The preservation of urban agrofluvial spaces as a landscape challenge: A comparative analysis of Lleida, Girona and Perpinya based on planning instruments

This paper presents a comparative analysis between three case studies that share similar landscape characteristics (the Horta de Lleida on the Segre River, the Hortes de Santa Eugenia beside the Ter River in Girona and the Horts de Sant Jaume in Perpinya linked to the Tet River). The aim of the analysis is to understand the main changes, analogies and differences that have led to their current stabilization as historical and rural spaces inserted in an urban setting and linked to a watercourse. Additionally, we examine urban planning processes undertaken in the last seventy years to determine the administration's vision of these spaces and, at the same time, discuss their functionality and dynamics in relation to urban space. As a corollary, we propose the extent to which it is possible to manage these spaces with a view to preserving their historical and heritage value.