As defined by the College Board, AP Human Geography explores “the patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alterations of the Earth’s surface” (College Board). One important aspect of this exploration is cultural landscapes, which are environments modified by humans in order to reflect their beliefs or needs. This article will seek to provide a comprehensive understanding of what exactly a cultural landscape is in AP Human Geography.
Firstly, it is important to understand how the idea of cultural landscapes came about. In 1925, Carl Sauer (1889-1975), an American geographer often considered one of the most influential geographers of his time and known as The Father of Cultural Geography introduced the concept in his seminal essay ‘The Morphology Landscape’. In this essay he explains why he thought it was necessary for geography “to concern itself with mans own relationships with nature among material things not given solely by geo-biological development” He believed that humans were not just passive carriers occupying space on earth but rather active drivers interacted within multiple spatial dimensions via shaping phenomena like agriculture,homes,cities among others”.
Sauer argued that all aspects touching our everyday life really focus more on people’s values concepts and beliefs than they do on environmental determinism. Thus viewing landscape creation through culture was very relevant to him because cultures express themselves without language so their beliefs could become visible.
Cultural landscapes are typically divided into two categories: intentional and vernacular. Intentional cultural landscapes are intentionally created or designed by someone or some group for a particular purpose such as religious site architectures like mosques,museums,buddhist temple gardens e.t.c whereas vernacular refers to those which have emerged naturally over time due to local traditions and customs i.e sceneries constructed from grazing , roads,and agricultural lands.
There are four main parts related with designing both intentional and vernacular landmarks:
1) spatial structures – examine where architectural objects should be placed leading to the creation of a detailed layout plan
2) Natural resources allocated: observes the surrounding environment assessing natural resources such as land, water, flora and fauna that are available .
3) cultural features – this examines elements unique to specific region such values , attitudes on how things should be done,yards,schools among others.
4) circulation networks- evaluating ways people move around landscapes whether it’s through transportation or pedestrian walkways.
An example of intentional cultural landscape is undoubtedly Central Park in New York City. Frederick Law Olmstead designed the park in 1858 with Calvert Vaux for tourists and citizens alike as an urban oasis where they could escape from the noise and stress found throughout much of life to enjoy some greenery. Over time, various pavilions were added along with sculptures made by talented artists transforming this once deserted mount into a destination worthy of any traveler making their way through Manhattan.
On the other hand vernacular cultures reflects more low maintenance spaces like fields which reciprocate traditional farming practices while contributing towards landscapes one inherits (sometimes over multiple generations).
In order to fully understand cultural landscapes in AP Human Geography, it is also important to consider certain subfields. For example, landscape ecology explores how natural systems interact within human-built environments while historical geography considers individual landmarks not just within themselves but also how they relate key defining moments including physical landmarks during revolution times like Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum. As well as examining landmark symbolism displayed present day notably with memorials linked tragedies/community remeberances e.g Ground Zero Memorial at World Trade Centre attacked on September 11th .
Cultural landscapes also play an immense role in shaping identity and relationships between different groups/ethnicities/nations globally/multi-nationally.In certain parts world murals or graffitti have been used political movements against oppressive regimes,militarisation causing social injustice.. In cases like Nairobi,Kenya we see groups enforcing their culture through symbolic landmarks such historical buildings, homes and roads to validate their cultures existence in the present day.The movie ‘Black Panther’ which showcases different cultural identities with Wakanda serves as another touchstone.
In conclusion, there’s no denying that human interactions have drastically transformed environments around the world. Cultural landscapes often reflect perceptions or practices of ancestors forming part of group identity making them an important part human experience not only within AP Human Geography but also globally; It is therefore indispensable for students undertake thorough research seeking to understand affiliations between landmark structures natural resources,cultural features & circulation networks while establishing context and perspective given region they intend to focus on . The importance of how these factors interact cannot be overemphasized whether it’s when choosing places like Central Park for a picnic or assessing growth strategies starting from specific locations like ancient mesopotamia. With this knowledge, individuals can better appreciate our shared experiences making sense of what we see aesthetically and also setting up action items towards preserving nature while harnessing interactive ecosystem designethos that balances social structures beyond environmental conservation efforts today.