The Leutschenbach Over Time
The Leutschenbach is part of large riverine network that has existed for centuries, long before the arrival of the city. The creek had originally flowed through a wetland, which was prone to flooding, but in the mid-19th century, with industrialization and modernization, the area was drained and the streams were regulated; as part of this process, the Leutschenbach was transformed from a winding creek into a deep, straight canal. The 21st century has witnessed the renaturalization of the river streams, including the Leutschenbach. Such a redesign of the rivers and streams is in keeping with the new understanding of the human condition in the Anthropocene Age, which views people as the co-creators of natural processes and stresses the coexistence between people and nature. It makes sense, then, to view Leutschenbach Island as a biotope that brings together people, water, plants and animals. Today, the experience of nature is a cultural experience.
