Landscape and Open Space I. Open space is the difference between urban and rural environments. In the urban environment open space is quite restricted and consciously organized through the configuration of streets and alleys. Small town spaces are no less organized, but space is a larger element because the defining elements are much less densely packed. In rural environments open space becomes the dominant component.
Human elements define the landscape through fences, bridges and hedgerows.
Natural attributes also give the rural environment definition. Streams, ponds, mountains, swamps and forests identify the sense of locality in the rural environment. C. Urban and rural areas differ not in preservation philosophy, but the application. No one agrees on what a small town should be. Small towns are defined by the Census as those localities with less than 2,500 people.