Considering ‘infrastructures as landscapes’ and ‘landscapes as infrastructures’, this article uses an open framework to reconsider the distinctive water infrastructure of France’s UNESCO-listed heritage Canal du Midi. More specifically, it profiles the Canal’s Mediterranean outlet. Viewed through a landscape architectonic lens, we investigate the canal, drawing on the theory of landscape narrative and using the illustrative method. The article identifies three crucial narratives – infrastructural, natural & environmental and social & cultural – that help to examine the spatial values of the Canal and its relationship with its southern coastal landscape. The study shows how the Canal du Midi has been transformed and has influenced its surroundings, becoming an integral part of the coastal landscape. We identify and analyse how the Canal functions as an infrastructure composition and an environmentally and culturally significant feature. The landscape narrative framework offers the possibility of sharpening the interpretation of water infrastructures beyond conventional problem-solving approaches by providing a holistic view of the Canal and its water landscapes. This, in turn, offers inspiration for the region's future development, which presently prioritises the preservation of the Canal du Midi and the regeneration of the surrounding area as distinct projects.@en

To analyze traditional water systems and their development over time, researchers I. Bobbink and M. Ryu developed the so-called Illustrative Method in 2017 based on former water systems studies (Bobbink and Loen 2010; Ryu 2012). The method visualizes connections between spatial, social and cultural aspects of water systems in a standardized way. It provides insight into unique local patterns, forms the foundation for comparative analysis and can ultimately inform the creation of new water systems for future sustainable development.@en

Flowscapes studio - Circular Water Stories lab@en

The main challenge this research project wants to address is to study, understand, map and learn from indigenous and vernacular water systems all over the world to unveil different interrelationships between the investigated sites, their processes, their usages and their cultural meanings.
.... As a reaction on all kinds of change - population growth, use, climate etc. measures to retain, to infiltrate, to drain, to irrigate and to reuse water were developed. Many of these systems are still (partly) alive.”

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