Department of Cultural Landscape and Sites

Facility in Průhonice

Aims and activities

The Department of Cultural Landscape and Sites conducts research on changes in the cultural landscape. By combining the approaches of landscape architecture and natural and human sciences, it contributes to the protection and creation of an environment for a better quality of life. It raises awareness of the historical cultural landscape, as an important part of national identity and biocultural heritage. In this way, it develops a research direction that has a long tradition in the institute.

The research focuses on the complex evaluation of landscape structures, specifically on the development of tools for the identification, protection and sustainable use of the natural and cultural values of the landscape, including its specific parts, such as historical gardens and parks and settlement areas with heritage values.

Another research direction deals with green systems in settlements, using the concept of green infrastructure. Within the elements of green infrastructure, the priority is to increase the diversity of the assortment of trees and herbs used in the context of adaptation to climate change. This includes not only the ongoing evaluation of the assortment of trees promising for extreme sites, but also experimental experiments (Dry Path) in the Dendrological Garden. Within the issue of the herbaceous layer, new technologies for the establishment, maintenance and regeneration of these plantings and their integration into the green and blue infrastructure of the settlement are being investigated.