Where are you from and where are you based now? I grew up in Cyprus and moved to the village of Y Felinheli yng Ngogledd Cymru in early 2020.
What is the subject of your doctoral research project? So many aspects of the environmental and sustainability issues that confront us are tied to land and landscape: how it’s used, managed, changed and framed. Our society’s relationship with land and landscape – in terms of these practices and perceptions – is heavily influenced by heritage, tradition, culture and identity. My doctoral project seeks to ‘Reframe Eryri’ by bringing together a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of its historical ‘story’ through three methods: archival research, policy interrogation and an iterative collaborative approach with local decision-makers. I started my project in 2021.
What are your main research interests? Landscape architecture, Landscape history, Collaborative methods, Local decision-making.
Tell us about your career so far and what led you to ISWE and your doctoral research project? My longstanding interest in people’s relationship with landscapes first developed during my training as a Landscape Architect. The transdisciplinary nature of landscape studies, along with a career in the environmental and heritage sectors set me up perfectly to pursue this doctoral research.
What is your favourite thing about ISWE and being a doctoral researcher? The Institute has a broad remit, enabling and inviting all types of research that relate to Welsh estates. This makes the projects associated with ISWE as diverse and exciting as the researchers who are leading them.
What is your proudest achievement since joining ISWE? During 2023 I completed fifteen interviews with local collaborators who have strong connections to my case study area of Dyffryn Ogwen. My interviews were an amazing opportunity to meet incredibly interesting and passionate people, whilst also helping me understand perceptions of local history, landscape change and possible futures of the area.
Your favourite place in Wales? My favourite place in Wales is at the top of Gyrn Goch on Pen Llŷn. The steep climb rewards you with expansive views across Eryri, Pen Llŷn and Ynys Môn. I great place for a panad and a Cacen Gri.
Can you recommend any books, TV shows, podcasts, blogs that you have enjoyed recently? Have you heard of the Welsh band Budgie? Budgie was formed in 1967 and is often said to be one of the first U.K. heavy metal bands, known for their dark, blues-infused sound built from gloomy melodies and fierce guitar riffs. They had Iron Maiden as a supporting act in 1979 and Metallica cited them as a great influence… how cool is that!
How can people keep up to date with your research project? My project website is:
Contact Alex:
alex.ioannou@bangor.ac.uk
