Destructive Landscapes in the Context of Public Urban Space: Issues of Rehabilitation, Adaptation and Integration

Abstract

This paper is dedicated to the challenge for many Russian cities — the transformation of abandoned complex terrain landscapes into public spaces designed to become bona fide elements of the architectural and artistic environment. The purpose of this work was to form an integrated methodology for the valorization of such landscapes based on the initial and prospective parameters of the area for creation of a sustainable model of development thereof. The main tasks are to consider various aspects of destructive landscapes transformation and to reveal their potential for evolving and restoring the natural resources while maintaining the well-balanced ecological, economic and social environment. The methodological aspect of the work was based on the Russian and foreign sources dedicated to the urban landscape issues. As the optimal methodology for conceptual modeling, we chose the approach to the city landscape as a “green-blue infrastructure”. The principles of its formation, which are closely related to the natural, ecological and “urboecological” implications, are also analyzed. The results of the research were used as to create the concept of reconstruction of the “Glebuchev ravine” destructive landscape, viewed as a historical urban environment within the city of Saratov with a development potential. The focus was not so much on the ultimate achievement of a certain project result but on the demonstration of the strategic approach to organizing the destructive landscape transformation process. The conceptual proposals set forth in the paper can serve as framework to resolve similar problems in many cities of the Russian Federation.