Unraveling Urban-Rural Sustainable Contradictions

Authors

Carmel M. Lindkvist, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Morten T. Gjerde, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Amy A. McCormack Ms, Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitetFollow
Ida Nilstad Pettersen, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Brita Fladvad NielsenFollow

Abstract

While Norway has a vast amount of land in relation to its population, the ongoing development of land in rural mountainous and coastal areas is having an impact on nature. Strategies for implementing densification in cities must also consider the impact on rural areas. Within this research we address the contradictory imbalance of the consumption of nature for leisure/urban escapism with that of the conservation of nature in rural areas. Rural areas are often viewed as an escape from the urban chaos and within Norway fall under a right to have access to nature. This right to nature is primarily viewed from a social-cultural perspective – and associated with the umbrella term of ‘cabin culture’. The cabin culture concept unintentionally creates a tension between an environmental sensitivity to natural landscape and the consumption of nature resources to support urban values of comfort and connectivity. There is a potential for a negative environmental rebound effect when urban dwellers compensate themselves for reduced urban space by extending the size of their dwellings through second homes in rural areas. This work highlight ways in which land is being consumed by visitors who are not just residents but also by urban escapists. The paper’s main contribution is to illuminate often overlooked aspects of sustainable solutions in cities on rural areas and the disconnect on how urban planning is impacting the rural.

The paper will be presented:

In-person

Primary U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Life on Land - - Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage, combat desertification, and halt and forests reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Secondary U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Sustainable Cities and Communities - - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Primary CIB Task Group OR Working commission

W070 – Facilities Management and Maintenance

Secondary CIB Task Group OR Working commission

W101 – Spatial Planning and Infrastructure Development

Recommended Citation

Lindkvist, Carmel M.; Gjerde, Morten T.; McCormack, Amy A. Ms; Nilstad Pettersen, Ida; and Nielsen, Brita Fladvad (2025) "Unraveling Urban-Rural Sustainable Contradictions," CIB Conferences: Vol. 1 Article 62.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7771/3067-4883.2079