Articles
A historical perspective on glasshouses in Europe: evolution, innovations, and cultural significance
Article number
1438_41
Pages
337 – 346
Language
English
Abstract
Nowadays, the industry of glasshouses at the European level serves multifaceted purposes, from scientific research and conservation to public education and leisure.
They remain architectural marvels, bridging natural and built environments, reflecting historical traditions and contemporary sustainability concerns.
This paper sheds light on the rich history and cultural significance of glasshouses in Europe, demonstrating their pivotal role in the intersection of horticulture, architecture, and society.
The evolution of glasshouse design and technology ensures that these structures will continue to play a vital role in addressing the challenges of our changing world.
A current compilation of research papers about the mentioned subject has been reviewed.
The conclusions drawn from the comprehensive synthesis study confirm that the market for greenhouses dedicated to horticultural activities in general and vegetable cultivation in particular is in a constant state of flux.
This is primarily due to the current context driven by the pressing need for clean, residue-free food and the scarcity of non-renewable resources, leading to prohibitive costs.
In such a context, various greenhouse options emerge, depending on the climatic characteristics of the regions.
In Southern Europe, there is an increasing preference for greenhouses covered with polyethylene film.
In contrast, glass-covered greenhouses hold a significant market share in the central and northern parts of Europe.
As such, given the climate changes that have been occurring in recent years, it is anticipated that the cultivation system of vegetables in protected environments, where advancements in climate control and automation systems have revolutionized vegetable plant care and research, will become of paramount importance.
They remain architectural marvels, bridging natural and built environments, reflecting historical traditions and contemporary sustainability concerns.
This paper sheds light on the rich history and cultural significance of glasshouses in Europe, demonstrating their pivotal role in the intersection of horticulture, architecture, and society.
The evolution of glasshouse design and technology ensures that these structures will continue to play a vital role in addressing the challenges of our changing world.
A current compilation of research papers about the mentioned subject has been reviewed.
The conclusions drawn from the comprehensive synthesis study confirm that the market for greenhouses dedicated to horticultural activities in general and vegetable cultivation in particular is in a constant state of flux.
This is primarily due to the current context driven by the pressing need for clean, residue-free food and the scarcity of non-renewable resources, leading to prohibitive costs.
In such a context, various greenhouse options emerge, depending on the climatic characteristics of the regions.
In Southern Europe, there is an increasing preference for greenhouses covered with polyethylene film.
In contrast, glass-covered greenhouses hold a significant market share in the central and northern parts of Europe.
As such, given the climate changes that have been occurring in recent years, it is anticipated that the cultivation system of vegetables in protected environments, where advancements in climate control and automation systems have revolutionized vegetable plant care and research, will become of paramount importance.
Authors
D.I. Avasiloaiei, E. Mirea, C. Gheorghe, P.M. Brezeanu, M. Calara
Keywords
greenhouse market, climate change, non-renewable resources, polyethylene film, glass-covered
Groups involved
- Division Ornamental Plants
- Division Temperate Tree Fruits
- Division Temperate Tree Nuts
- Division Tropical and Subtropical Fruit and Nuts
- Division Vine and Berry Fruits
- Division Vegetables, Roots and Tubers
- Division Horticulture for Development
- Division Horticulture for Human Health
- Division Landscape and Urban Horticulture
- Division Plant-Environment Interactions in Field Systems
- Division Plant Genetic Resources, Breeding and Biotechnology
- Division Postharvest and Quality Assurance
- Division Precision Horticulture and Engineering
- Division Greenhouse and Indoor Production Horticulture
- Commission Agroecology and Organic Farming Systems
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