Spatial organization of riverside territories in Irkutsk area: mid XX – early XXI centuries

Abstract

The paper presents a design of a scientifically-based, theoretical model for organization of riverside territories of the Irkutsk area under contemporary conditions. The work set out to analyze the factors influencing the formation of the riverside territories, problems and possible directions for necessary transformations; to systematize and adapt the current theoretical and methodological base; to develop a theoretical design model for spatial organization of the territories. The research methodology involves system and landscape-geographical approaches. Urban ecological analysis of riverside territories included analysis of spatial and strategic planning documents, field investigation of the territories, graphical analysis of world experience in terms of patterns and trends in organizing riverside territories, as well as conceptual modeling with consideration to the urbanization level of the territories. The study consists in developing the following definitions: scientific ground for spatial organization of riverside territories in urban area; global trends in organizing riverside territories in urban area; theoretical design model and perspectives for transformations in the territories. The study results include the development of a theoretical design model for the riverside territories in the Irkutsk area, enabling the growth potential and organization principles of the riverside territories to be effectively identified with consideration to their urbanization level. In addition, the authors offer a definition for the concept of “riverside territories in the urban area.”