Urban functional mutation, transformation and factors influencing cities

Abstract

Cities are a complex and multi-functional system, which is constantly developing, changing and adapting to survive. This article discusses the areas of Lithuanian urban design system such as spontaneous processes self-mutations and forced mutation, determined by planned and free market economy. During the last 20 years three problem areas emerged. The first and significant area of concern is spontaneous processes - the city of corrosion and mutation that is not officially recognised. The second area of concern is planned transformation of urban structures that do not have the measures of evaluation and implementation. This article discusses the change of urban functions and factors influencing functional mutations based on the research of the central sections of Lithuanian largest cities. The aim of this article is to reveal urban functional mutations, consequences and tendency of urban function changes determined by the economic factor, based on the research of urban function change.