ABSTRACT
Today, landscape architects engage more profoundly than ever with the transformation of existing urban landscapes. Working with heritage in a spatial planning context raises new questions about heritage values and the political role of landscape architecture. While there is a growing body of research on how landscape architects design with heritage, the role and agency of landscape architecture in heritage-led spatial development is still little theorized. By examining three landscape projects from Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany we aim to initiate a critical debate across landscape architecture practice and critical heritage theory. We show that landscape-based approaches to heritage are well-suited for collective place-making; however, landscape architects need to be aware that a strong utility focus risks editing out conflicted heritage values. Further, landscape projects can combine natural and cultural heritage values in one designed landscape and thereby transgress the still prevailing nature/culture dichotomy in heritage making. Finally, and still underexplored, landscape architecture can make conflicts about heritage values tangible and thereby stimulate debate and critical action.
