Conception of Potential Spatial Frameworks of Historic Cities

Abstract

The article introduces the notion of “potential spatial framework (PSF) of a historic settlement”, which is formed as an integral one on the basis of natural-ecological, historical-cultural and public-business spatial frameworks of the city. Depending on a dominant dictating a certain type of potential spatial framework, it may be museum-exhibition, pilgrim, touristic, ethnological, etc. It points out the potential spatial framework and fixes up accordingly valuable natural landscapes, cultural heritage objects, and service system elements. The axes are transport and pedestrian communications maintained on different hierarchic levels: connecting cultural heritage sites in a historic settlement, connecting transit public spaces, connecting sites within districts, connecting historic settlements between each other, and those with a large city. The approach to revitalization of historic settlements is seen in creation of potential spatial frameworks in small historic towns and historic centers of large cities, where cultural heritage sites form a basis for spatial development, and where the principle of the potential spatial framework may be realized. Keywords—spatial framework; historic settlement; potential of development; public space; cultural heritage