The main features of the spatial structure of cities with a free landscape layout (The city of Yelets, Lipetsk region).

Abstract

The object of the study is the building system of the city of Yelets, developed by medieval architects and preserved to this day. The subject of this study is the main features of the spatial composition of the city of Yelets. The work is devoted to identifying the patterns underlying the unique development, which will not only preserve the advantages of the appearance of the city, but also competently develop the space in the future, taking into account current trends. The work is based on the study of Russian cities by G. V. Alferova, conducted in the second half of the XX century. Alferova revealed the presence of a compositional design in the construction of ancient cities. In this article, Alferova's ideas are developing. As a result of a systematic analysis of sources on the history of the Yelets Region, as well as a full-scale survey of the central and right-bank parts of the city, the main features of the spatial structure of the city are determined: complex multidimensional compositions of dominants, harmoniously subordinated to the natural features of the landscape; thoughtful organization of the so-called "prozors", creating a transparent open system of the city; the ability of the city to "accommodate" and arrange there are objects of different styles nearby, provided that the general rhythmic pattern is observed. Some weak points of the city were identified, formed due to the disregard by developers of the basic principles of city development. This study can help the development of not only Yelets, but also many cities with a similar type of layout.