Sumiswald mit ehemaligem Spital

Ian Stehbens, on November 21, 2007, said:

May, I have a background in urban geography and therefore am most interested in shots such as this. It still amazes me that much of Europe has so carefully controlled the development of the villages and towns that agriculture and urban abut. Sadly in Australia and USA, for example, the urban centres are surrounded by so much speculator land and sprawl. And I am glad to see that plenty of your images are being selected for Google Earth. Thanks for being such a gifted contributor. Ian

♫ Swissmay, on November 22, 2007, said:

Hi Ian, thank you for your very nice comments! You do me a too big honour! There are so many gifted photographers here inclusive you, that I am very happy to learn.

Urban geography is a subject, I am interested in as well, though it was only a little part of my studies in architecture. We have strict regulations as what and where and how buildings may be erected. I guess, the difference to the USA and Australia comes, because 1. our settlements in Europe have been growing slowly over centuries and 2. because our space is very limited. For the last two or three decades the towns and villages have expanded raidly, understandable, when you imagine, that the population in Switzerland was 4.5 Millions in 1945 and now 7.3 Millions. Such a high percentage inside so little time is getting a problem and we have to plan carefully to keep areas free for nature.

We put great value to keep our woods, which cover 1/3 of Swiss ground. A lot is used for the lakes and of course of the mountain and glacier regions, where no one can live and one part for agriculture. So there is little left and we have to consider carefully about the urban planning.

Greetings, May

lipito6, on April 14, 2008, said:

++++++

♫ Swissmay, on April 15, 2008, said:

Thank you Lipito! :-) Greetings, May

♫ Swissmay, on June 24, said:

Merci, Domi! J'aime bien aussi les villages qui semblent être part de l'environment. Mes meilleures voeux pour ta journée! Ton amie,

May