An Eco-Phenomenological Approach to Understanding Landscape

Abstract

In this thesis, I argue that the current advances in landscape science, especially those rooted in phenomenology, allow landscape scientists to further develop a new narrative of the landscape as a living entity. By bringing Goethe’s phenomenological approach into contemporary landscape ecology, ecologists can identify the formative properties of landscape and find better ways to heal the relationship between humanity and nature while facing our current ecological crisis. Furthermore, this approach is important for determining the dynamic character and organization of a landscape that could influence planning, conservation, or restoration efforts across diverse cultural and environmental settings. Eco-phenomenology can enhance our understanding of a landscape’s organization and dynamics as a living entity, as well as provide critical new knowledge to promote phenomena-based science for conservation, sustainability, and planning. In this thesis, I describe how an eco-phenomenological approach can be applied to a specific landscape. Accordingly, Goethe’s methodology was applied to study one landscape in San Diego County, California, with significant historical and ecological attributes. Desktop and field-based observations were conducted on landscape composition and configuration to determine the underlying patterns of a dynamic organization. In conclusion, this thesis illustrates the value of integrating ecological observations and phenomenological methods into contemporary landscape science.