Possible Methods of Restoration and Transformation of Deep Mining Regions and Quarry Landscapes - Comparison of Results from the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Great Britain, Austria
Abstract: The Industrial Revolution fundamentally influenced urbanization and landscape changes in the territory of today's Czech Republic. While the revitalization of abandoned industrial buildings and brownfields is enjoying growing interest, the issue of restoring mining structures – especially quarries and mines – remains less emphasized in the wider discussion. At the same time, these localities significantly shape the landscape character and the quality of life of local communities. In recent years, innovative approaches to transforming abandoned mining sites have emerged, taking advantage of their unique genius loci. Domestic and foreign examples show that the sensitive transformation of these territories can contribute to developing the cultural and social values of the given areas. The growing emphasis on creative and sustainable solutions enables not only the preservation of the industrial heritage but also its transformation into a full-fledged part of the contemporary public space. The paper examines possible methods of restoration and adaptation of landscapes associated with deep and surface mining while comparing approaches in the Czech Republic with implementations in Great Britain, New Zealand, and Austria. It deals with strategies for the protection of industrial landscapes, their historic value, and the success of various forms of revitalization. The analysis works with selected characteristics of historical mining landscapes – mines, dumps, deep mining areas, quarries – and their categorization according to the method of new use, be it natural, cultural, educational, recreational, or economic. The results indicate that approaches to the restoration of mining landscapes in the Czech Republic are often less expressive and bold than foreign projects, but many foreign models offer inspiration for their effective revitalization in the Czech environment.
