ELEVATION PILGRIMAGE

Student: Rachele Mangoni | MLA Landscape Architecture Y1 | BARC0118 Landscape Design 3 | Studio 7 | Tutors : Günther Galligioni, Christina Leigh Geros | Date: 22.05.2023

Project Statement

Aiming to bring the ancient Via Francigena, a pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome, back to life the following project proposes a botanical park near the city of Dover, where the British section of the Via Francigena ends.

The name “Elevation Pilgrimage” was chosen to characterise the dual purpose of this project. The pilgrimage along the Via Francigena represented a moment of spiritual elevation for those who undertook it, but the aim of the project is also to reproduce an ideal visual journey through the different landscapes around the Via.

Locate close to the town centre, but far enough away to extend over roughly 200 hectares, the botanical park aims to bring new life to the portion of the route around which it is developed by creating a new space which both divulges information and conveys the vegetative itinerary of the Via Francigena.

Too achieve this, the entire project was based on the selection and planting of vegetative species, taking into account all the features owned by the vegetation traversed by Via Francigena: their origin and belonging to various altimetric landscapes but also their botanical features such as the hardiness and the resistance to different climatic environments.

With this aim the project conveys the sensations the pilgrims experienced passing through the landscapes of the Via Francigena, re-proposed in the project: the alpine landscape, the hilly landscape, the landscape free of visual obstacles, characterised only by grasses, and finally the landscape immersed in fruit trees, from which the pilgrims got their sustenance along the journey. All of them ara characterised by continuous seasonal changes which have been analysed to correctly merge them into the final project

The project, therefore, aims to give the site a new and modern identity to make it attractive to citizens and also a source of interest for tourism, telling the story of the pilgrims through the vegetation.

Site Analysis

P.5 | Features of Via Francigena

P.6 | Canterbury to Dover

P.7 | Climate and Elevation Analysis

P.8 | Geology and Land Use Analysis

P.9 | Dover analysis diagrams

Features of Via Francigena

• Length : 1700 km

• Maximum height : 2468 m

• Height difference : 1347 m

• Nations traversed : 4

• Stages : 146

The Via Francigena is one of the oldest pilgrimage roads, dating back to 990 A.D. It connects Canterbury to Rome and was travelled by thousands of pilgrims every year. Over the centuries and for multiple reasons, this route was gradually forgotten and abandoned so much so that in some places it has been even cancelled to make space for other roads.

The Via is about 1700 km long and passes through United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and Italy.

The British section of the Via Francigena is the shortest of the entire route, measuring approximately 32 km with a single stage between Canterbury and Dover, where pilgrims embark for Calais. During the route there is a unique intermediate point located in Shepherdswell city.

To develop the project, this section was studied searching for an area large enough but also close to a town centre, so that the botanical park could host citizens everyday and be a benefit for the society.

The choice fell on the town of Dover, which fulfils the selection criteria reported above and which is also a port town characterised by intense naval traffic, both commercial and passenger.

Via Francigena: Canterbury To Dover

The city average annual climate is characterised by fairly cold temperatures peaking at 15-20°C in the summer months and constant rainfall during the year with an increase in the autumn and winter months. Dover, being located by the sea and in the valley between typical white chalk cliffs, is characterised by strong winds hightened from October to February.

Analysing the elevation profile, searching for the ideal site for the development of the project, the choice fell on a section of, about, 200 hectares not far from the town centre which possessed the ideal elevation and height features necessary for the development of the botanical park, as it was characterised by a good slope and different altitudes.

The site identified for the project has been also studied from a geological point of view, showing a soil composition suitable for the planting and the growth of the different species of plants identified.

In addition, the analysis of the land use of the site and the nearby built-up area showed that that it is almost totally undeveloped, characterised by green areas and intended for cultivation and agriculture, with small areas of suburban residential use.

Clay, Silt, Sand and Gravel Sand, Silt and Clay Sand and Gravel

Silt and Gravel Via Francigena

Clay and Silt

As evidenced by previous studies, the 200-hectare area identified for the project consists of green spaces, but not accessible by the community and the citizens of nearby Dover. Indeed, the built-up area is developed along the main street that runs through the city, with a density of housing that decreases as one moves away from the center. Regarding the population, this is overwhelmingly of white ethnicity with ages ranging from 15 to 64.

Green Spaces

Design Development

Hardiness zone are geographic areas with certain average annual minimum temperature which is relevant to the survival of plants. The most used system, developed by the Unites States Department of Agriculture defines 26 zones (13 zones divided in 2 sub-zones) by longterm average annual extreme minimum temperatures then adapted to the other world countries.

In the case study, hardiness zones characterizing the 4 countries crossed by the Via Francigena (UK, France, Switzerland, and Italy) were examined, and 14 zones were identified with a temperature range from -28.9°C to +10°C

Plants’ growth strongly depends on their tolerance and capability to adapt to different climate conditions but also on their hardiness zone. A plant growing in a particularly high hardiness zone (e.g., 10) will not find favorable conditions in an area characterized by very low zone hardiness (e.g., 5).

Hardiness Map legend

Hardiness map of the countries crossed by the Via Francigena

Hardiness-based vegetation classification

Following the study of hardiness zones across Via Francigena, these were evaluated relating them to. the altitude and studying the change in vegetation type as the altitude changes. This led to the identification of five different landscapes characterised by plants that strongly depend on the hardiness and the elevation profile of the Via Francigena.

The result of this study was then transferred to the project site, taking advantage of the slope and elevation characteristics for which it was selected.

Via Francigena Height Profile and Landscape Identification

Considering the project area in detail, it is characterised by a particularly pronounced difference in height (65m) as indicated by the very close contour lines. The site is crossed perpendicularly in the central part by the Via Francigena route and is directly connected to the residential and urbanised areas of the city.

The areas indicated by points 6 and 7 are the only ones not affected by the difference in level that characterises the site. This morphological characteristic, together with the direct connection that these areas have with the road, makes them suitable for the positioning of the nursery.

Initial site condition

The diagram illustrated here shows the vegetation distribution strategy on the project area following the study of the hardiness zones and the altitude.

In particular, it can be seen that the site area with the highest elevation was identified for plants belonging to the lowest hardiness zones (5 and 6) and consisting of Needle-leaves forest.

Continuing, in the area of the site with lower elevation than the previous one, the plants characterised by Hardiness zones 7 and 8 are positioned, constituting the Evergreen Broadleaves Forest.

The area at intermediate altitude has been identified to accommodate the Deciduous Broadleaves Woodlands forming Hardiness zone 9.

Regarding the two lower elevation areas, the first will consist of Grassland vegetation with Hardiness zone 10 and Fruitland plants characterised by Hardiness zone 11.

Planting strategy

The project plan shows the graphic rendering of the diagram illustrated above. It is possible to observe the various types of landscape developing at the respective altitudes on which a series of secondary routes branch off, allowing visitors to deviate from the main road and immerse themselves more in the environments.

All these routes, which also allow entry to the botanical park from secondary entrances, have been designed with slopes of 4.5 per cent or less to allow access to all categories of visitors. It is also important to note how the characteristics of the terrain change depending on the type of the considered landscape.

Indeed, we note that alpine landscape consists of a rocky terrain, while the Evergreen Broadleaves Forest is on a particularly bare terrain with little grassland vegetation that allows a glimpse of the ground below.

Analysing the terrain that hosts the Deciduous Broadleaves Woodland, it has a yellowish colouration due to the large plant crowns that prevent the passage of light, thus worsening the quality of the grass.

In the Grassland, the various types of grasses found there create a lively and very colourful visual effect.

Finally, the Fruitland is characterised by a very green and lush grassland vegetation as it is located in the lowest part of the park receiving a greater influx of water, particularly required by the plants it houses.

Needle-leaves Forest

Fruitland

Nursery

Grassland

Evergreen Broadleaves Forest

Deciduous Broadleaves Woodland

In this table, seasonality and the resulting colour changes over the four seasons are analysed and studied.

It is possible to notice that during the autumn period, deciduous leaves plants take on a yellow-orange colouring, while the other areas and first and foremost the needle and evergreen plants remain unchanged. During the winter, we see a metamorphosis of the park due to the total leaves fall in the deciduous and fruit plants and the harvesting of the Grassland, leaving only the needle-leaved plants with an unchanged colouration.

In spring, we assist to the plants blossom, flooding the park with colour and giving it a more vivid appearance.

Finally, in the summer period, in addition to the vivid colours given by the spring blossoming, again with the exception of the needle plants, we also have the ripening of the fruit in Fruitland, which adds further colour and vicuity to this area of the path.

In this cross-section of the site, it is possible to appreciate in detail the gradient and slope that characterise the site as well as its total extension (approximately 200 hectares) and its lengthwise development.

Section AA

Topsoil Subsoil Rock Fragments

Evergreen Broadleaves Forest

Needle-leaves Forest

Deciduous

A A 0 250 500 125 m 135 m 145 m 155 m 115 m 105 m 95 m 85 m 75 m 65 m 55 m 45 m Needle-leaves Forest 2000-1500 m Evergreen Broadleaves Forest 1500-1000 m Deciduous Broadleaves Woodland 1000-400 m Grassland 400-200 m Fruitland 200-0 m Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b

Grassland Fruitland Scale 1:4500

The longitudinal cross-section shown here aims to show that the irregularity of the site develops not only transversely but in several directions, making it morphologically different.

First focus : Needle-leaves Forest

The first focus of the project is centred on the Needle-leave Forest, results highlighted on the plan.

Two criteria were used for plant selection: the first concerns the hardiness zone of the selected species, while the second selection criterion takes into account the country of origin of the plant, which was chosen from among the four countries through which the Via Francigena passes (UK, France, Switzerland and Italy).

The selected plants are shown here grouped by Genus which, therefore, consists of several species.

The present drawings show in detail the types of plants present in this area

(Source: Leonardi, C.; Stagi, F.; The Architecture of Trees, 1983).

Needle-leaves Forest Plan

Drawings of typical plants in this area

Plant selection

Cupressus Ginkgo

Here in detail we have shown a section of the Needle-leave Forest that also allows us to analyse the soil and the portion of undergrowth.

The soil, as mentioned, is particularly rocky made up of moss and thanks to the study of light, we can see how the sun’s rays are able to pass through the needle-like leaves of the trees.

Second focus : Evergreen Broadleaves Forest

The Second focus area of the park is the Evergreen Broadleaves Forest. As in the previous focuses, the location of this area can be seen highlighted on the map.

Detailed drawings of the trees that make up this area are also shown (Source: Leonardi, C.; Stagi, F.; The Architecture of Trees, 1983).

Evergreen Broadleaves Forest Plan

Drawings of typical plants in this area

Quercus

Photinia Ceratonia

Eucalyptus

The section shown allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the Evergreen Broadleaves Forest where we can see how the passage of light through the plants depends on factors such as canopy width and leaf width.

The result will therefore be a very diverse soil in terms of vegetation with areas characterised by thin grass because of the weak exposure to the sun’s rays and areas shielded by the foliage of the plants and therefore without vegetation.

For this area it was possible to define a diagram with the period and colour of flowering of the plants throughout the year.

Blossom colours throughout the year

Section EE

Third focus : Deciduous Broadleaves Woodland

The Third focus of the project relates to the Deciduous Broadleaves Woodland evidencing on the plan the location of this area of the park.

In the section shown, it is possible to observe what is peculiar to this area: the phase of leaf colour change that occurs in autumn before the leaves fall completely, leaving the trees completely bare during winter.

Deciduous Broadleaves Woodland Plan

It was also possible to define a diagram showing the flowering of the plants located in this area, characterising the variation in colour over the course of the year.

The presented drawings show in detail the types of trees in this area of the park (Source: Leonardi, C.; Stagi, F.; The Architecture of Trees, 1983).

Blossom colours throughout the year

Betula Castanea Fagus

Tilia Ulmus

Drawings of typical plants in this area

Fourth focus : Grassland

The fourth focus of the project is the Grassland, which is highlighted in the plan.

Compared to plants in all other areas, these, remaining perennial in this form, need to be cut very short during the winter period in order to regrow and flower in the spring.

In detail, representations of certain types of plants in the area (Source: Web search).

Grassland Plan

Drawings of typical plants in this area

Cortaderia

The Grassland cross-section allows us to observe its characteristics in even greater detail. Given the windy climate of the area in which the park is located, this will give raise to a dynamic effect given by the movement of the plants, also combined with the incredible variety of colour that they can express at different times of the year, as the flowering diagram shows in detail.

Blossom colours throughout the year

Section FF

Fifth focus : Fruitland

The last section on which attention was focused is the Fruitland located in the lowest part of the park and included as a reference to the stopover that pilgrims made on their journey to Rome to gather fruit with which to sustain themselves during the long and arduous journey.

As in the previous focuses, the Fruitland area is highlighted on the park plan and detailed drawings of some of the types of fruit plants present are given (Source: Leonardi, C.; Stagi, F.; The Architecture of Trees, 1983).

Also shown is the diagram showing the flowering and flower coloring of different species throughout the year.

Fruitland Plan

Blossom colours throughout the year

Drawings of typical plants in this area

Pyrus

Ficus

Diospyros

P.30-33 | Site Photos

P.34-38 | Design process

P.39 | Planting Techniques

Track of the route taken to visit the site

Track of the route taken to visit the site

Track of the route taken to visit the site

Track of the route taken to visit the site

Tree pits should always be sufficiently wide and loose especially in their upper third as this is the area where the most intensive root growth takes place.

When digging the tree pits please separate the topsoil which is rich in humus (about 30-35cm) from the subsoil and store them on separate piles. When planting the tree refill the pit in the reverse sequence.

The ball packing used in our tree nursery consists of easily degraded material that should not be removed when planting the tree, because the ball helps to make the tree more stable, making it easier for it to form new fibre roots.

There are various ways to protect plants in their new location from the wind, to allow new roots to develop undisturbed. Depending on the species and size of the plant, an appropriate external but visible support structure can be created, for example.

Another method for protecting the plant in its first years of life is the construction of underground tying systems, if the plants are to be fixed invisibly. To avoid injury to stems and roots, only ties with a large support surface (at least 4 cm) should be used.

In order to ensure that the newly planted tree takes root well, an irrigation bowl that allows the required amount of water to accumulate during watering is essential. The ideal watering bowl should always be twice as wide as the diameter of the root ball. Depending on the size of the tree, the rim of the bowl should be between 12 and 30 cm high. In general, this watering bowl should be maintained for more than two years.

It is recommended to sufficiently protect the trunks of tall trees from damage caused by drought or winter or summer sunlight. Reed or bamboo mats have proven to be particularly effective, as they are quick and easy to install and provide very effective thermal insulation for the stem, as well as good protection against evaporation.

Bibliography

Online databases

Bluesky Mapshop - Online GIS data. Available at: https://www.blueskymapshop. com (Accessed: March 2023).

Web articles

Hardiness zones of Europe (2020) Gardenia.net. Available at: https://www.gardenia. net/guide/european-hardiness-zones (Accessed: March 2023).

Plantmaps - hardiness zone maps and much more (2018) zdm. Available at: https:// www.plantmaps.com/index.php (Accessed: March 2023).

Itinerary - via francigena. Available at: https://www.viefrancigene.org/en/the-path/ (Accessed: February 2023).

Cristina and Alessandro (2020) Cos’è la via francigena, Camminando sulla Via Francigena. Available at: https://viefrancigene.com/via-francigena/ (Accessed: February 2023).

Ben Wunner, H.W. (2019) Vegetation change with altitude and Aspect, ArcGIS StoryMaps. Available at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5ca33ee6526c47e0b213a0ac8a0aa878 (Accessed: March 2023).

Magazine, S. (2019) The pioneering maps of Alexander von Humboldt, Smithsonian. com. Available at: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/pioneering-maps-alexander-von-humboldt-180973342/ (Accessed: March 2023).

SEO, P. (2019) - tappe, Mappa e Storia: Rotta Europea, Pilgrim. Available at: https:// www.pilgrim.es/it/via-francigena/ (Accessed: February 2023).

How high altitude affects plants - lawn care blog: Lawn love (2022) Lawn Care Blog | Lawn Love. Available at: https://lawnlove.com/blog/how-high-altitude-affects-plants/#:~:text=Higher%20elevations%20always%20experience%20lower,and%20 a%20slower%20transpiration%20rate (Accessed: April 2023).

McDaniel, J. (2019) How does altitude affect vegetation? Sciencing. Available at: https://sciencing.com/how-does-altitude-affect-vegetation-12003620.html (Accessed: March 2023).

Online Encyclopaedia

Altitudinal zonation (2023) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altitudinal_zonation (Accessed: March 2023).

Via Francigena (2023) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_ Francigena (Accessed: April 2023).

Hardiness zone (2023) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardiness_zone (Accessed: May 2023).

Web publications

Lee, M.A. et al. (2021) ‘Relationships between resource availability and elevation vary between metrics creating gradients of nutritional complexity’, Oecologia, 195(1), pp. 213–223. doi:10.1007/s00442-020-04824-4.

Gloning, P., Estrella, N. and Menzel, A. (2012) ‘The impacts of climate change on the winter hardiness zones of woody plants in Europe’, Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 113(3–4), pp. 683–695. doi:10.1007/s00704-012-0817-5.

Vigneri, F. (2018) Vegetation dynamics of forest populations in the Italian Apennines. thesis.

Babtie, J. (2006) Dover District Landscape Character Assesment. rep., pp. 1–25. LUC (2020) Dover District Landscape Character Assessment. rep., pp. 1–137.

Books

Raju, A. (2012) The Via Francigena - Canterbury to Rome. Milnthorpe, Cumbria: Cicerone.

Leonardi, C. et al. (2019) The architecture of trees. Hudson, NY: Princeton Architectural Press.

Catalogues

Innocenti & Mangoni Piante (2022) Catalogue 2022/2024. Edited by Woola Comunicazione.