Historic Urban Environments Research Articles

Landscape urbanism in the context of the historical environment

Currently, most people live in cities, which leads to an increase in building density, a reduction in public spaces, and a violation of the ecological balance. Therefore, one of the main tasks facing architects and designers is to maintain ecological balance, which, in turn, contributes to the creation of more comfortable living conditions. This article examines the need for more effective integration of landscape urbanism techniques in the context of the historical urban environment. It is also proposed to take into account the methodology of urban space design based on the study of the environment, natural characteristics and interactions between them, economic, cultural and social aspects.

Adaptive practices of working with industrial heritage in a historical settlement

Examples of industrial heritage located in a historical urban environment that have partially or completely lost their original function are considered. An analysis of world and domestic practices in working with similar objects is carried out, the possibility of their adaptation to use in the conditions of the historical settlement of the city of Samara is assessed. Based on the conducted research, a number of techniques have been identified that make it possible to competently adapt industrial facilities and industrial territories to modern use, while revealing their architectural, construction, historical and cultural potential. The above practices of working with industrial heritage objects can be applied when developing a strategy for the renovation of partially used or lost their original function historical objects of industrial architecture in the historical settlement of Samara and in a number of historical settlements with similar characteristics.

Reconstructing the environment of historic cities. Methods of incorporating new objects into the historic urban fabric

The presented study is aimed at identifying factors that significantly influence the patterns of designed development in the existing historical urban environment. The paper reviews theoretical grounds and design methods of architects and urban designers exploring the practice of incorporating new architectural objects into a semiotic, morphological and functional context. The time frame of the study was determined due to the relevance of the issue. Actually, cities built before the 20th century are characterized by the cohesion of urban fabric, hierarchy of elements, calibrated silhouette and perception angles of the environment, while modern cities or modern inclusions lack these properties and look scattered and sporadic. The paper suggests two possible reasons behind that: the architects from before the 20th century appeared much skillful than their followers; or the professional architects and urban designers are consciously inclined to the separateness of buildings and their incoherence with the environment. The analysis revealed a number of approaches: three-part construction of architectural form, space as a structure of relations, formalization of the object to structural content, spatial structure of residential environment as socio-spatial bodies, spatial grids, continuity, coherence of the building fabric, navigation factor, formal similarity, relation to the urban framework.

Place and Memory in Commemorating Remembrance of George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site

This paper seeks to delve into the dynamic interplay between place and memory at the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a focus on how its physical monuments serve as vessels for collective memory and narrators of the city's history. This study engages with theoretical perspectives of memory and place to analyze commemorative processes and evaluates their role in maintaining cultural continuity and identity. The study conducted semi-structured interviews and distribute surveys among a carefully selected cross-section of George Town's populace, thus ensuring a representative narrative mosaic. The inquiry will include an assessment of the site and exploring its significance in the community's social fabric. The study recognizes the complexity of interpreting memories within ever-changing urban landscapes and addresses potential biases. Childhood memories, especially when structures remain, shape a person's image of a place. Their tales demonstrate their love for it. The length of a person's relationship with a place most affects their opinion. Long-term residents like it more. Place and memory are vital to commemorating George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This relationship must frequently be adapted to urban life. The city acknowledges memory interpretation, resolves prejudices about memorial traditions, and embraces inclusive narratives to preserve cultural memory for future generations. The outcomes will offer new insights into conservation strategies and enrich our understanding of historical urban environments.

Irkutsk regionalism as a trend of Soviet modernism

The article investigates the monuments of Irkutsk Soviet modernism and early postmodernism in order to reveal their identity and peculiarities, to determine the significance of these structures for the specific urban environment of the Eastern Siberian capital, as well as for the history of modern architecture as a research discipline. The research involved a review of bibliographic sources, a full-scale survey of objects belonging to the mentioned periods, and in-person interviews with the architects of the buildings under study and other Irkutsk citizens. Along with attracting interest to the urgent problems of cultural significance, objective assessment, and modern appearance of the heritage of the second half of the 20th century, the authors clarified the chronological framework of the main stages in the development of the modern city and provided a scientific definition of the Irkutsk regionalism term. As a result, it was established that the response to the challenges of the late Soviet years became a recognizable architectural segment, which, although rapturing the fabric of historical urban environment, reassembles it for functional aspiration for the future. The Irkutsk architecture, having an industrial beginning, has nevertheless remained authorial, and even uncompromising in the doctrines of Vladimir A. Pavlov and his followers, who supported his initiatives in the following era of postmodernism.

A holistic approach to introducing a light electric freight vehicle (LEFV) system in a historic urban environment: The case of Quito

In this paper we propose a comprehensive approach for introducing a first/last mile system based on Light Electric Freight Vehicles (LEFVs) in the historical centre of Quito (Ecuador). The approach includes four crucial steps for successful launching and establishment of a LEFVs system. The first step considers organizational aspects by proposing a number of alternative cooperative business models. In the second step, the LEFVs fleet mix problem is defined as a Multicriteria Decision Making Problem (MCDM) and solved by the Analytic Network Process (ANP). The third step includes the problem of optimal micro hub location as well as the problem of optimal routing of LEFVs. The micro hub location problem is modelled as a capacitated p-median problem and solved by an exact solution algorithm. The problem of optimal LEFVs routing is defined as the capacitated pickup and delivery with time windows addressed by a web-based optimization tool. The fourth step includes an assessment of the existing policy framework and proposing a set of additional legal instruments for facilitating the LEFVs market uptake. Based on the proposed four-step approach, the first/last mile system is currently being implemented in the historical centre of Quito. The initial results appear promising regarding the success of the new LEFVs first/last mile system.

The Spatial Relationship between Cities and Mountains in Jiangnan Region in the Qing Dynasty Based on Historical Texts

The Jiangnan region of China boasts a superior natural environment, and the combination of cities and mountains that form its historical landscape give it unique attributes. Local chronicles serve as an abundant source of information for visualizing this historic environment. This study aims to achieve two objectives: (1) to use digital humanities methods to process textual information in local chronicles, and (2) to visualize the historical relationships formed by the mountains and cities. In this study, we chose Suzhou, Zhenjiang, Jiaxing, Huzhou, and Songjiang in the Jiangnan region during the Qing Dynasty as our research sites. Through textual analysis and data visualization, we classified and reconstructed the historical spatial patterns of cities and mountains. As a result, our study provides a reproduction of the past spatial relationship between cities and mountains in the Jiangnan region during the Qing Dynasty. The research findings indicate that natural mountains play multiple roles in shaping the historical urban environment, particularly in terms of cultural images, notably the symbolic function they hold. The preservation of the urban natural environment, as seen through the vantage point of the historical landscape, is a critical component in contemporary urban development. The digital humanities methodologies utilized within this article can be extended to other cultural heritage research, based on pre-existing local historical literature.

Water Tower Home transformation: bottom-up urban regeneration through a reality TV show

The article examines Wutopia Lab’s transformation of the Water Tower Home (shuita zhijia, also know as ‘House on the House’), a top-floor unit of a residential building converted from a water tower located in a Bulinli lilong neighbourhood in Shanghai. In 2015, the top-floor unit was transformed into a three-bedroom apartment, which was featured in a popular reality TV show Dream Home. Using the concept of ‘raumplan’ as the primary design strategy, the design deploys various heights and platforms to re-organise the internal space while largely maintaining the exterior appearance of the building. It deliberately avoided homogeneous visual control and accommodated the residents’ complex functional requirements within a highly restricted space. The research scrutinises various actors’ involvement during the production of the reality TV show and the transformation process. It highlights how the design team navigated the stakeholders’ complex needs and the rigid yet ambiguous policy related to the regeneration of Shanghai’s unofficial urban heritage. By reflecting upon the various formal and informal design practices in this structure and its eventual demolition, the article illustrates the dilemmas in bottom-up regeneration of the historic urban environment in contemporary China.

The Principle of "Polyfunctionality and Recombination of Functions" of the Complex Process of Restorative-Reconstructive Transformations of the Historical Urban Environment

The article examines the special principle formulated by the author of "Poly functionality and recombination of functions" of the complex process of restorative-reconstructive transformations (RRT) of the historical urban environment. Its compliance with the defined functional system level of the integrated RRT process is shown. Specific techniques that make it possible to implement this principle of transformation are considered in detail. They are recommended by the author to ensure the activity, increase the quality and attractiveness of any historical and architectural value and destruction of the historical urban environment, and transform it into a multi-comfortable one for a long-term stay during the implementation of restorative-reconstructive transformations at the functional level. The relevance of the use of this principle in the implementation of restorative-reconstructive transformations for various degrees of historical and architectural value and destruction of the historical urban environment with the use of the appropriate complex of RRT methods is shown. Depending on the determined degrees of historical and architectural value and destruction of a certain urban environment, it is recommended to apply to it the appropriate methods possible for it, formed into a discrete complex of RRT methods "4C", when each method from the urban planning level pulls its corresponding methods from the volumetric and functional levels. The correspondence of the principle and methods of restorative-reconstructive transformations of the functional level is determined. Recommendations are provided on the application of the most effective combination of functional-level methods for various combinations of degrees of historical and architectural value and destruction of the historical urban environment to transform it into a multi-comfortable one.

Formation of a transport framework in the historical zones of the largest cities with a functioning center

The strategic goals of sustainable development of the historical core in the largest city are aimed at integrating heritage protection policy into the general urban planning policy of economic efficiency in managing changes in the historical urban environment based on the principle of “development through creation.” Two approaches are considered - socially oriented and infrastructural. The object of the study is a sustainable transport and urban framework in the conditions of a functioning city-wide historical center in a number of European cities.

Formation of a transport framework in the historical zones of the largest cities with a functioning center

The strategic goals of sustainable development of the historical core in the largest city are aimed at integrating heritage protection policy into the general urban planning policy of economic efficiency in managing changes in the historical urban environment based on the principle of “development through creation.” Two approaches are considered - socially oriented and infrastructural. The object of the study is a sustainable transport and urban framework in the conditions of a functioning city-wide historical center in a number of European cities.

Evolution of approaches to the connection of the “old” and the “new” in the historical urban environment

In the context of modern processes of globalization, the problem of preserving architectural heritage as part of national culture is actualized. At the same time, the need for the final development of historical centers, bringing them to the modern requirements of comfort, accompanied by interference in the historical context, pose the task of developing principles and approaches to combining the “old” and “new”, taking into account the categories of “integrity”, “value”, “authenticity”, “spirit places” (genius loci) of the historical environment of the city and contributing to the continuity of urban development.The purpose of the article is to highlight the current principles and approaches to architectural activity in the current urban environment, as well as to identify the prerequisites for their formation.Based on the methods of historical research of the evolution of theoretical foundations in the field of preservation and development of historical centers of cities, the development of architectural trends of the XX century and architectural and artistic analysis of modern world design practice, the following prerequisites for the formation of modern approaches to the connection of the “old” and ”new” historical environment are identified: the development of theory and practice in the field of preservation of architectural heritage (approval of the categories “monument”, “authenticity”, “value”, “spirit of the place”, “layers of time”, etc.); the development of modernist architecture (the concept of the correspondence of architecture to its time); the development of postmodern architecture (the emergence of a modern approach, appeal to the styles of the past, “stylization”); the development of digital design technologies at the turn of the XX–XXI centuries (new possibilities of shaping, de-constructivism, nonlinear parametric architecture). The following principles of formation of approaches of modern project activity in the historical urban environment are highlighted: subordination to context (environmental approach, “stylization”); subordination of “old” and “new” (conceptual approach or equality of “old” and “new”); independence (contrast of “old” and “new”).

Residential architecture in historic environment of Astrakhan (Saint-Petersburg)

Purpose: Identification and systematization of historical residential buildings in Astrakhan, built before 1917.Design/methodology/approach: The comprehensive analysis of historical residential buildings in Astrakhan and systematization of their characteristic elements. Description of the city in the 19th century, notes by local and art historians and architects, comparative analysis of houses in other regional centers.Research findings: Historical residential buildings in Astrakhan are built under the influence of natural and climatic factors, European and Asian architectural traditions, economic and logistical capabilities of customers.Practical implications: Historical houses preserve the historic urban environment in order to develop the tourist potential of the Astrakhan region.Originality/value: For the first time, a systematized list of historical residential architecture in Astrakhan is compiled with the indication of formative factors.

Assessing the Soundscape Characteristics of Historical Urban Environments: An Analysis of the Historical Erbil Citadel and Its Environments

This research addresses the neglect of sensory features, specifically the soundscape, in studies focused on preserving historic areas. The aim was to contribute to soundscape research by examining the effect of sound on the perception of urban historical places and the impact of the “renewal and transformation” process on audio-visual experiences. This study focused on the historical Erbil Citadel as a case study area, known for its extensive cultural history. Sound sources in the region were identified, recorded, and analyzed using software to calculate the Sound Pressure Level (SPL). The sound sources assessed as a result of the analysis were examined using Schafer’s sound characteristics. In this study, data was collected through a soundwalk study in the historical Erbil Citadel, and its surroundings were identified. The characteristics of the sounds were determined from the sound recordings, enabling the distinction of sounds contributing to the city’s identity. A route was established in its current state, and it was identified which regional precautions should be taken to preserve the sound identity of the city.

Unpacking the Dynamics of Urban Transformation in Heritage Places through ‘Critical System Dynamics’: The Case of Beresford Square, Woolwich

Rapidly growing research in urban heritage studies highlights the significance of incorporating participatory approaches in urban transformation projects. And yet, participation tends to be limited, including only certain segments of the population. It is also acknowledged that cities are ‘dynamic’ and ‘complex’ systems. However, there is extremely limited research that captures the dynamic transformation mechanisms in historic urban environments. This paper aims to illustrate a novel, mixed-method and dynamic approach to unfold the dynamics of urban heritage areas. We do so by focusing on the historic area of Woolwich, a South-East suburb in London, UK. To do so, we apply ‘critical system dynamics’ for the analysis of a mixed dataset which incorporates architectural surveys, interviews, online surveys, social media data and visual observations of material change through light archaeology. Within the framework of ‘deep cities’, the article argues that the transformation of a place is a complex process that can be captured not only based on ‘what we see’ but also on ‘what we cannot see’. In other words, the invisible (values, emotions, and senses) is as significant as the visible. This is of paramount importance as most urban planning policies tend to be based on material, visible remains and less on the spirit or soul of a place.

ЕКОЛОГІЧНІ ПРИНЦИПИ У ПИТАННЯХ ЗАХИСТУ ТА ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ АРХІТЕКТУРНОЇ СПАДЩИНИ

The article examines the actual problem of preservation of architectural heritage on the example of the city of Odesa, and proposes the definition of conditions for their reconstruction and renovation using ecological principles. In addition to determining the value of the monument from the point of view, aesthetic, historical, scientific, its material authenticity, one should not forget the cultural one, which includes social and spiritual values. The problem is that the population of our historical cities is not fully aware of this, not all sections of the population care for the preservation of their architectural heritage, do not actively participate in the processes of reproduction of architectural monuments, preservation of historical buildings, reconstruction, renovation. In order to determine the entire range of issues related to the condition of preservation of historical buildings as part of the sustainable development of the urban environment, such a broad concept as ecological principles should be applied to them. Guided by these principles, it is possible to convey to the population the importance of residents' participation in the restoration and preservation of the historical urban environment. Informing the population about the conditions for preservation and renovation of valuable architectural structures arouses their interest and involvement. A monument that is not used and not integrated into everyday social life ceases to function as a carrier of any social and cultural significance. There is a need to finally determine the environmental principles that can be implemented during reconstruction and restoration, to identify their components to ensure a set of design parameters based on modern international standards and the legislation of Ukraine. Adapting the problems of architectural heritage preservation to the modern needs of citizens, the development of voluntary societies united by heritage preservation programs can be a guarantee of their solution.

COMBINED 360° VIDEO AND UAV RECONSTRUCTION OF SMALL-TOWN HISTORIC CITY CENTERS

Abstract. Small-town historic urban environments increasingly face different pressures that may prevent their future sustainability. To promote a recovery plan for those centers, an interdisciplinary methodology is needed to orient future actions toward innovative solutions. However, the development of such a plan needs the definition of a dedicated methodology to drive the definition of recovery actions. A key role is the possibility of low-cost methods for mapping and classifying the built heritage. Both ground and aerial (UAV) solutions can be used to create 3D city models for further classification and analysis. However, integrating those two data in small city centers poses specific challenges. This paper presents a combined approach using ground and aerial (UAV) data to comprehensively reconstruct a part of a small-town city center. Ground data are video acquired with 360° (spherical) cameras. Previous works proved 360° videos can reconstruct with good metric accuracy and complete building façades of historic city centers. The combined reconstruction is tested in the so-called “Casa Teatro”, an abandoned building in the city center of Vogogna, a small town in the Ossola Valley (Northern Italy). The results of the combined image orientation are validated by using ground truth data (Check Points) acquired with a total station. In contrast, the final 3D model reconstruction results are compared with a laser scanning acquisition of the building to evaluate the accuracy and completeness of the photogrammetric point cloud. In addition, matching among 360° frames and UAV frames is studied by analysing connectivity graphs.

Data-Driven Multi-Scale Study of Historic Urban Environments by Accessing Earth Observation and Non-Destructive Testing Information via an HBIM-Supported Platform

ABSTRACT Digital analytical tools combined with 3D documentation are used incrementally in building rehabilitation in the conservation state analysis process. In the last decade, due to the current advancements in the Architecture Engineering Construction (AEC) industry, the application of BIM methods in heritage building conservation started becoming more attractive for specialists and practitioners. In light of the latest concepts in data management at city level, as a result of the discussion about smart city representations, the use of a shared digital environment that caters to technical studies related to conservation analysis, building provenance, structural changes, and urban context transformations can lead to reduced time, improved quality, and lowered cost of city management for all domain experts and city stakeholders. This paper explores the benefits of multi-scale and discipline digitization for the restoration of heritage buildings, highlighting the potential impact of innovative data integration, methods, and workflows on architectural renovation and energy upgrades. Specifically, it focuses on the integration of conservation information for heritage buildings and large-scale environmental analysis data for historic clusters in modern cities.

Exploring multiple dimensions of attachment to historic urban places, a case study of Edinburgh, Scotland

ABSTRACT This paper is concerned with people’s attachments to historic urban places they experience in their daily lives. The topic has received growing emphasis in the realm of heritage studies, given its importance to the conservation and management of historic urban environments. Drawing on qualitative data collected from thirty in-depth interviews carried out in Edinburgh, Scotland, I explore the multiple ways in which (known as dimensions in place attachment literature) people develop attachments to historic urban places: from a kind of autobiographic attachments which were grounded in their everyday living and memories, and those of their families to intellectual attachments wherein they showcased their deep appreciation for the attributes that define a historic place. I also seek to demonstrate a class-specific nature of attachments at the intellectual level, adding a politicised view to the complexity of the phenomenon. In so doing, I demonstrate the many ways in which historic places are important to people’s enjoyment of lives in the city, and the various roles the history of places and/or their historic attributes played in forging such attachments. I conclude the paper with discussions on findings related to the current state of knowledge in place attachment research and implications for heritage practices.

Multi-Comfortable Urban Architectural Environment

Abstract The paper is aimed at defining a multi-comfortable urban architectural environment and strategies for achieving it during the restoration-reconstructive transformations of historical city centers. The definition of the “multi-comfortable urban architectural environment” is given. Its ten criteria are highlighted and recommendations are given for its achieverment. A model of a multi-comfortable historical urban environment has been developed, where its image (beauty) – function (interest) – infrastructure (convenience) – “urban performance” (activity), criteria for multi-comfort and key strategies suitable for improving each of the four components are interconnected. The developed model, the highlighted criteria for determining the multi-comfortable urban environment, and the proposed recommendations will be useful in the development of complex projects of restoration-reconstructive transformations of historical cities, as well as in the new design in them. It has been determined that a multi-comfortable urban architectural environment, where a person is in the main, should be the result of any restoration-reconstructive transformations of historical city centers.