Artificial islands as system-forming elements of the urban structure

Artificial islands are considered as anthropogenic landscapes that have a rather long history of their formation in the structure of human settlements, starting from the Neolithic. The dynamics of their functional enrichment, starting from the agricultural function to the transformation into complex multifunctional urban-type structures in the conditions of the modern stage of the urbanization process, are analyzed. The main materials and technologies used to create artificial islands in different countries were studied. The world experience of the formation of artificial islands and their use as system-forming elements of the functional and planning organization of urban settlements with the aim of its improvement, compensation of certain functions, and solving the problem of the lack of territorial resources has been studied. Emphasis is placed on the features of the formation of artificial islands of the new generation, which arise at the junction of technological eras and are huge rural formations that increase tourist flows by creating global recreation and entertainment centers, cover tens of kilometers with hundreds of people and are included in the existing settlement system as new system-forming elements. Certain problems have been identified that, despite all the uniqueness of ideas, the availability of the latest technologies and materials, arise when creating artificial islands - a very large estimate; the probability of a negative impact on the environment and ecological unpredictability of the prospective state of their anthropogenic landscapes; lack of experience regarding longevity of existence and operation.