Preservation of urban form: A critical analysis of modern development strategies and the importance of compositional integrity

Abstract

The relevance of the study stems from the need to analyse modern urban development strategies, with a special emphasis on the importance of preserving the urban form in the context of its unique visual characteristics and overcoming spatial chaos in densely populated residential areas. The purpose of the study was to identify specific features and properties that are manifested at the level of implementation of specific goals in relation to the development of the city at the macro level. The research methodology was based on historical and typological, structural and functional, and historical and comparative analysis of historically formed components of such cities as Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk (Ukraine), Athens (Greece), Neuf-Brisach (France), Philadelphia (USA), and Berlin (Germany). The authors emphasised the importance of ensuring the compositional integrity and unity of urban space, especially in the relationship between its form and function. Focusing on such relationships, special attention was paid to the contextuality of historical cities and its material content through the prism of cultural potential. The main areas of development of formal structures are defined graphically, emphasising their connection with cultural function. It was noted that the cultural cluster as a component of many significant cities is not only a place for the preservation and development of spiritual values, but also a means of expressing originality and ensuring the integrity of its appearance. It was noted that the introduction of the latest concepts leads to the loss of uniqueness of historically formed structures and chaos in modernist areas of large cities. The reason for this is the emphasis on the deprivation of individuality through the introduction of typical aesthetic content with an emphasis on functional expression and economic feasibility. The conclusions of the study indicate the importance of integrating cultural potential into the urban development strategy, ensuring the viability and uniqueness of cities in a global context. Understanding these outcomes will help to focus on the needs and increase the effectiveness of measures aimed at supporting cultural diversity, social inclusion, and the overall well-being of residents and visitors