From 9 to 19 July a group of landscape architecture and spatial planning students visited Romania in order to learn more about the various forces that shape and govern landscapes. It proved to be a fruitful  expedition. Romania’s complex history, characterised by a rich diversity of cultural influences and tragic communist legacies, is reflected in many ways in the current rural and urban landscapes. The results is a country full of contrasts.

This makes Romania a country that is very interesting for reflections on the economic, political and cultural forces that shape and govern landscapes and on the roles landscape architects and spatial planners can play in this field. The observations and the conversations with guides, scientists and inhabitants generated a rich debate among the students.

Stories about the adventures which include encounters with Dracula, green men and gate keepers can be found at the website of the BUITEX.