Search

The development of a contemporary townscape within the historical urban structures is a phenomenon of this period that has been going on in Lithuania for about 20 years. This is an ongoing process with an uncertain outcome, as the rapidly changing urban design trends require quick responses to current needs. It is necessary to modify, revise, and supplement the concepts and existing legislation accordingly. This article examines the factors leading to the emergence and formation of the modern townscape in Vilnius, as well as the documents governing the city's development after gaining independence. It presents an evaluation of the newly established urban structures in the central part of Vilnius and identifies the challenges and problems in shaping the contemporary townscape. The results of the study allow us to identify what actions must be taken in order to form a high-quality modern townscape, starting with self-evaluation of what has been done and ending with the creation of a dynamic urban model that would respond to constantly changing needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archaeologia Lituana is the property of Vilnius University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Considering peculiarity and complexity of urban structure it is possible to state that sustainable development of cities is different at different levels of urban structure and in different cities that are in different geopolitical, natural, cultural, social and economic situation. The aim of the article is to evaluate potential of contemporary theoretical urban models and possibilities of their application to ensure sustainable development of Kaunas city. The potential of theoretical models and conceptions is evaluated dividing urban structure of Kaunas into main hierarchical levels of metropolitan region, city, meta-zones and meta-structures and urban infill (city parts). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyses importance of territorial communities in the process of urban development of a modern city from the aspect of facilitating public involvement for improving aesthetic, functional and ecologic quality of urban landscape. More sustainable qualities of urban environment are achieved by direct involvement of the local territorial communities into programming, planning, constructing, managing and further modifying the elements of landscape system. The topic is disclosed by the analysis of wide international planning and implementation practices, and by comparative socio-economic research. The article arguments in favour of urban communities in Lithuania to be given a more influential role in developing individually shaped solutions for sustainable urban landscapes. Based on the case study of the selected residential area in Vilnius City, the way of activating the local residents' groups is presented. The problem of miss-match between the informal setting of urban communities and the formal territorial subdivision of local territorial authorities is outlined by comparing the informal network to the formal administrative subdivision. The article demonstrates how the potentials of implementing territorial structure of informal territorial communities are empowered by modifying the legal boundaries of local urban authorities and by providing a local community with a role of a strong stakeholder in all phases of planning, construction and maintenance of urban landscapes. The associated local residents get more opportunities to contribute to planning and development programs of landscape empowerment and to increase the aesthetical, social and environmental quality of urban architecture and enhance the quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the beginning of the 20th century, urban development in Europe and worldwide was marked by a breakthrough of a new phenomenon in the field of planning and construction - the industrialized housing construction. Residential districts that were constructed in order to meet a massive housing demand determined by intensive urbanization processes have left a significant mark in many European cities. The article analyses residential districts of large-scale construction and circumstances that determined formation of this phenomenon (from ideas to consequences of their implementation). Attention is drawn to crucial political decisions taken by the countries concerned relating to industrialization and promotion of large-scale constructions. A comparative analysis is carried out with a view to determining the scale and characteristics of this phenomenon in various countries. In case of Lithuania, residential complexes and districts of large-scale construction built in six major cities of the country are reviewed, including analysis of their position in the current urban structure, comparison of the size of their territories with that of the towns' administrative and urbanized areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present Lithuanian urban structures in particular have had a significant impact, and retains the phenomenon - the mass construction of large scale residential areas. Analyzed and summarized literature published in Lithuania and abroad in the mass construction of a large scale theoretical framework for the implementation process and effects of urban structures. Attention is drawn to the crucial social and political attitudes and economic factors which determined the identical theoretical level concepts become different urban forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban development principles of the "urban hill" on the right bank of the Neris river, which now is developing rather chaotically, have major importance for further formation of Vilnius urban identity and for formation of qualitative image of the capital. Toleration of further unregulated development would have a huge negative influence on urban identity, landscape, cultural heritage, real estate, and on interaction of these subjects. Therefore, it is necessary to define clear development principles of the modern centre in order to describe its complete urbanistic image and secure multifunctionality for public needs. This will make the area clear for investment, create conditions for preservation, accentuation and rational use of cultural and natural heritage. It will create objective possibilities for development management and establishment of regulation principles for the analysed area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality and supply of transport services closely relate to many environmental aspects and are among the main indicators showing the quality of life in cities. Urban sustainability is particular to each city, and this paper's research focuses on the energy consumption in Vilnius' private transport system and its dependency on land use as well as the mobility of its inhabitants. EMME/2 modeling software and the VIDAS transport database were employed to evaluate the relationship between the urban structure of Vilnius and energy consumption in private transport. The applied model was based on theoretical and practical considerations and provides clear and practical application possibilities in the analysis of different urban and transport infrastructures and their development strategies. A number of scenarios were performed in order to examine relations between land use and infrastructural changes and energy consumption. This work presents and supports the authors' hypothesis concerning the relationship between energy consumption in Vilnius' transport system and its urban structure. The research and future work based on the authors' findings for the development of Vilnius' bypasses and the reconstruction of current critical intersections showed a reduction in the current consumption of energy throughout Lithuania. However, the authors have found that in the long-term perspective, total fuel consumption will increase in the case of bypasses because longer (but faster) trips will predominate. Meanwhile, as evidence and research results shows, reconstruction of critical intersections will reduce the total fuel consumption and pollution in highly populated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is about public spirit, national monuments and a sign system in Lukiškės Square in Vilnius. Such a system is a part of national Policy, therefore, one should keep distinct the pure artistical and national identity ideas. Nowadays a sense of national pride is very important and at the same time a real problem in Lithuania. A nation always has an essential place, a system of symbols or an extraordinary monument. Lithuania is only getting ready to consider the issue of monuments and signs in all its aspects. That is why, according to the rules of Lukiškės Square architectural competition, it is demanded to solve this problem. A representative function is required. „The memory of an unknown partisan and fighter for Lithuania's freedom will be memorialized‟ a slogan incused on a stone panel proclaims in Lukiškės Square. But there are still no results. The conception of public space is unidentified, so an urban space and ordinary functional aspects are always muddled up. West European public space practice indicates that Renaissance squares are the most popular, multifunctional public spaces. The space system and nominal space hierarchy are very complicated and indefinite, therefore, the final result is under different interpretations. Memorialization of dedication to fighters for Lithuania's freedom is of great importance, but practical square formation aspects, such as parking, fountain construction, etc., are also important. The Lithuanian Parliament adopted a resolution on Lukiškės Square functions (11 Feb. 1999), but pursuancee belongs to the Municipality. That is a mistake and a real problem because the Municipality's activities are not transparent. Such problems must be solved by a Steering Committee which must be formed. Otherwise a qualitative result is impossible. In 2008 Lukiškės Square architectural competition was proclaimed. The format of the main task is double - urban and artistical aspects are declared. The result of this competition is an abstract artistical accent, but not a real representative memorial. The purpose of this work is to reveal the formation process of Lukiškės Square as the main square of Lithuania. The basic principles of the Square formation and those of erecting a monument to the Lithuanian freedom fighters are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until now and continuously in future communication problems in Vilnius will be caused by residents' mobility and chosen communication means as well as the way of living in urban structure, street network and other type of environment. Regulation (management) of such an entirety would be a clue for solving the problems. In nowadays discussions there are no mentions about such an entirety or tram/metro functional environment. Efforts to find proper development proportions of public and personal transportation systems are one of measures for real problem solution. With this purpose social and political communication system environment, flow de facto and transportation potency, mobility management and importance of urban structure were approached in this work in general and specifically for Vilnius case. Suggestions and arguments for tram system implementation are given in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until now and further in future the transportation problems of Vilnius will be caused by the mobility of inhabitants and their chosen communication means as well as the way of living in an urban structure or other type of environment. Regulation (management) of such a complex of factors is just a key to solving the problems. In today's discussions no mention is made of the functional environment of tram or metro. Efforts to find proper development proportions for public and personal transportation systems are one of measures for a real problem solution. With this purpose in view actual social, political and financial environment as precondition for proper development of a transportation system, is indentified in the paper. Suggestions and arguments for implementing a tram system in Vilnius are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]