Phenomenon of urban boundary in a structure of a city. The case of Vilnius

Abstract

The article presents a theoretical - fundamental study of phenomenon of physical boundaries in a city and their meaning for the existing urban fabric. The paper draws attention to their different nature and possibilities of integration. In terms of its impact, an urban boundary can be both a catalyst and a tool that forces/stimulates/determines some or other conditions significant in formation of an urban structure. The aim of research is to identify/distinguish these boundaries in a city and see their multi-dimensional character, both in terms of positive and negative impacts on the existing environment. The article studies both the theoretical platform for urban boundaries and the practical works/projects, on the basis of which the laws of urban structure resulting from the perception of physical boundaries and principled solutions to eliminate the negative consequences of these boundaries and to promote positive ones are sought. The article moves from theory to practice by identifying the urban boundaries by means of an experiment, for implementation of which a complex city and then a particular district of it are selected. The city of Vilnius and its district Naujoji Vilnia have been chosen for this role. Vilnius is known for its rich topography, which allows the observation of natural boundaries formed by nature. And the selected district perfectly visualises a merger of different physical boundaries that is interesting in its multi-dimensional character and impact on the structure. The authors study the general extent to which physical boundaries have common points of contact in territories of different scale, what they are, where they are located and how they operate in the local context and what principles could be applied in order to highlight them or diminish their effect.