Marlies Rijken
Traveling through time. Past, present and future
Living with the landscape
The old land of Maramures is an area in north-west Romania. The topic of my thesis is: How is it possible to give an authentic landscape a sustainable future? Through preservation by development I searched for a strategy for a special jewel in Romania”. It is a particularly authentic, small-scale landscape. All developments are based on geomorphology, this makes the landscape easily to read. The people live in harmony with the landscape. However the future of this landscape is insecure. Farmers now work the land almost entirely manual. For this they make use of the scythe, prong and the wooden horse cart. The youth do want to help but will not completely take over. If we don’t want to lose this authentic landscape, we need to have a strategy in order for future generations to enjoy this jewel.
The two parts of Maramures
The old land of Maramures is isolated between Gutai and Maramures mountains and is part of the Carpathians. The two rivers provide a clear difference between the two areas. The Isa river is calmly, quiet and wide. While the viseu river is bolt, wild and narrow under influence of bigger height differences. This difference can also be translated in the way the land is used. On the western side there is a hilly agricultural and traditional landscape with a few developments. While on the eastern side, a mountainous, wild nature and economically developed area is situated. The train, used for the old ore mines and forestry, has had a significant contribution to the development. The two different area’s in Maramures are clearly visible in all aspects. This is the starting point of the strategy of my thesis.
Two valleys, two characters
The target of the new strategy is to create a readable landscape with a good relationship between the ribbon of houses and the surrounding landscape. The ultimate goal is to develop an interesting tourist product.
Iza valley, authentic terraced landscape
In the authentic cultural landscape, the inhabitants are the key players. Anyone can open his gate and make the landscape accessible to visitors. To relieve the busy river valley, a transition zone will be created used for large-scale developments such as; meadows, forestry and recreation.
Viseu valley, rough mountain landscape
In the rough Maramures Mountains, people have to take a step back. Here is room for large-scale wilderness with grazers on the mountain pastures. Concentrated transfer points will provide access to the nature. The Viseu valley is well developed. This will be reinforced and each group of houses will have at least one transfer point. The main connection of Maramures to the mountains is situated in this valley.
By using the exisiting qualities, the area will be a special tourist attraction.