THE ARCHITECTURAL ROLE OF PUBLIC SPACES IN PRESERVING HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL IDENTITY IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Аннотация

This study investigates the architectural role of public spaces in preserving and developing historical and cultural identity within residential areas. Driven by rapid contemporary urbanization, the expansion of new residential districts, and the functional transformation of urban fabrics, the preservation of the historical environment, vernacular architectural traditions, and socio-cultural characteristics has emerged as a critical imperative. Public spaces—including streets, squares, mahalla community centers, boulevards, public gardens, pocket parks, and open recreational areas—are examined as fundamental architectural instruments shaping historical and cultural identity. The theoretical framework is grounded in established paradigms of public spaces, the image of the city, the human scale, place identity, and the historic urban landscape (HUL). Methodologically, the study integrates historical-genetic, morphological, functional-spatial, and architectural-compositional analyses alongside comparative evaluation and sociological observation. The findings reveal that spatial morphology, contextual reinterpretation of vernacular motifs, microclimatic landscape strategies, functional diversity, and civic engagement constitute decisive parameters for sustaining place identity. Finally, the paper articulates urban design recommendations founded upon the tripartite principle of “preservation – adaptation – development” to reconcile historic built environments with contemporary urban demands.