Defining and restoring the cultural landscape and place-identity of historic cities: the case of Mérida, Yucatán, México

Many cities worldwide are currently experiencing rapid urban transformations that threaten unique cultural landscapes and place-identity. This trend towards homogenisation and fragmentation is a significant concern for societies, as it erodes the distinctive character and the personal meanings associated with these places. To address this issue, various theoretical approaches are being explored in the context of cultural landscape and place-identity. The city of Mérida, Yucatán, México exemplifies these challenges, reflected in uncontrolled urban growth and transformations perceived negatively by its residents. This investigation uses Mérida as a primary case study to assess historical and current urban development, aiming to establish effective solutions that define, protect, and restore its cultural landscape and place-identity. Therefore, this research aims to review the concepts of cultural landscape and place-identity through the lens of the case study of Mérida, and to develop urban design propositions to improve and restore the place-identity of Mérida. The conceptual framework and research methodology in this thesis are used to analyse and assess places across contemporary scenarios. Using Mérida as a case study, the research investigates the evolution of cultural landscapes and place-identity within a real context, as perceived by local key actor groups. The study uses a combination of qualitative research methods and a case study approach to collect and analyse data both at the city level and within three sub-case studies to investigate the four dimensions of the conceptual framework: Drivers of change, Tangible, Intangible, and Meanings and interpretations. This research makes key contributions in three key areas: theoretical, methodological, and practical. Theoretical contributions include integrating cultural landscape and place-identity approaches to develop a conceptual framework with four dimensions of analysis, in order to enhance the holistic interpretation of a place across historical and contemporary scenarios. The methodology integrates diverse theories, research data, and analytical methods to study cultural landscapes and place-identity in Mérida. It establishes a well-organised approach that can be adapted by other researchers for conducting similar studies in different contexts. Finally, the practical contributions of this research focus on integrating multiple scales and dimensions into urban design analysis to enhance practice. It emphasises the need for engaging key actors groups, including community members for addressing issues, formulating policies, and ensuring effective city planning and maintenance. The research emphasises the importance of education, communication of urban design issues, inclusivity, and ethical approaches to foster fairer and more sustainable urban development in Mérida. It also re-assess the critical role that cultural heritage plays in defining and preserving cultural landscapes and place identities across past and present urban development.

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Author dc:creator

• Irigoyen Zozaya, Sheila Isabel

Contributors dc:contributor

• Watson, Georgia Butina
• Novo de Azevedo, Laura

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/w7bx-m421

OAI identifier oai:identifier

tle:0198552c-a10b-4ad6-91ff-41eb9ea1c572:d6bd9758-527a-46cd-bfe2-c433766e8fca:1