242 Basic principles for molding land mosaics
(L) Communities and history.Cities and towns are a product of historical devel-
opment, yet they have also helped shape that history.
In conclusion, a treasure chest of principles has been opened. Many are or
will become second nature to practitioners and scholars dealing with land use
and urban regions. The list is also a handbook to be kept handy for solving
problems. In effect, the principles are convenient handles for molding better
urban regions where nature and people both thrive long term.
Such a cornucopia of riches calls out for a few governing principles or broad
paradigms, from which the detailed statements or principles follow. Perhaps
the patch--corridor--matrix model or pattern-process paradigm illustrates one
of the broad paradigms (Forman1995,Turneret al.2001,Robert McDonald,
personal communication). Many of the principles, at least indirectly, follow from
that. Articulating the few broad paradigms covering all principles awaits an
exceptionally creative mind. At the other end of the conceptual scale, some of
theprinciples articulated follow from more detailed or basic theories, such as
central place and hierarchy theory (O’Neillet al. 1986 ,Hall2002).
Finally, experts in specific fields can and hopefully will delineate more, better,
and fuller lists of principles in those fields. The value of the preceding treasure
chest is toseetheprinciples from different fields listed together, and to see some
integrated principles that cross fields. Consider this list to be a palette, much
in need for direct use today. But also consider it a work in progress, readily
amenable to enhancement and enrichment on into the future.