Magical Landscapes and Designed Cities

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Kirsten Marie Raahauge
Abstract  Based on anthropological fieldwork conducted in Skåde Bakker and Fedet, two well-off neighbourhoods in the outskirts of Århus, Denmark, this article focusses on how landscapes are perceived. Local residents describe and use the landscapes of Skåde Bakker and Fedet as endowed with “something special,” a feel-good, (almost spiritual) healing power (just moments away from the bustling city). In Melanesia, such a spiritual force goes by the name of “mana”. Århus’ mana landscapes are only invested with this huge, floating quality because they are near the city. Furthermore, they are seen from the point of view of the city, where order, design, planning and commerce are important cityscape qualities. The article deals with the way in which these two parts of the city, landscape and brandscape are complementary parts of the city-web. Analytical points made by Mauss, Lévi-Strauss and Greimas are discussed in connection with the empirical setting of the city of Århus
Original languageEnglish
JournalKnowledge, Technology & Policy
Volume21
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)175-180
ISSN0897-1986
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008

ID: 3090731