Student: Kyle Miller
Graduation date: May 2016
Capstone type: Thesis
Capstone project:
World Heritage Sites: The Preservation of Iconic Landscapes
Capstone file(s): Show file | Show file
This thesis is an investigation of iconic landscapes and how they are constructed and impacted by cultural influences. It looks into the implications of landscape being a cultural construct and I argue why landscape, specifically iconic landscapes are created by people with power and shaped by the history and cultures of whom inhabits the landscape. In order to understand iconic landscapes, this paper explores how the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) works to preserve sites that are of cultural and natural significance. Specifically this paper analyzes two situated sites, Mt. Fuji and Siena, Italy and evaluates the preservation of heritage and representation by UNESCO in these sites. I conclude that these two World Heritage Sites are being represented according to the criteria that got them designated which perpetuates the two sites iconic image. I then examine the importance of preserving cultural landscapes as well analyze the capabilities of UNESCO in achieving their goals. Finally, I conclude by arguing that iconic landscapes are perpetuated by the images, artwork, and word of mouth.
Key Questions:
How is landscape art a way to interpret the cultural layering that has happened over time? And how do certain cultures and ideals shape the imagery of the landscape?
Why does a specific landscape become an iconic site?
What does artistic representation mean for the longterm durability of iconic landscapes?
How do World Heritage Sites facilitate the durability of iconic landscapes?