Framework for assessing streetscape in historic city centre

Abstract

Over time, street landscapes have changed their meaning, from significant gathering, socializing and movement places they have become intense traffic corridors dominated by street transport. Today, however, more and more people are once again beginning to identify streets as more than just corridors for movement and transport, but also as important multifunctional outdoor spaces. Social habits have also changed as the needs for a healthy and safe environment have increased, and people are increasingly choosing environmentally friendly ways of moving, active lifestyles, being outdoors, in nature. The implementation of the needs of modern society on the streets of the historic city centres is complex, influenced by a number of factors: the historical identity of the place, the historic character and elements of the streetscape that are often protected by legal acts; the needs and interests of various interested parties, including accessibility of the streetscape for people with disabilities; the growing need to solve problems of climate in cities – mitigation of heat islands, air pollution, flooding caused by intensive rainfalls, which is complicated by the lack of green areas in the historic city centre. In order to develop the most appropriate solutions for the development of historic streets, it is necessary to identify all the limiting and promotive aspects. The purpose of this study is to develop and to test the methodological framework for the research of historical streetscape as the basis for the development of public space compliant with modern requirements, by performing streetscape analysis based on public needs, historical, ecological and socioeconomic criteria. The developed methodology has been tested in the context of Terbatas Street in Riga city, Latvia. Key results from the study showed that for historic streets it is essential to identify those elements of the streetscape that can be transformed and adapted to modern requirements and societal needs, and those elements that are essential to preserve in order to maintain the historical character and identity of the place. As one of the main conclusions of the study – the overall development strategy of the historic city centre plays an important role in research and development of historic streetscape, which includes both mobility, green infrastructure, public space network, tourism development, as well as functional and ecological links with other parts of the city.