Envisioning the “Territorial” Perspective of Landscapes

The present chapter explores the evolving concept of landscape as a multidisciplinary construct situated at the intersection of geography, ecology, culture, and human agency. From its early aesthetic and pictorial interpretations to contemporary ecological, territorial, and systemic perspectives, landscapes are no longer conceived as a visual or static entity but as a dynamic configuration of interactions among natural, biotic, and anthropogenic components. Particular attention is devoted to the historical evolution of landscapes, tracing specific trajectories up to the institutional codification within the European Landscape Convention (2000), which redefined landscape as both a tangible and intangible heritage—a core element of identity, social cohesion, and collective well-being. The discussion extends to cultural and anthropogenic landscapes, emphasizing the transformative role of human activity and the integration of ecological and cultural values within territorial systems. The analysis further addresses the intrinsic pressure of urbanization, industrialization, and globalization processes that have profoundly reshaped the material and symbolic dimensions of contemporary landscapes. Finally, the chapter examines the conservation and valorization of cultural and environmental heritage, underscoring the landscape’s dual function as a testimony of historical processes and a reservoir of biodiversity, as well as its strategic role as a foundation for sustainable territorial development. In conclusion, “landscape” emerges as a heterogeneous, relational, and evolving entity, whose interpretation and management demand a holistic, transdisciplinary approach capable of connecting ecological processes, cultural identity, and socioeconomic transformations within an integrated framework of spatial analysis and policy action.