Daniel Valera, invited by the University of Oviedo

Last week, the director of DSTUDIO had the honor of participating in a conference at the Faculty of Commerce, Tourism, and Social Sciences Jovellanos, part of the University of Oviedo. This event, organized in collaboration with Professor Carmen Adams, brought together students of Asturian Cultural Heritage and other gardening and history enthusiasts, who filled the room with a palpable interest in Asturias’ historic gardens. It was a fascinating day, during which essential topics were discussed regarding the cultural, historical, and landscape significance of these spaces, with the goal of raising awareness and promoting their preservation.

During the conference, we explored some of the most representative historic gardens in the Principality of Asturias, examining their current state and the unique characteristics that make them stand out within the context of both Asturian and Spanish heritage. Each garden holds its own identity, reflecting the character, cultural influences, and values of the period in which it was designed.

Additionally, we discussed some of the main challenges these gardens face today. One of the most pressing issues is the pressure exerted by mass tourism on these spaces. While tourism brings support and visibility to heritage, as Professor Carmen Adams has pointed out in several published articles, in many cases, a lack of control and conservation policies endangers the integrity of these gardens. Overcrowding threatens to distort the experience that these gardens can offer, altering their original features and, at times, causing irreparable damage to the surroundings.

Another major concern we addressed was the devastating impact of the red palm weevil on palm trees, one of the botanical emblems of Asturian gardening from the 19th and 20th centuries and throughout the Iberian Peninsula in general. This invasive insect poses a serious threat to the palms, which are an essential part of the region’s visual and cultural identity. At DSTUDIO, as Daniel emphasized during the conference, we strongly believe in the need for effective control measures and in the importance of promoting research that can offer solutions to this issue.

We also devoted significant time to explaining the research and study process involved in analyzing a historic garden, from the initial data-gathering phase to the detailed analysis of architectural, botanical, and landscape elements. At DSTUDIO, our commitment to rigor and passion for heritage drives us to approach each research project with respect, bringing to light both the visible details and the hidden traces these gardens have left over time.

At the end of the conference, Daniel had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion with students, heritage enthusiasts, and Professor Carmen Adams. This dialogue provided a chance to delve deeper into the topics raised during the conference, respond to attendees’ questions, and discuss the future of historic gardens in Asturias. The students and attendees showed a great deal of interest and asked thoughtful questions about how they might contribute to preserving these spaces, highlighting that the future of these gardens largely depends on awareness and the commitment of new generations.

We would like to express our gratitude to Professor Carmen Adams and the University of Oviedo for promoting this conference and for their invaluable work in bringing visibility to Asturian heritage. Events like these are essential for advancing the study and preservation of our historic environment. We will continue working to ensure these spaces are cherished and cared for as what they truly are: living treasures of our history.

photo: Asturias por descubrir BLOG