ANASYSIS OF ŽALIAKALNIS

Transcription

1 ANASYSIS OF ŽALIAKALNIS

2 Introduction Kaunas is the second biggest metropolitan city of Lithuania, an important centre of industry, culture, featuring high technological and scientific potential. The city is located at the intersection of major Lithuanian communication roads, national and international integration axes; it is crossed by two international transport corridors, the existing and planned pan- European railway routes, potential corridors of river transport, as well as airport and the free economic zone are located nearby. Kaunas within the Lithuanian urbanistic framework is distinguished as the first level centre the city of national and international (European) scale, corresponding to the characteristics of agglomerated metropolitan centres. Kaunas is the important historical Lithuanian centre with outstanding cultural and historical values; the city s central part and the system of forts are urbanistic monuments. Kaunas has a number of monumental periods, especially interwar, buildings, many cultural, art, and historical values. The central part of Kaunas city in Nemunas valley, including the southern part of Oldtown and Newtown districts, Nemunas Island, Lower Freda district, is valuable with regard to nature, culture, recreation, and aesthetics; it is also attractive in respect of an economical and investment aspect. The city has a development potential towards the south, where extensively exploited, improperly managed and abandoned areas are located. Commercial, public, residential, and recreational sites could be formed there. The following environmental management issues should be solved when planning qualitative changes of the southern part Oldtown and Newtown districts and quantitative as well as qualitative modifications of Kaunas Sports Hall site: linking urbanistic structures of multifunctional sites to the river, saving cultural and natural values and their use for recreational and other purposes, saving and improvement of their aesthetic-visual potential, strengthening the identity of the central part, conversion of industrial, warehouse, and transport areas located in improper locations, rearrangement of the communication system, etc. 2

3 1. Situation Regarding the Territories Fig. 1 Territory plan The analysed sites of Kaunas Sports Hall and Darius and Girėnas Stadium and their approaches are on the top terrace of Nemunas valley to the east of Newtown district. It includes the area among Perkūno Av., Ąžuolyno, and Sporto streets, and borders with Ąžuolynas (Oakwood) Park. (Fig. 1) 2. The Existing Condition of Žaliakalnis District Area (Top Terraces of Nemunas River Valley) and Related Issues 2.1. Natural Conditions The part of Kaunas city called Žaliakalnis is located on the top terrace of the Nemunas valley (Fig. 2) and is separated from the city centre by steep slopes of river valley covered with dense vegetation. The complex of Kaunas Sports Hall and S. Dariaus and S. Girėno Sports Centre is established near Ąžuolynas Park, which is valuable in terms of history and nature. Territory elevations from to m. Slope height approx. 42 m. Important city s nature structures in Žaliakalnis area are the following: Nemunas valley slopes (Fig. 3), plants (especially valuable Ąžuolynas Park), streams (Girstupis) flowing through this territory. 3

4 Christ s Resurrection Church Žaliakalnis Naujamiestis Kaunas city centre Fig. 2. General view of Žaliakalnis district area The analyzed territory Fig. 3. Relief of the territory. The territory is located adjacent to the migration corridor of regional importance (the Nemunas River valley) (Fig. 4) and migration corridor of district importance shaped by the valley of Girstupis Stream (Fig. 5 and 6). This territory is an important part of the natural structure with eco-compensation, recreational and compositional functions. The Nemunas River and its slopes are the most sensitive aspect of the analysed territory in terms of ecology. 4

5 Fig. 6. Girstupis Stream. Fig. 4. The Nemunas River and its valley the migration corridor of regional importance Ąžuolynas Park S. Dariaus and S. Girėno Stadium Kaunas Sports Hall Girstupis Stream Fig. 5. Layout of Ąžuolynas Park. Ąžuolynas Park stretched near the territory is a highly important part of the city s green areas (Fig. 7 and 8). This is the biggest Oakwood within the city s territory in the entire Europe (approx. 770 pcs. of oaks, the area is ha). 5

6 The designed territory Ąžuolynas Park Fig. 7. System of plantation in the city s central part Another small park (Vytautas Park) is located to the west of the designed territory, naturally merging with plantation of Nemunas valley and partially functioning as public space. The park occupies an area of 9 ha. Relief height difference in the territory reaches up to 5 m, winding paths are prevailing, steps to Laisvės Avenue are installed. The park is poorly managed today. The designed territory is rather abundantly planted, but now it is insufficiently adapted and exploited for recreation. There is a lack of the link between the territory and the city s central part (Oldtown and Newtown), as well as the Nemunas River. Consistency is insufficient for the plantation system (Fig. 35). Plantation performs a function of ecological protection and is used actively for recreational needs of citizens (Fig. 36). Recreational value of the Nemunas River right slope plantation, separating the analysed territory from the city centre, is insufficiently exploited; it is not adapted for leisure and does not reveal panoramic view of Nemunas valley. 6

7 Fig. 8. Ąžuolynas Park. Almost the entire Žaliakalnis district lacks local plantation. The distance to the nearest plantation is rather long (exceeding the limit of accessibility on foot). The main plantations in this city part are Ąžuolynas and Vytautas parks, but their condition at the moment is not satisfactory, they need more recreational facilities. Valuable plantation should be saved in the territory, such as individual very old oaks (Fig. 9). The design of this territory must save the existing ecological balance of the landscape and create balance of open, undeveloped spaces and plantation, create a system functioning not only as ecological landscape stabilizer and compensator, but also serving for daily leisure of people, as popular public space, the city s attraction centre, shaping spatial compositional structure of a cityscape, i.e. it should become an important part of urbanistic structure in terms composition and function. Fig. 9. Individual old oaks in the adjacent territory. 7

8 2.2. History and Cultural Heritage Urbanization of the top terrace of the Nemunas River slope started at the end of XIX century and intensive development processes took place at the beginning of XX century together with intensive growth of Kaunas, which became the temporary capital of the Republic of Lithuania. Žaliakalnis district became a natural extension of the city s central part (Fig. 10). ŽALIAKALNIS OLDTOWN NEWTOWN Fig. 10. The territories of Oldtown, Newtown, and Žaliakalnis districts. The urbanistic solution of Žaliakalnis area was made by the Kaunas development layout (Fig. 12) elaborated by Danish engineer M. Fransen (author of the Copenhagen plan) together with Kaunas city engineer A. Jokimas in According to this plan, University complex was foreseen on Vytautas Hill, as well as a large pentagon area with obelisks and sculptures in the corners in Žaliakalnis district, including a part of Ąžuolynas Park as well. Many ideas were never implemented, except the fragment of the plan among Vydūno Avenue, Radvilėnų Road and K. Petrausko Street. Regular trapezium shaped Žaliakalnis district is divided by a fan-shaped grid of streets, deliberately designed plantation system. 187 spacious regularly shaped plots were foreseen in the original plan. Homestead type buildings were slightly moved from streets, development line was not strict (Fig. 11, and 12). 8

9 Fig. 11. A fragment of Kaunas city management design of 1923, including Žaliakalnis. Fig. 12. Kaunas city management design of

10 In 1926 Kaunas Radio Station was built in Žaliakalnis, on Vytautas Hill and in 1930 the city s horticultural facility was established in the territory of Ąžuolynas Park, near Vydūno Avenue. In 1938 a part of Girstupis Stream valley was allocated to Kaunas Zoo, as well as a stage for song festivals and other events was installed. Construction works on Parodų Hill started and in 1924 the complex of Sports Hall and Football Stadium and Sports Academy were built. In 1935 the territory of current Ąžuolynas Park was detailed in the Kaunas city plan by delineating the main paths. In the same year Ąžuolynas Park areas were allocated for sports facilities, horticulture centre and cemetery in the layout of the Kaunas city streets and development areas. Kaunas Ąžuolynas Park actually is the remains of the large oak forest of the Middle Ages which grew in the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris Rivers. Then it was merged with Karmėlava, Rumšiškės, and Kaišiadorys forests. During XVIII century intensive cutting of the Oakwood was started and the forest turned into fragmented forest plots. At the end of XIX century Aukštieji Šančiai Oakwood was separated from Žaliakalnis Oakwood and during the interwar period, Vytautas Park was separated from the main part of Ąžuolynas Park. In 1871 the park dedicated for entertainment and promenades was established in the part of Ąžuolynas Park which was named Vytautas Park in From 1922 agricultural and industrial exhibitions were organized in the southwestern part of Ąžuolynas Park; plots were sold for construction of residential houses. Fig. 13. Intrinsic architecture of residential houses on Perkūno Av., cultural heritage of the beginning of XX c. 10

11 Fig. 14. Architecture reminiscences of the end of XIX c. Fig. 15. Sports Academy Palace (arch. V. Landsbergis- Žemkalnis) Residential territories were compacted during afterwar period in Žaliakalnis area. In 1955 a layout design of Ąžuolynas Park and in 1966 a layout design of Dainų Valley at the south edge of Ąžuolynas Park were elaborated. The main alley stretches from the north to the south through the park. Minor paths are mostly winding, shaping ring routes of various sizes for promenades and leisure. In 1967 the summer stage of Dainų Valley was installed on one of the bays of Girstupis Stream valley. Amusement facilities belonging to Vytautas Park were established on Parodos Hill, as well as a dancing pavilion which was partially dismantled in 1987 and replaced by Kaunas City Public Library (now Kaunas County Public Library). In 1986 Ąžuolynas Park was nominated as a natural monument of state importance. On 15 July 1993 Darius and Girėnas monument was uncovered in the axis of Parodos and Sporto streets. In 2006 Ąžuolynas Park was included in the Register of Cultural Values of the Republic of Lithuania. From 2007 Žaliakalnis territory is acknowledged as heritage value of municipal level and protected as a valuable urbanistic site. 11

12 Territory of S. Darius and S. Girėnas sports facilities Other protected sites Historical city part (Žaliakalnis) protected by the municipality Fig. 16. Layout of protected sites in Žaliakalnis. Žaliakalnis features the street grid adapted to a relief. The district area is distinguished by masonry and wooden homestead and villa type houses representing Kaunas modernist school. The most of them are still present in developments of Perkūno Avenue, Vaižganto, Fryko, Lelijų, Radastų, Tulpių, Margio, Paparčių and other streets (Fig. 13). Hexagonal Perkūno Square was specially shaped in the eastern branch of Perkūno Avenue. Parameters of street space are intrinsic to a residential area. A part of buildings was designed by famous contemporary architects. Several public facilities were arranged among residential houses: Sports Academy Palace (V. Landsbergis-Žemkalnis), Sports Hall, and a prewar Radio Centre building. The area of S. Darius and S. Girėnas sports facilities includes Ąžuolynas sports facilities which is registered as cultural heritage value of national importance. Authenticity of the adjacent cultural landscape is especially valued the cultural landscape to the east from these facilities has remained almost unchanged from the oldest times this is Ąžuolynas old forest; the environment to the west of the facilities was modified by the streets and houses built starting from the end of XIX century. The complex of valued facilities and buildings (Sports Academy Palace, Sports Hall, Stadium, Kaunas Fortress garage, Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas monument) located in 12

13 the western part of Ąžuolynas Park and settled during different times based on free planning principles is acknowledged as valuable in the territory. Sporto Str. pedestrian zone and S.Darius and S.Girėnas monument S.Darius and S.Girėnas Stadium Sports Academy Palace Kaunas Sports Hall Fig. 17. Complex of Ąžuolynas sports facilities. 13

14 Fig. 18. Kaunas Sports Hall building Fig. 19. Valuable elements of Kaunas Sports Hall (spaces, ceiling structures, metal frame walls). 14

15 The territory includes the historical building of Kaunas Sports Hall built in 1939 (Fig. 18 and 19) which housed the European Basketball Championship of the same year, as well as S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium was build adjacent to the Sports Hall (accommodating 9,180 spectators at that time). This was the first track-and-field athletics and football stadium in Lithuania, construction of which started in 1925 and within the period of it was completely reconstructed (Fig. 20). Fig. 20. S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium. From 1983 the stadium and the adjacent Kaunas Sports Hall compose the common ensemble which was named as S. Darius and S. Girėnas Sports Centre in About 50 events are held in the stadium during season. The stadium houses World Lithuanian games, World Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival, Baltic Sport Games, European Track-and-Field Athletics Championship, and Baltic Track-and-Field Athletics Championship. In 1993 Pope John Paul II was welcomed. In 1998 reconstruction of running tracks and sectors was carried out, new modern covering was laid, plastic chairs (8,248 places) and other equipment were installed in the stadium according to UEFA requirements. The major city and region sports facilities featuring not only functionality, but also historical value, are concentrated in the analysed Kaunas territory. When Žalgiris Arena was built in the city centre on Nemunas Island in 2011, it has attracted the absolute majority of events which has affected usability perspectives of Žaliakalnis area and quality of the environment, because this part of the city is becoming abandoned and not attractive to visitors. When old buildings are reconstructed, architectural solutions are not always contextual to the historic architectural 15

16 and urbanistic environment of Žaliakalnis district. A link between Žaliakalnis urbanistic structure and central part of the city is missing. In the design, it is recommended to maintain the original and historically developed purpose related to sport events or other various massive events. The pedestrian function of Sporto Street should be saved and maintained (Fig. 21) Fig. 21. Sporto Street intended for pedestrians and S. Darius and S. Girėnas monument. Natural conditions and cultural heritage facilities determine distinction, individuality and visual expression of Kaunas city Žaliakalnis district and this should be taken into account when preparing proposals for individual architectural and urbanistic facilities in this part of the city. 16

17 2.3. Urbanistic Structure and Cityscape Žaliakalnis district grew in the period as a suburb to the central part of Kaunas city with prevailing residential function and homestead plots. Žaliakalnis district was joined to the city in Today its area is 735 ha and population is thousand. From 1923 development of Žaliakalnis was started according to the new design (Fig. 12) based on trapezium shaped urbanistic structure. Almost all area is developed by residential houses; however, buildings of other purpose also existed. Apartments were established in wooden and masonry 1 or 2 floor buildings. According to the plan of contemporary architects, different streets were planted with trees of different sorts; much space for gardens was left in the plots. Homestead development of 2-3-floor single- or double- apartment residential houses is historically intrinsic for Žaliakalnis district (Fig. 22 and 23). Sometimes this development principle was violated and some multi-floor buildings were raised at the beginning of XX century (e.g. Kaunas Public Library, multi-floor building in Vaižganto Str., etc. (Fig. 25)) and sports facility conspicuous with regard to volume and morphotype in the urbanistic structure. The prevailing purpose of the development is residential and public (many sports facilities are concentrated in this part of the city (Fig. 24)), and commercial facilities are rare. The condition of buildings is different: residential, commercial and some public buildings are in good or average condition, but the condition of Sports Hall is rather poor. PREVAILING MORPHOTYPE OF THE DEVELOPED TERRITORY Perimeter City villas/homestead (current) City villas/homestead (planned) Free planning Industrial/other areas Kaunas fortress forts Slopes Plantation, undeveloped territories Water reservoirs Fig. 22. Development morphotypes of Kaunas city central part and Žaliakalnis 17

18 Old town, the centre, other active zones Perspective active zones Other urbanised areas of river valleys Low-rise development, suburbs Multi-apartment development Industrial areas Green areas Parks Slopes Major streets and roads Fig. 23. Development layout of Kaunas city central part and Žaliakalnis area The newest structures Ąžuolynas Sport Centre facility built in 2004 (Fig. 24). It includes two large volumes ignoring historical development; however, they are generating intensive flows of people, ensuring social vitality of the city centre, from one side, but disbalancing uniformity of the city centre usability, from the other side. Population density of this area reaches 200 residents/ha. In terms of development, Žaliakalnis is one of the most integrated districts featuring high urbanistic potential, but a lack of common development vision caused mistakes in urbanistic development of the area (unreasonable destruction of development structure by designing residential multi-apartment buildings, urbanistic invasion into Ąžuolynas park territory, abandoned public recreational function of the area). Fig. 24. Facility dedicated to tennis supplements the sports town consisting of S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium and Kaunas Sports Hall. 18

19 Fig. 25. Kaunas Public Library and multi-apartment residential building of the new construction in Vaižganto Str. S. DARIUS IR S. GIRĖNAS SPORTS FACILITY Fig. 26. Natural components shaping the cityscape: the Nemunas River valley slopes and plantation Fig. 27. Areas important for landscape protection (natural structure, protected areas) 19

20 Natural components have very high impact on Kaunas cityscape (Fig. 26). Rivers and their valleys, slopes with abundant plants shape the natural structure for cityscape supplemented by antropogenic components (Fig. 31). Natural conditions (relief) determine the exclusivity and expositional properties Kaunas cityscape (Fig. 28). Fig. 28. Mostly viewed areas from the mass viewing points. Based on these features, the most sensitive and most valuable areas in terms of Kaunas cityscape (Fig. 29) and visual limitations of spatial shaping (Fig. 30) were determined. Fig. 29. Zones important for shaping of Kaunas city identity. 20

21 Fig. 30. Layout of visual limitations. The analysed territory falls into the zone important for shaping of Kaunas city identity (Fig. 29) and it is arranged on the top terrace of the Nemunas River which is allocated to the mostly viewed areas from the mass viewing points (Fig. 28). The valley slopes near the analysed territory have very high expositional potential; this territory is seen from the 7-10 viewing points. Dominants of the Old Town Christ s Resurrection Church Respublika Hotel Elevators Akropolis Arena Fig. 31. Visually prevailing buildings in Kaunas city central part. 21

22 The Nemunas River slope is aesthetic-visual value of Kaunas cityscape (Fig. 27). It can be used as a background for the lower terrace of the city and as a base for shaping of the top terrace silhouette. The fact that Žaliakalnis is located on the top terrace of the Nemunas River slopes causes its strong visual impact to the cityscape. The most valuable visual accent (Fig. 31) is Christ s Resurrection Church whose silhouette not only dominates in this city part, but is also acknowledged as one of the most important city symbols and unique landmark of Kaunas cityscape. Its importance must be considered when designing new architectural accents of the cityscape. The entire system of spatial landmarks on the right coast of the Nemunas River lacks visual harmony and finished hierarchy of visual spatial landmarks. However, it should be noted that high architectural solutions (tower building or their group) could compete the tower of Christ s Resurrection Church currently rising on the top terrace of slopes (Fig. 32). Fig. 32. Christ s Resurrection Church in Kaunas cityscape. With regard to emphasizing and protection of visual and aesthetics potential, Žaliakalnis district is developed with buildings and structures of rather high visual quality which constitute balanced composition of streetscape (Fig. 33) and features harmony with natural components intrinsic to the area. 22

23 Fig. 33. Typical streetscape of Kaunas Sports Hall approaches (Perkūno Av.). Fig. 34. Approaches of Kaunas Sports Hall. Streetscapes with abundant plantation intrinsic to the homestead, city villas urbanistic morphotype (Fig. 34) are a valuable feature of the designed territory which has to be taken into account when preparing solutions Communication System Transport system in the southern part of Žaliakalnis is known by the one of the steepest streets in Kaunas city, as well as high traffic intensity 4-lane Parodos Street which connects the city centre with the high terrace of Nemunas river slopes (Fig. 35 and 36). It is the major traffic artery ensuring accessibility of this city part. The analysed Ąžuolynas Sports Centre territory is located adjacent to this street important for communication; therefore, it is easily 23

24 accessible. However, throughput of Parodos Street is rather limited due to complex relief and few possibilities to widen this street. Fig. 35. Traffic diagram Fig. 36. The territory is accessible by Parodos Str. of intensive traffic rising to the slope (view in the beginning of XX century and the current situation) A big problem of the analysed territory is a lack of parking lots, especially during massive events in the stadium (Fig. 37). Cars are parked spontaneously, on street sides. 24

25 Fig. 37. Parking intensity. Fig. 38. Communication system in Žaliakalnis. BOUNDARY OF THE PLANNED TERRITORY PUBLIC TRANSPORT STOP POINT ROUTES OF SHUTTLE TAXI ROUTES OF TROLLEYBUSES ROUTES OF BUSES CURRENT CYCLING TRACKS PLANNED CYCLING TRACK ROUTES There are approx. 150,000 bicycles are in Kaunas city, i.e. one third of Kaunas citizens owns bicycle, but traveling by bicycles is not popular. One of the reasons is a lack of infrastructure. 25

26 Fig. 39. Layout of cycling tracks Cycling track the Old Town-Laisvės Av. The designed territory Fig. 40. Major cycling tracks of Kaunas city central part. Other possible reasons of non-popularity of bicycles: complex Kaunas city relief, high height difference (40 m); Adverse weather conditions, often nasty and cold; 26

27 Insufficiently developed bicycle track grid, a lack of parking places and bicycle storing premises; A bicycle is assumed as a non-prestigious transport means, more suitable for teenagers; Cycling is unsafe due to a lack of culture, as well as due to the general criminal situation. The designed territory is crossed by cycling track the Old Town-Laisvės Avenue. It was installed in 2004 according to the approved cycling track layout of Kaunas city. The track goes along Vilniaus Street from Rotušės Square, along Laisvės Avenue up to Vytautas Park. Uphill tracks to Vytauto Hill are installed on the existing paths on the slope, as well as the new track. This section is very steep and rarely used. Pedestrian path is delineated with paint on the existing paving: round stone paving in Vilniaus Street, on concrete tile paving in Laisvės Avenue. The track in Laisvės Avenue is used more intensely than in Vilniaus Street. Track length is 2.9 km, width 2-3 m, track length on slope section 0.3 km, width 1.5 m. There is a lack of pedestrian communication and respective infrastructure between the city centre and the analysed territory (Fig. 38 and 41). This fact substantiates a need to improve infrastructure pedestrian paths on the slopes Parodos and Vytauto Hills. Here the existing stairs should be upgraded, new attractive passenger transportation facilities could appear. Fig. 41. The Nemunas River valleys at the approaches of the analysed territory. 27

28 Fig. 42. Layout of pedestrian paths The main territory communication problems: communication system grid is developed unevenly. Links between this part of the city and the centre are not developed. Episodic lack of parking lots. Transport problems cause functioning difficulties of the complex, its potential as the city attraction centre is not exploited Public Space Recreational Infrastructure The system of public spaces in Kaunas city is not well developed and is not shaped with sufficient purposefulness. From the general context, the city centre (Senamiestis and Naujamiestis) is distinguished with its developed system of public spaces. The following city public spaces are used most intensely: major pedestrian streets (Laisvės Av., Vilniaus Str.), squares, spaces near shopping centres, transport facilities (a bus station, railway station), orderly coastal places (amphitheatre in the Old Town) and other places with attraction centres, developed recreational infrastructure (Fig. 43). 28

29 The most important tourism objects and their clusters Places of mass culture events Tourism information centres Water sports and tourism centres Current river ports and quays Planned river ports and quays Bus station Railway station Zoo Botanical garden Fig. 43. System of city public spaces. The most popular and well-known recreational areas in Žaliakalnis are Zoo and Ąžuolynas Park. The largest Oakwood in the entire Europe (approx. 770 pcs. of oaks) is a favourite leisure place of citizens. However, recreational infrastructure of this park is poor; it lacks well-equipped spaces adapted for leisure, attractive objects. The city s recreational plantation system generally lacks green links with pedestrian and cycling tracks, etc. Improvement of infrastructure of public spaces, development of their system, and creation of new attraction centres could help to solve this issue. Natural river slopes have a high aesthetic and recreational potential to create public spaces by installing sight-viewing zones, walk paths. Vitality and usability of public spaces highly depend on their accessibility. Public spaces of Žaliakalnis are best accessible by car or public transport; however, it is difficult to reach this territory both on foot and by bicycle, because it is separated from the city centre by steep slopes as a natural obstruction impeding movement of pedestrians and cyclists. This shows demand of installation of effective convenient and modern pedestrian communication systems in this area (Fig. 44). 29

30 Fig. 44. The Nemunas River valley slopes and stairs linking Vytautas Park and Laisvės Av. Attended public spaces are safe. Žaliakalnis district is assumed as a rather safe city area. Homestead type development, relatively low traffic intensity creates an image of a communal, peaceful and safe residential area (Fig. 33). Slightly different situation in terms of safety is in the analysed territory of Ąžuolynas sports facilities, featuring large, rather spontaneously arranged building volumes with unformed approaches (Fig. 45). This creates conditions for closed, poorly illuminated and visible unsafe spaces, which do not attract visitors. Arrangement of approaches of Ąžuolynas sports facilities by creating public spaces attractive for society is one of the most important tasks of this project. Fig. 45. Approaches of S. Darius and S. Girėnas monument. 30

31 Another abandoned public space is Vytautas Park located between Parodos Str. and Perkūno Av. (Fig. 46 and 47). During interwar period, a summer stage and pavilion (Kurhaus) functioned in Vytautas Park. There were an amusement park and leisure centre and various cultural events were held during the Soviet times; half a million of people visited this area annually. The total area of amusement park territory is approx. 3 ha. There is a possibility to expand the area of amusement park up to ~8 ha. Vytautas Park stairs Abandoned amusement facility Vytautas Park Fig. 46. Vytautas Park. Fig. 47. Abandoned amusement facility and buildings in Vytautas Park. 31

32 Water infrastructure is undeveloped in Žaliakalnis area. The area lacks places with attractive pools, fountains, and decorative fountainlets. Streams and their valleys, artificial water reservoirs could be important in terms of both recreation and compositional landscape; therefore, design of green areas in Žaliakalnis district should consider water zones and their link development. Žaliakalnis is distinctive with its abundant sports and health facilities, approaches of which are formed as public spaces. This influences an image creation for this city part (Fig. 49): Ąžuolynas Sports and Health Centre; Kaunas Football Hall; Kaunas Ice Arena; S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium; Kaunas Sports Club of the Blind and Visually Handicapped and other smaller sports infrastructure objects (sport halls, clubs, courts, etc.). Fig. 48. S. Dariaus and S. Girėno Stadium Ice Arena Kaunas Sports Club of the Blind and Visually Handicapped Football Hall Lithuanian Sports University Ąžuolynas Sports Club S. Dariaus and S. Girėno Stadium Kaunas Sports Hall Fig. 49. Sports infrastructure objects in Žaliakalnis 32

33 2.6. Social Infrastructure Social infrastructure consists of educational institutions (preschool institutions, general education schools, additional and social education institutions, high schools, professional schools and colleges); health institutions (health-care institutions, primary health-care centres, etc.) and public institutions (state authority and municipal institutions, cultural institutions). Žaliakalnis territory is characterized by average and less than average density of inhabitants (Fig. 50) Fig. 50. Density of inhabitants in Kaunas city The network of educational institutions (mostly primary, basic, secondary and high schools) is averagely developed; there are many health-care institutions (dental rooms, pharmacies). Few cultural institutions (museums, theatres, cinemas, etc.) and administration institutions (Fig. 8-11) are located in the area. Industrial and commercial objects are clustered at Savanorių Avenue. At this largest street of Žaliakalnis and its approaches, private physician clinics, hospitals and their departments are also densely established. Today, distribution of educational, health-care and public institutions, a number and capacity of buildings in Žaliakalnis may practically fully satisfy demands of citizens, as well as in the future. The highest attention should be given not to new construction, but to improvement of existing objects and their environment. 33

34 3. The Main Issues and Their Possible Solution Approach Issue (a): poor link between the urbanistic structure of the analysed territory and the city centre; unmanaged, abandoned former public areas (Vytautas Park), public facilities with cultural value (Kaunas Sports Hall). Solution: reconstruction of Kaunas Sports Hall, adaptation of the territory at S. Darius and S. Girėnas Sports Centre to the function of sports and culture and humanization, formation of attraction centres in this area, conversion of abandoned sports buildings and their approaches: change of purpose or upgrade, creation of the new urbanistic vision. Shaping of the complex as the city centre extension. The top terrace of the Nemunas River slopes is distinguished by its clearly expressed identity which supplements Kaunas cityscape with unique objects (Christ s Resurrection Church, characteristic extensive homestead type development, shaping unique spaces). Basic issue here is how to save/strengthen the current visual and mental identity of this city part by the proposed modifications of spatial structure. The analysed territory has its own history; therefore, new objects must match the specifics of historical environment. Issue (b): fragmented plantation system without clear links; unformed and poorly managed plantation infrastructure. Solution: formation of uniform plantation system. Supplement the current island plantation system with green links. Management, arrangement of the current green areas and adaptation to recreational needs (Ąžuolynas Park, approaches of sports facilities). Issue (c): unevenly developed and used system of public spaces. Solution: improvement of infrastructure of public spaces, development of their system by providing links with the city centre, formation of new attraction centres; Issue (d): a lack of pedestrian and transport links between the analysed territory and the city centre. The territory episodically lacks of parking lots. Solution: possible traffic reorganization, installation of pedestrian and cycling tracks at the extension of Laisvės Avenue and other major streets of the city centre. Searching for new solutions and techniques facilitating pedestrian and cycling movement, taking into account relief specifics. Provision of new parking lots, taking into account their episodic demand. Issue (e): undeveloped social infrastructure components (cultural and entertainment function). Solution: priority to public, cultural, and entertainment function in the analysed territory. 34