of concern lies in the lack of integral thinking on approach to these spaces. Conservation, as it stands, is weighted significantly toward the islandisation of areas with little to no interaction or benefit to those who are expected to protect them. Looking toward theories centered around productive landscapes and the balance of untouched nature verse those that are interpreted, this research seeks understanding of compromise and compliment. It aims to define a new design approach which 1) engages with traditional aims to ensure our enjoyment of these ecologies is sustained for future generations, and 2) makes more efficient use of such asset in the way these spaces are utilised on a day to day basis. Four different approach methods have been tested and are outlined as follows in an attempt to determine a framework for integration. Though the following was formulated from a design perspective, the critique should not be constricted to simply one discipline but instigate a dialogue of discussion between architects, planners, ecologists, environmentalists, politicians and so forth. These methods should be critiqued on the success of integration between conservation and occupation in order to establish a design process which enables hybridised ecologies to coexist and function simultaneously. Successful implications of such model will use landscape architecture as a means to breathe new life back into these spaces, breaking away from islandised conservation and into a new era of dual functioning resilient outcomes.</p>

Designed Ecologies: Breaking away from islandised conservation

<p>This research investigates the role of designed ecologies in the management of our ecosystems and natural resources. It argues that society has adopted a ‘protectionist’ approach toward the planning of our landscapes which in turn has had a detrimental effect on the integration between conservation and occupation. The topic of diminishing landscapes has become increasingly more apparent within recent years and has had a significant contribution toward such approach. With concerns around global warming, climate change and an increase in population, methods of counteraction toward the decline of our native species has become of fundamental importance. It is evident that ecosystems and natural resources provide a vital component toward our livability and therefore planning their resilience is crucial. Various policies have been established to constrain and restrict development in order to protect these ecologies, often within areas of national significance e.g. national parks. These implications have proven to be successful in their intention however, the focus of concern lies in the lack of integral thinking on approach to these spaces. Conservation, as it stands, is weighted significantly toward the islandisation of areas with little to no interaction or benefit to those who are expected to protect them. Looking toward theories centered around productive landscapes and the balance of untouched nature verse those that are interpreted, this research seeks understanding of compromise and compliment. It aims to define a new design approach which 1) engages with traditional aims to ensure our enjoyment of these ecologies is sustained for future generations, and 2) makes more efficient use of such asset in the way these spaces are utilised on a day to day basis. Four different approach methods have been tested and are outlined as follows in an attempt to determine a framework for integration. Though the following was formulated from a design perspective, the critique should not be constricted to simply one discipline but instigate a dialogue of discussion between architects, planners, ecologists, environmentalists, politicians and so forth. These methods should be critiqued on the success of integration between conservation and occupation in order to establish a design process which enables hybridised ecologies to coexist and function simultaneously. Successful implications of such model will use landscape architecture as a means to breathe new life back into these spaces, breaking away from islandised conservation and into a new era of dual functioning resilient outcomes.</p>

Ecclesiastical Economies: The Integration of Sacred and Maritime Topographies of Late Antique Cyprus

This article focusses on the relationship of the church with productive landscapes and coastal topographies within numerous Cypriot contexts of the 4th–8th centuries. Through synthesising the archaeological research and architectural remains of these aspects and categories, the coastal settlements of the island are recontextualised in terms of their mercantile, religious, and cultural networks, on inter- and intraregional scales. The advantages of researching late antique insular societies on local, individual scales and within economic contexts are therefore highlighted. These integrative approaches can illuminate the constructions of religious identity across many coastal contexts, particularly in larger islands with micro-regions and trans-Mediterranean connectivity, like Cyprus. By considering the importance of the administrative and economic roles of the late antique church within these maritime topographies, future archaeological research can integrate both the monumentality and pragmatic aspects of sacred landscapes.

Sustainable Landscapes in the Traditional Korean Residential Environment: Focus on the Joseon Dynasty

This study examines the sustainable landscapes displayed in traditional Korean houses of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) by investigating urban agricultural practices implemented in the palace, private houses, and an imaginary garden (Uiwon). Currently popular productive gardening applications, such as urban agriculture, productive landscapes, and edible landscapes, also formed the backbone of the traditional Korean housing environment in the Joseon Dynasty, which has had substantial implications for today’s landscaping practices. Landscapes that are productive rather than decorative are important for environmentally sound and sustainable development not only for South Korea but also for modern housing design worldwide. This research provides concrete discussions of the definition and range of urban agriculture, agricultural methods, and principal agents of gardening-related businesses. This information advances the cultural conversation as well as the understanding and application of gardening in the modern context. Through a comparison of traditional and modern South Korean housing environments, this study contributes to developing the research on the role of gardens in sustainable landscapes.

An elemental architecture: water stewardship in Hiawatha First Nation

Dozens of First Nations in Canada lack access to safe and secure water resources. This thesis proposes the decentralization of water treatment in First Nations, and explores how architecture might integrate and decentralize water collection, purification, and storage strategies in Hiawatha First Nation. It simultaneously explores the very deep and layered spiritual connection between women and water in Anishinaabe culture. Feminist theory is used as a lens through which the research and design is approached. Synthesizing vernacular strategies with contemporary technologies led to the development of a regionally sensitive architecture that creates much needed space for purification, healing, and growth of the community and the individual. The Pimaadashkodeyaang Cultural Centre in Hiawatha First Nation investigates Anishinaabe architecture and culture, feminist theory and space, and water and productive landscapes. Multiple design strategies emerged that inform how to design with water from both a pragmatic and mythopoetic perspective.

An elemental architecture: water stewardship in Hiawatha First Nation

Dozens of First Nations in Canada lack access to safe and secure water resources. This thesis proposes the decentralization of water treatment in First Nations, and explores how architecture might integrate and decentralize water collection, purification, and storage strategies in Hiawatha First Nation. It simultaneously explores the very deep and layered spiritual connection between women and water in Anishinaabe culture. Feminist theory is used as a lens through which the research and design is approached. Synthesizing vernacular strategies with contemporary technologies led to the development of a regionally sensitive architecture that creates much needed space for purification, healing, and growth of the community and the individual. The Pimaadashkodeyaang Cultural Centre in Hiawatha First Nation investigates Anishinaabe architecture and culture, feminist theory and space, and water and productive landscapes. Multiple design strategies emerged that inform how to design with water from both a pragmatic and mythopoetic perspective.

Pollinators: Their Evolution, Ecology, Management, and Conservation

Insect pollinators are a rich and diverse group of species that have coevolved with plants to create biodiverse and productive landscapes that support ecosystem services. Bees, beetles, flies, butterflies, moths, and even ants participating in moving pollen within and between flowers, assisting the reproduction of more than 80% of all flowering plants. The value of insect pollinators to ecosystems and economies is both large and immeasurable. One of three bites of food eaten is pollinated, and countless raw materials and natural products are the result of the visitation of flowers by insects. Yet, these keystone species face survival challenges driven by habitat loss, pests, disease, pesticides, and climate change. Conservation, restoration, and management seek to build back resilience into these systems, without which our world would be unrecognizable.