Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

As the need to protect nature grows and interest in outdoor recreation increases, access to immersive and accessible natural areas becomes increasingly important. At the same time, such places must be carefully planned and designed to preserve their character and intrinsic values. This thesis explores how accessibility and opportunities for nature experiences can be shaped with sensitivity to landscape characteristics, using the Anåfjället wilderness in Härjedalen as a case study.
The work is based on literature studies and a landscape analysis inspired by the methods of Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) and Integrerad landskapskaraktärsanalys (ILKA). Through desk studies and fieldwork, character areas and landscape qualities were identified and formed the basis for a site-specific design proposal. The proposal includes a trail with selected destination points and related features, designed to support both accessibility and experiential values.
The discussion addresses the interplay between accessibility, nature experience, and the degree of intervention, concluding with an emphasis on the importance of place-specific planning. A well-executed design can not only enhance recreational opportunities but also strengthen the individual’s connection to nature – which, in turn, can contribute to broader engagement in nature conservation.