AtlasLandscape & Nature ProtectionMatteo Bischof, Iason Giannopoulos, and Fotis Panagopoulos

“The Cradle of the Confederation”
The panoramic painting by Charles Giron (1901) depicts the mythological landscape around Lake Uri where the legendary Rütlischwur took place in 1291 marking the foundation of the Old Swiss Confederation. The mural adorns the National Council chamber in the Federal Palace in Berne.

Source: The Federal Assembly—The Swiss Parliament

HOW DOES A LANDSCAPE COME TO BE
AND HOW CAN WE PROTECT IT?

“Landscape” is an area perceived as such by humans, whose character has been created by natural and/or human influence and interaction. Landscape defines the human habitat; it has been shaped since time immemorial. This is how actual cultural landscapes have developed over the centuries. Landscapes are first and foremost visual. Are they also characterised by a characteristic smell, do they possibly have their own acoustics, and perhaps shaped by certain light conditions.