Scholarly record

THE INFLUENCE OF WATER-LAND RELATIONS ON THE LANDSCAPE AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE VISTULA DELTA (POLAND)

T. J. Parteka, A. Rubczak, D. Kamrowska-Zaluska

Abstract

The Vistula Delta is unique region of water domination. In this part of Europe, historic rural assumptions have been developing since the 12th century. Practically, it can be said that most of the systems were related to the coexistence of the human and the water element. Relations of water and land, developed specific types of villages such as a water-based village. Water landscape; polders, canals, dikes and rivers, hydro-technical constructions and drainage windmills were similar to Friesland in the Netherlands. The article describes the evolution of the architecture of Vistula Delta, where specific area is ?u?awy depression. Characteristics of historical architecture related to water, polder and gravity systems affected spatial development forms. Revitalization of waterways will contribute to opportunity for future landscape and contemporary architecture. Modern times provide the possibility of continuing land-water relations as variations on the subject of the past landscape, however, facing the challenges of a changing climate. Researchers focus on the role of spatial and spatiotemporal relations in a changing circumstances. Also comparison between two countries situated in river delta gives some explanations about the relationship between water and land, especially in the aspect of technical solutions. Systematic broadening of knowledge about past of Polish and Dutch types of development may give the answer how to choose the direction of spatial solutions in the future. Understanding the causes of floods throughout history is a helpful tool for assessing contemporary phenomena. The selected data has been presented in the spatial model, allow to determine the implementation possibilities of spatial solutions. Solutions can be used for creating the landscape and architecture of tomorrow in the area of the Vistula Delta. The influence of water on new land re-development and role of waterways is crucial in response to research question.

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