Education in the Landscape of Historic Urban Systems from the UNESCO World Heritage Lists

Abstract

Education in space is usually associated with nature and takes place in educational paths, in botanical and zoological gardens and other similar spaces. However, education takes place in the open landscape also in other fields. One of them is architecture and urban planning. The aim of the work is to present the results of the research on the issue of education in the landscape of the historic urban systems and discussion on the phenomenon of open space education. 10 objects from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Chile, Kenya, Seychelles and Cape Verde inscribed or proposed for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List were selected for the analysis. The article presents a case study of representative facilities - historic urban systems of towns, villages, concentration camps and mission settlements. The content of the information boards located in these places was analysed and the basic information about these objects was summarized in a tabular form. A catalogue of examples of design, exhibition and educational solutions was prepared. Despite the fact that these places have not been inhabited for a long time, in most cases, they are still lively and are visited by tourists from all over the world. The way of spatial development of the analysed objects is diverse and usually consistent with the surrounding space. The content presented on the information boards is, however, clichéd and boring, and the tourists are not willing to acquaint with them. The research shows that the old urban layouts have a great tourist potential. The greater number of tourists poses a threat to the historic systems, but it is also an opportunity for the more effective society education in the field of architecture and urban planning. Tourists expect modern forms of content presentation, and knowledge is most easily absorbed in practice - in the open space. Presentation of too much information is not recommended, and the selection of information materials should be consulted with the potential users of these facilities.