The Current Features of the Central Public Space Functioning in the Historical City, A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Year: 2019
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: A common feature of the significant squares in historical cities is the contradiction between the problems of protection and functioning. A striking example of such a contradiction is the Rynok Square in Lviv - public space, which since its appearance in the 14th century, has always been a communicative hub for citizens and guests of the city. In 1998, the central part of Lviv was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and only 15 years later, the entrance of private vehicles to the Rynok Square was restricted, making the central square again a public space. Since then, there is no data on the use of square as a public space. Qualitative changes in the functioning of the city square are visible to the naked eye, but it is difficult to assess the scale and vector of these changes without a detailed study. For a comprehensive understanding of the Rynok Square public space functioning and the level of its socialization, we have developed a methodology for evaluating the quantitative characteristics of the social and cultural aspects of the urban environment. From October to December 2018, a pilot study of the interaction of people with institutions and spaces of the Rynok Square was conducted. The survey data gives us an understanding of the current state of using the Rynok Square as a public space, so it might be a good basis for further sociological and economic research. This will allow us to more detailed study to the issues of organizing new public, cultural or service establishments, and the creation of potential spaces for communication. Due to this data, we can speak about behavioral tendencies of residents and visitors of the historical city, which will allow to qualitatively improve the spaces for their future use.
Authors: Bohdan Cherkes, Anna Fedak, Andrii Shtendera
Institution: Lviv Polytechnic National University
Language: English
Subfield: Urban Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2974239754