Developing and preservation of memory іn the architectural environment of the cities

Abstract

The paper focuses on the ways of memory preservation in the architectural environment of the cities. The peculiarities of memory applications as a source of inspiration for modern Ukrainian architects in the environment of the Ukrainian cities are considered. The article highlights the problem of memory development in the architectural environment of the city by applying the architectural and design means. The specific features of the memory use as a multidimensional category are revealed; and considered as the sources of inspiration for modern architects in the environment of Ukrainian cities which serve as a memory storing device. The research results support the hypothesis that continuous processes of memory development, from personal to the global one, occur at various levels of the city environment using the means of architecture, design and art. Sites of memory, buildings and objects-symbols create a spiritual framework of a city. It is shown that the perception of a city as a qualitative and valuable environment by the in-groups and the out-groups occurs in the context of self-identification with the urban space, natural and architectural environment, the cultural heritage and it is inextricably linked to the multidimensional nature of memory: historical, social, urban, individual, national, etc. A historic or new urban environment is the ground for materialization of identity and memory, along with the need to preserve the environmental sustainability, safety and diversity. Modern architecture and new public spaces should enable the communities to identify themselves with it and materialize the memory, as long as architectural design work should strengthen the memory of the city. The study investigates two major groups of Ukrainian cities in terms of preservation of urban memory. The first group includes the cities with the preserved multicultural historical heritage and preserved memory, and where the continuous activity of the establishment of social memories by the communities occurs, and under the influence of the variables of state doctrine memory, the transformation processes happen. The second group consists of the cities which lost the memory expressed in the built environment during World War II and were reconstructed with the means of typical Soviet building techniques. In Ukraine, there is still no formed politics of memory, especially where public spaces should get priority-memory objects that would strengthen and form the city memory. The article studies the peculiarities of modern art of architecture in cities of both categories as based on our expert sociological research, analysis of publications, and surveys of their natural environment, which the author carried out in 2013–2014. These objects are analyzed in the context of the city memory and the memory layers used by the architects in their artistic work are identified. Thus, a dominant value of the memory category in modern architectural and design work manifested itself in the environment of the Ukrainian cities is specified. Досліджено аспект карбування та збереження пам’яті в архітектурному середовищі міста. Розглянуто особливості використання пам’яті як джерела натхнення у творчості українськими сучасними архітекторами у середовищі українських міст.