Fractured landscapes study on landscape fragmentation and degradation due to expressways

Abstract

Landscape fragmentation and degradation is an emerging issue in Sri Lanka, which is a result of the rapid development and inadequate concern on the visual and the environmental factors. Linear developments such as roads and power lines are mostly responsible for fragmentation. One such linear development, expressways, are an integral part of modern transportation as they facilitate links between commercial and industrial sectors and serves as an essential component for the development of the tourism industry, all of which ultimately contribute to the improvement of the country’s economy. This paper presents the outcomes of a post construction landscape study pertaining to the visual aspects and physical connectivity of the landscape affected by the Southern Expressway, Sri Lanka. The Southern Expressway passes through urban, sub-urban and rural landscapes as well as plantations. In that context, the most preferable way to integrate engineering structures with the natural environment is imitating the natural forms to mitigate the adverse impact on human perception. These structures are responsive to mitigation of landscape fragmentation and degradation by improving the landscape permeability. Two main methods, mapping and photographic survey were used in this investigation. Further, GIS mapping was used to identify the landscape pattern. Landscape architectural solutions as a design approach will ultimately result in land form and drainage planning as well as facilitate ecological connectivity through landscape ecological applications and other appropriate landscape architectural proposals. Therefore it is vital that the landscape architects are included in the design team from the preliminary stages.