Human survival, health and well-being depend directly on ecosystem services or the benefits humans derive from ecosystems. Regulatory ecosystem services are essential to humans, as they represent services that regulate the environment, such as climate regulation, clean air and water availability, and flood control. Different plants provide ecosystem services in cities, but the authors focus on bryophytes (or mosses) in this article. Moss's ability to provide ecosystem services is represented broadly in the literature, but there is no systematized approach to view them. Therefore, the author's objective of the study is to develop systematization and answer the research question "What ecosystem services provided by mosses to the urban landscape should be included in the systematization of regulating ecosystem services?". To answer the question, authors fulfilled such tasks as analyzing theoretical sources on the ecosystem services provided by mosses in urban landscapes; to develop a systematization of the regulating ecosystem services and benefits mosses provide to the urban landscape, using systemic analysis. After the execution of the analysis, regulatory ecosystem services provided by mosses were prepared in a systematization depicting interactions and implications. Identified ecosystem services provided by mosses that fulfil regulatory services include improving air quality, photosynthesis of CO2 into oxygen, rainwater retention, reduction of the heat island effect, promotion of biodiversity, reduction of noise pollution, and mitigation of the long-term impact of climate change. The research rationale is novel in its outcome, as there is a current gap in knowledge of a structured, systematized summary of regulatory ecosystem services provided by mosses. These finding carry both theoretical and practical value, as they can be used both for study purposes and envidening view on ecosystem services and specific plants providing them; at the same time from practical perspective, this research brings a framework for policy makers, urban planners, and landscape architects on regulatory ecosystem services provided by mosses.
The German occupation of Lithuania, which lasted from 1941 to 1944, was a period that affected all areas of life, including architecture and construction. Thus, the aim of this paper is to present a short, yet dramatic and difficult period in the history of Lithuanian architecture - the development and transformation of public and residential structures amidst the German occupation. The research is based on the study of archival material, literature, and periodicals of that period, as well as recent works on this topic, while the text is supplemented with the design projects of public and residential structures. The article demonstrates that even under the conditions of the German occupation, there was still a strong emphasis on developing public and residential architecture in Lithuania, and the processes regarding the matter were quite actively taking place. As most of the planned structures were not realized at that time, the article assumes that architectural activity during that time can be identified only with the compilation of plans for the needed construction, the development of civil building projects, and theoretical discussions regarding the stylistic properties of Lithuanian architecture.
The research explores the contemporary topic of landscape seasonality, with a particular focus on the winter period, which is often an 'afterthought' in landscape planning. The issues affecting the urban environment of many municipalities during the winter season are brought into focus by changing weather conditions, when roads become impassable, car parks inaccessible and pavements impassable. The collection or beneficial use of snow on site poses new challenges for urban planning, as creating a safe environment is an essential aspect of the speciality of landscape architecture, reducing any health risks for citizens in every possible way. In order to be able to adapt the infrastructure of public outdoor spaces to seasonal use, it is necessary to define qualitative seasonal urban planning approaches by looking at the existing problems, therefore it was developed criteria for the evaluation and analyses of specific landscape spaces. The study examines the experience of several municipalities in seasonal landscape planning, conducting a survey of citizens and interviews with experts in the field, thus looking in depth for solutions to these problems in Latvia. The study has led to the development of illustrative detailed urban examples for the seasonal landscaping and use of different public outdoor spaces.
The research based on the project "Heritage in Depopulated European Areas" (HerInDep), started in April 2023 and examines the transformation of Interwar (the years between the end of the First World War and the beginning of the Second World War) architecture and its influence on the social and urban development of Kaunas, Lithuania. Kaunas, particularly its central region, holds a significant concentration of Interwar modernist architecture, which has endured substantial urban changes during the Soviet era and pressures from business developments post1990. In 2023, Kaunas' modernist architecture was nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage list under "Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939," reflecting its transformation into Lithuania's provisional capital. Approximately 80% of these heritage properties have distinct characteristics meriting legal protection. The idea of the article is to propose and validate a methodology for assessing the legibility of immovable cultural heritage in an urban environment. Such a methodology could be used not only to understand better the importance of cultural heritage in creating urban landscape identity but also to monitor changes in legibility due to various transformations of the urban fabric, even in the absence of destroyed or otherwise physically affected heritage properties. The paper focuses on the presentation of the space syntax or mathematical graph-based intelligibility model which, because of its simulative natures offers predictive possibilities while pointing out further possibilities of its use for monitoring purposes.
This research uses the hedonic pricing method to explore the economic valuation of cultural ecosystem services (CES). North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve, located in Latvia, has been used as a case study site. This vast area, with its diverse ecosystems, is crucial for studying CES due to its unique ecological and cultural significance as well as its interaction with human settlements. CES, including recreation, aesthetic appreciation, and cultural heritage, contribute to human well-being but are underrepresented in economic valuation and can be utilised in decision-making, especially in decisions regarding development alternatives. This study uses real estate transaction data and geographical information systems (GIS) to analyse how proximity to natural and cultural amenities influences property values. The research variables include structural attributes (e.g., property size and age), environmental factors (e.g., distance to waterbodies, coastlines, or nature trails), and neighbourhood landscape characteristics. Hedonic pricing models reveal that properties near natural amenities, such as coastlines and nature trails, exhibit higher valuations, reflecting the premium on access to CES and the potential for higher usage. Key findings include significant positive correlations between property prices and proximity to CES-rich environments, underscoring their role in shaping market perceptions and economic behaviors. However, the study highlights areas of concern, such as data limitations and methodological complexities, in isolating the specific impacts of CES. This interdisciplinary research provides empirical evidence for integrating CES into sustainable land-use planning and policy-making. By quantifying the economic benefits of CES, it advocates for enhanced recognition and preservation of these services, thereby balancing ecological conservation with socio-economic development.
In urban planning, greenspace in spatial plans is typically understood as specifically defined functional land use zones. However, in relation to the establishment of green corridors and the provision of ecosystem services as well as for the health of residents, greenery located outside of greenspace zones is equally important. In Latvia, the minimum area of greenery located on a land parcel is defined by the free area greenspace indicator. The objective of the research was to identify the changes in greenery cover on land parcels with different functional land use zoning using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) method. The study was undertaken in five neighbourhoods in Riga. The results of the analyses indicate that adherence to the minimum free area greenspace indicators that are specified for different functional zones will result in a significant decrease in the amount of free area greenery in the studied neighbourhoods. The largest reduction in free area greenery is expected in non-residential functional zones. Greenspace zones, such as forest parks and parks, which are to undergo major upgrades in recreational ammenities, will experience a reduction the size of the natural areas by as much as one third. The application of the NDVI method is well-suited for monitoring the amount and distribution of urban vegetation cover and for assessing spatial development at the neighbourhood level. However, due to the structure of existing zoning regulations in Riga, which can differ at the level of individual land parcels, the systematic application of the NDVI method in Riga is not presently possible.
This study examines the interaction between landscape space and interior architecture in contemporary Latvian school buildings, highlighting its importance in achieving sustainable spatial integration. It builds on a 2019 study and aligns with current European and global sustainability initiatives. Despite demographic decline, Latvia continues to invest in new school construction and renovation, some of which have received national architectural awards. The research identifies both achievements and shortcomings, especially in interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of timber architecture, offering recommendations to advance sustainable public architecture in Latvia.
Urban landscapes play a critical role in shaping air and water quality, influencing the distribution of heavy metals and other pollutants. This study investigates the spatial and temporal variations of heavy metal concentrations in urban snow water within Jelgava City, Latvia, over three winter seasons (2017-2019). The study examines the relationships between heavy metal accumulation and urban land use categories, including residential, natural, transport, apartment, public, and industrial zones. Snow samples were analyzed for lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and vanadium (V) using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), with statistical analyses performed to determine pollution trends and influencing factors. Results revealed significant spatial and temporal variations in heavy metal concentrations, with Pb exhibiting the highest mean concentration of 7.07 mu g/L, followed by Ni (1.93 mu g/L), Cr (2.77 mu g/L), and V (2.08 mu g/L). Maximum recorded values reached 72.26 mu g/L for Pb, 40.75 mu g/L for Ni, 71.35 mu g/L for Cr, and 64.16 mu g/L for V, highlighting extreme pollution events. Statistical analysis confirmed significant year-to-year variations for Pb (p = 0.0047), Ni (p = 0.00028), and Cr (p = 0.00030), whereas V remained relatively stable (p = 0.0696), suggesting a continuous pollution source. The study also highlights the influence of urban density on heavy metal accumulation, emphasizing the impact of vehicular emissions, heating systems, and industrial activities. The findings underscore the need for integrated urban planning strategies to mitigate heavy metal pollution and improve environmental quality in urban settings.
Studies its roots and reveals hitherto lesser-known examples of the style, analyses the development of the style in different countries and in Latvia, and compares the quality of different implementations of its formal language in different stages of history. Special attention is paid to different early examples that paved the way for the later development of the style. The historical place of the Modern Movement in the cultural heritage has been assessed. All images in the text are photographs by the author if not indicated otherwise.
The issue of the development of the concept of universal design in Ukraine at the present stage is considered in the article. The general state of the solution of this issue is characterized and statistical data is provided. Using the example of Ukrainian cities, in particular the city of Poltava, the main problems and prospects for development that require gradual resolution are outlined. The main task is to ensure the accessibility of the urban environment by creating comfortable conditions for using the housing and communal infrastructure and equipping buildings, taking into account the needs of low-mobility population groups. The object of the study is urban spaces and streets from the point of view of their barrier-free nature and landscape organization. To achieve the set goal, various scientific methods were used in the work. In particular, the empirical method was used for the purpose of observation and comparison. The theoretical method was used to process historical data on the development of the spaces and streets selected for the study. The method of field surveys helped to identify existing problems in the studied areas of the city. And the method of experimental design contributed to the implementation of the main techniques and recommendations in practice. The result of the research is the analysis and development of a number of project proposals taking into account the principles of universal design and modern landscape organization. Currently, for Ukraine, solving the problems of disability and low-mobility population groups is one of the priority areas of the state's social policy. A significant impetus is the ongoing russian-Ukrainian war. Since the number of people with disabilities who received it as a result of the war is growing every day. True accessibility and barrier-freeness covers all spheres of public life. Universal design is not limited to accepted principles, laws or prescribed rules. It includes respect for other people's borders, a human-centric approach, concern for comfort for everyone and the understanding that human needs are noticed. We can talk about full inclusion only when every person has unhindered access to buildings, education, the Internet, has the opportunity to work and freely use transport. Ukraine, which is becoming a veteran-centric state in the realities of war, is obliged to be inclusive.
This study raises the question of revising the usual ideas about the renovation of post-Soviet housing. The new urban movements that have become popular in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, namely, the concept of the "15-minute city" are taking into account. The purpose of this publication is to identify possible methodological and theoretical shifts in research approaches in dealing with the transformation of post-Soviet residential areas in connection with the active introduction of new concepts of chrono-urbanism, such as the "15-minute city". In order to achieve the goal, a systematic logical and analytical approaches were used to identify the concept of a 15-minute city that is relevant today as one of those that can be used for the renovation and revitalisation of post-Soviet residential areas. The study uses a comparative method, includes a study of literary and documentary sources. The method of information systematisation was also used to summarise the research results. As a site for field research, the Novi Budynky housing estate in Kharkiv was chosen, on the example of which a historical study was carried out. It was analyzed how thishousing estatecorrespondedtocontemporaryideasabout normal socio-cultural and living conditions, its new functional content, and also analyzed the possible whether (from the point of view of the formed morphology and the established service system) to introduce the concept of "15-minute city". The first steps that can be taken to get closer to the implementation of this concept were formulated, and practical and methodological problems of its implementation into the reality of post-Soviet cities, in the form in which it was theoretically developed, were identified.
The aim of this article is to discuss, through the method of hermeneutic analysis, the nature of Christian eschatology as a observer’s choice in perceiving architectural objects and how this process expands the semantic meanings of an original architectural creation. These meanings may have been implied by the architect but not necessarily intentional. To explore this issue, the study focuses on the only surviving architectural work by the Lithuanian-Polish architect Antanas Vivulskis—the Chapel of the Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Šiluva (1903–1924)—and the visual solution from the Šiluva Pilgrimage Center’s communication campaign: the conceptual architectural work titled The Cube.
The "15-minute city" concept develops a sustainable mobility paradigm in the context of the city's central neighbourhoods and outlines clear planning parameters. Since in many cities most of the population lives outside the city core, a sustainable city needs the adaptation of the "15-minute city" concept to other contexts. Large-scale housing estates (LHE) are home to a significant proportion of the population in many European cities, especially in Eastern and Northern Europe. LHE were planned with the idea that a neighbourhood is a unit that provides both housing and essential daily needs within walking distance. Although the political, social and economic context has changed significantly since the LHE concept was developed in the mid-20th century, the physical environment of LHE has largely retained the principles of the original urban idea. The aim of the paper is to investigate the multifunctionality of large housing estates and assess the correlation between the centres of gravity associated with four travel destinations-public transport stops, groceries, recreation and education. The study analysed four LHEs in two cities-Riga and Vilnius, assessing the proximity and diversity of their services in the context of population density. The methodology is based on simulative mathematical modelling. The calculation of the gravitational centrality allowed for a spatially functional analysis, revealing movement patterns and better reflecting the functionality of the city in monofunctionally zoned large housing zones. The main results confirm that in all studied LHEs the average population density within 1 km was higher than the average in both cities. The density of other indicators was different in each case. They even exceeded the average values, showing that post-war large housing districts could have the critical mass of objects necessary to implement the 15-minute city concept in the neighbourhoods of Riga and Vilnius.
The article is dedicated to a new field for Ukraine - the acoustic study of the architectural environment, the semantics of sound, and the impact of sound signals on human behavior in urban spaces. The concept of the soundscape, introduced into scientific discourse in the 1970s by R. Murray Schafer and his followers, is explored. They laid the foundation for and initiated acoustic studies of cities in the context of their auditory pollution. The methodology for studying the urban soundscape developed by them became the basis for contemporary practical work and was tested by students of the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture (Kyiv, Ukraine). Their task involved recording changes in the soundscape according to different types of urban spaces and observing human behavior under the influence of sound signals. All research results were visualized on graphic sound maps. The role of sound in perceiving the architectural space of a city is defined in comparison to the significance of sound in cinema. It is noted that, as in cinema, sound in the urban architectural environment has its own functions: illustration; contrast or counterpoint to the visual sequence; communication; synchronization; structuralization. As in films, sounds can emphasize events (e.g., the sound of a theatrical celebration in a city square), maintain tension in transitional spaces (e.g., the sound of a traffic light), warn of danger, obstacles, or threats (e.g., the sound of a siren), act as a dominant element indicating direction (e.g., a clock on a town hall), convey the novelty of a space or its mystery (e.g., unclear, atypical sounds for a given soundscape), and so on. Based on this, it is hypothesized that the architectural environment can be modeled by programming impressions of its perception and influencing people's behavior within it. Sound is one of the most powerful tools for shaping the perception of architectural space, and sound compositions become an essential component of the sound environment of a modern city, requiring further research and the development of principles for urban sound design. The authors note that the study of the semantics of sound in general and sound signals in particular, as well as their influence on human behavior, is not yet complete but holds great promise for further development of such research on the architectural environment of cities, particularly in Ukraine.
The study examines the coastal landscape of J & umacr;rmala as a sustainable public outdoor space, ensuring seasonal accessibility and a modern identity in the context of the beach and coastline. The spatial structure of the coastal and beach areas was studied, including the beaches and coastal areas of Bulduri, Dzintari, Majori, Dubulti, Jaundubulti, Pumpuri, Mellu & zcaron;i, Asari, Vaivari, and Kaugurciems. Historical information was researched and the coastal and beach area was surveyed in the present day, obtaining an assessment of public outdoor Based on the data obtained from the coastal and beach measures were created.
This study examines Chinese and Italian garden pavilions through a comparative approach, systematically exploring the similarities and differences in their site selection and the underlying cultural motivations. Chinese garden pavilions are profoundly shaped by the philosophy of "the unity of man and nature," emphasising harmony with natural landscapes and adaptable layouts. Techniques such as situating pavilions by mountains and water bodies are employed to achieve an organic integration of architecture and environment. In contrast, Italian pavilions embody geometric order and rational aesthetics, characterised by axial symmetry and the deliberate terrain modification to shape structured spatial sequences. Through an analysis of philosophical concepts, locational characteristics, and spatial organisation, the research reveals both the commonalities and differences in the siting of pavilions on elevated grounds, by water, on flat terrain, and in compositional groupings, while providing an in-depth examination of their relationships with topography, water features, vegetation, and other architectural structures.
River tourism is a popular type of recreation across the globe. There is a strong tradition of river tourism in Latvia, mainly boating and rafting in wildlife areas. Zemgale district, with its slowly flowing rivers and predominantly agricultural landscape, is not among the most popular boating destinations. However, the main river of Zemgale - Lielupe River has a tremendous history of river shipping traffic, which nowadays is largely neglected. Seeking a way to revive this kind of river traffic, this paper examines the river's forces on human society to find a way of river traveling that is compatible with ecological and human comfort necessities. The territory of the Lielupe River floodplain section from Bauska to Sloka towns is characterized according to a travel perspective, considering a passage both on the river and alongside it. The sustainability of the territory is analyzed from the aspects of accessibility, attractiveness, and environmental quality. Since river travel is not imaginable without public access to the riverbank, this paper discusses the development of public waterfronts. It proposes examples of tourist routes along the river and the development of public infrastructure for shipping and boating. The places and character of primary development are considered. The research fits in the framework of the policy of sustainable development of the Latvian countryside.
The cultural and historical landscape of Latvia, formed by rural manor building ensembles, is increasingly attracting the attention of researchers, as it is an integral part of our cultural environment. The first half of the 21st century is marked by a new trend in the rural historical landscape of Latvia, i.e. the cessation of the exaggerated construction boom, which was associated with the development of collective and state farm centres around the manor building centre. The tendency of the occupying power was fundamentally aimed at concealing the cultural heritage buildings and disrupting the spatial structure that has historically formed the expression of the manor ensemble. This is also applicable to the Remte Manor ensemble, whose historical buildings are masterfully integrated in the picturesque natural setting-lake, terrain, forest, meadows, which are also complemented by the old trade highways located nearby. The last century has brought changes to the historically spatial structure of the manor ensemble. The current direction of the state's economic policy contributes to the emptying of the Latvian countryside, as well as the abandonment of cultural and historical sites, creating a range of problems in their management for rural municipalities.
The purpose of the article isto provide a focused overview of the evolution of measurestaken to protect Latvia's medieval architectural heritage as a value of material culture, from the restoration of the functionality of utilitarian architectural objects to the complex implementation of scientific methodological and technological techniques for the preservation of the original substance through conservation, restoration and partial restoration. In European society, both approaches to the preservation of architecture have always coexisted: both practical and aesthetic, with the latter partially appraising the artistic value in addition to its utilitarian function. The scope and attitude of their application have been dictated by rational considerations. It was only the academically educated European society of the Age of Enlightenment and the 19th century came to understand the importance of historical, symbolic, emotional and aesthetic values of architecture, laying the foundations for the theory and practice of architectural heritage preservation. In the experience of preservation of medieval architecture in Latvia, there have been both ups and downs of a prudent attitude, caused by either political cataclysms or a revisionist attitude. Taking care of the preservation of their cultural heritage, since the second half of the 18th century, the Baltic German community in Latvia have been trying to discover and nurture the evidence related to their immigration to the Baltics. This was done with encyclopaedic historical research and also with early archaeological and architectural research methods. A hundred years ago, the protection of Latvia's cultural heritage developed as a science-and-research-based system, but due to insufficient resources, it did not become comprehensive. After the Second World War, cultural heritage preservation was dictated by a politicized approach and ideological motives. The re-establishment of Latvia's independence in 1991 could provide support for a modern scientific, methodological and theoretical basis as well as appropriate technical and professional realization of the conservation and restoration. of medieval architectural monuments.
Effective landscape planning requires a comprehensive understanding of how land use affects hydrological processes-especially in regions such as Latvia, where climate change, urbanisation, and fragmented hydrological data complicate decision-making. This study applies the METQ conceptual rainfall-runoff model to three representative Latvian catchments (Iecava, P & emacr;rse, and Imula), each characterised by differing forest, agricultural, and urban land use patterns. Using long-term hydrometeorological data and detailed land cover classifications, the model was calibrated and validated to simulate daily runoff dynamics and explore the influence of land use on flood risk and water balance. Results indicate that forested and semi-natural areas attenuate peak flows and enhance baseflow retention, while intensively cultivated and urbanised landscapes increase surface runoff and flood potential. Scenario simulations further reveal that even small increases in impervious area can significantly elevate peak discharge, whereas the implementation of green infrastructure can mitigate these effects. The study demonstrates that METQ provides reliable, spatially explicit hydrological insights that support sustainable land use planning, particularly in data-scarce contexts. The findings emphasise the importance of incorporating hydrological models into spatial planning and environmental assessment processes. Such integration allows planners and designers to visualise the consequences of development decisions, evaluate alternative land use configurations, and enhance landscape resilience in the face of climate change. The approach presented here offers a transferable model for landscape planning in other Baltic and Northern European regions facing similar socio-environmental challenges.
