Landscape as a structuring framework for urban development: Research-by-design comparison of zoning-oriented and landscape-oriented planning in Nitra, Slovakia

Cities face growing pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss, landscape fragmentation, and urban expansion. At the same time, statutory planning still depends mainly on land-use categories and fixed regulatory boundaries. This article examines how landscape-oriented planning can complement statutory zoning through an exploratory case study of Nitra, Slovakia. The research combines a focused review of theory, analysis of planning documents, research by design, and a qualitative comparison of two planning approaches. The following eight criteria are used: spatial continuity, ecological connectivity, the relationship between the city and landscape, public-space integration, adaptability and resilience, relationships across several scales, blue-green infrastructure, and landscape as a structuring framework for development. The results show that the current planning instruments of Nitra recognise landscape through ecological-stability systems, watercourses, agricultural land, forests, and environmental regulations. However, these elements are only partly connected with development, mobility, public space, and long-term change. Research by design makes spatial gradients, possible landscape connections, and blue-green systems more visible, but it remains an exploratory and non-binding method. The study does not prove that landscape-oriented planning is generally better than zoning. Its main contribution is a clear method for comparing the two approaches and a set of possible ways to include landscape relationships in statutory planning, planning studies, implementation, and monitoring. The findings are limited by the use of a single case study, assessment by the author, and the absence of post-implementation evaluation.