The historic Lake Biwa Canal as a permanent catalyst for the development of Kyoto’s landscape architecture

The Lake Biwa Canal, a historic waterway supplying Kyoto with water from Lake Biwa since its construction post-1868, serves as a enduring catalyst for the city's landscape development. This study reveals that the canal's role has evolved in three distinct phases: initially focusing on private and temple gardens (until 1951), then shifting to public recreational and park spaces (1951–early 1990s), and finally embracing industrial and landscape tourism (since early 1990s). The research, conducted through in situ fieldwork, highlights the canal's adaptive resilience, seamlessly integrating modern advancements with local traditions. Its recognition as a National Historic Site underscores its cultural significance and potential as a model for preserving and revitalizing historic waterways globally.

Shevtsova, G. (2023). The historic Lake Biwa Canal as a permanent catalyst for the development of Kyoto’s landscape architecture. Architectural Studies, 9(2), 20–34. Internet Archive. https://doi.org/10.56318/as/2.2023.20