Evaluation of the transformation potential of urbanised landscape (Vilnius case)

Abstract

The article analyzes the evaluation of the transformation potential of valuable urbanised landscape. Many of the old towns formed as valuable urbanised landscapes. However, the transformation of urban structures of viable cities, which also entails transformation of urbanised landscapes, is inevitable. Basically, there are only two ways of transformation – either it happens in its own way or it can be professionally controlled. In this article the problem of urbanised landscape transformation is illustrated by the analytical work carried out for the eastern part of the Old Town of Vilnius (UNESCO heritage site). In the eastern part of the Old Town of Vilnius there are two architectural ensembles that form the characteristic panoramas and silhouettes of the Old Town. In this part of the city, various new built-up initiatives have been active since 2007. The article discusses the urban research, the purpose of which was to answer the question about the potential height of the newly designed built-up in a former historic suburb of Vilnius. The potential impact of new buildings on the panoramas, silhouettes, dominant elements, and perspectives as well as nominal spaces of that concrete street of the historical suburb is assessed based on the analysis of the townscape seen from typical external and internal viewing points of the Old Town. The article describes an integrated method of assessing visual effect on the urbanised landscape.