Urban transformations in state squares of the Baltic Sea region

Abstract

The square is a traditional element of urban fabric and, as a rule, a focal point of its urban spatial structure. It is not only an element that reflects the maturity of an urban structure but also transcends the sociocultural experience of society (heritage). It has been almost 30 years since the restoration of Baltic states independence, but the squares in the central parts of towns and cities have not acquired a complete result. The development of squares remains a burning issue in the structural aspect (the form, the ratio of a square and surrounding build-up), in the compositional aspect (formation of continuous building frontage, respective principles of the build-up, etc.), in the functional aspect (the rank of a square among other urban public spaces, etc.). This question is frequently raised at various levels (professional, political, social), just like the issue of status (both physical and social). This is especially true for the capital Vilnius of Lithuania, which still does not have the image of the stately representative square. The assumption is made that the comparative method can provide more information and will look at the topicality from another point. Therefore, this article presents a comparative study of the 4 countries of Baltic Sea region – Estonia, Latvia Lithuania and Poland. The capital cities of countries from a pre-defined region with similar culture, have been selected. They have a common feature – post socialist status in the Europe. The above discusses the main aspects of the formation of squares, reveals certain parallels between the main items of the capitals of Baltic Sea region countries and discusses the possible further development of the paths.