Towards the preservation of visual identity of small historical towns

Abstract

The article analyses issues of urban visual identity. It reviews different concepts of townscape, emphasises the perception of urban form in its internal and external capacity and presents a discussion on whether it is necessary to preserve urban visual identity. Additionally, it includes description of a concrete example – research of Ukmerge town (one of the oldest historical towns in Lithuania). The practical research consists of historical urban development review, characterization of formed urban values and the assessment of existing urban structure. The conclusions state even if the historical urban structure is further developed, it is possible to preserve urban visual identity. However, a historical urban structure should be developed on the grounds of the existing urban fundamentals.