Abstract Today’s European historical city centre streetscapes, many of which are designated cultural heritage sites, consist of a mix of urban and architectural housing heritage of different periods, including post World War II period buildings. Nevertheless, knowledge of history of historical centre post-war housing and their artistic and cultural-historical values of this recent past is still insufficient, to a certain degree contradictory, and in some cases even incorrect. This is particularly accurate regarding Modern Movement serial or type Soviet housing in former Soviet republics. This paper presents an ongoing research intended to identify valuable housing streetscape architecture and urban layout traits of post-war period in Latvia (1945–1990) in the environment of historic centre. The goal is to provide specialists in planning and heritage fields with appropriate evaluation criteria and correct know-how material on the theme, as well as general public with cultural historical information considering post-war housing heritage. In this study an example of post-war Modern Movement serial Soviet housing in the historical centre of Riga, the capital city of Latvia, and its protection zone is drawn. The research is based on mapping and auditing streetscapes using Maryland Inventory with this housing typology in historical built environment to identify most common characteristics and qualities of these buildings. The main conclusions are that historical street-scapes do not have significant qualitative differences from historical mixed with post-war housing streetscapes, whereas the quality of streetscapes with dominating post-war modern housing tends to differ from historical streetscapes, as well as has similar shortcomings to those of the large-scale housing block streetscapes.

Abstract Architectural studies in Kaunas University of Technology shift towards implementation of BIM concept-based approach in design modules, which suggests the use of related software (Revit, ArchiCAD). Implementation of parametric design (3ds Max, Cinema4D) related subjects in the study process is in alarming situation because of the University’s and even national policy. Nevertheless, its wide usage, at least in the visual presentation of architectural projects, strongly suggests that graduates need to have knowledge of these technologies as it is often required in the general practice. However, the different concepts of BIM and parametric design modelling practice makes the study load too heavy for the students. Thus, it is vital to find a balanced solution for both of these subjects to be presented equally during architectural studies at the University. The aim of this paper is to analyse the opportunities and challenges of introducing parallel learning of both software.

Abstract Latvia and Lithuania are producers of glulam and both have managed building projects with glued timber structures, but only as few as 1−2 projects per year. As it is difficult to find information about glulam projects it is possible that many projects are not known even to the audience of architects. The aim of this study was to collect information related to the glulam projects in both countries and the questionnaire was used to get the architects’ opinion on the use of timber and glulam.

Abstract Article focuses on the workflows for generating new hybrid material explorations for architectural application through development of new strategies of applying parametricism as one of the main driving forces in the design that exercises novelty through 3D modeling and visual programming languages. The obtained results have been applied in series of material design experimental sample projects that challenge the standard geometries and enhance the field of applicative materials for architectural application.

Abstract We may see modern urbanism as a collection of many successful developments as well as a series of endless mistakes and repeated failures. The paper focuses on the analysis of existing and former urban planning and design patterns in aspect of efficiency of applied methods to achieve higher quality referring to the philosophy and practice of Landscape Urbanism. The Missionaries Block in Vilnius City serves as a case study for assessing its development in three distinguishable periods by the set of quality criteria derived from Landscape Urbanism theories and practices. The assessment results disclose an evident drop in the overall quality of the selected site’s development in the recent period. The paper discusses if and how one may use the method employed hereby for programming and shaping the future regeneration and redevelopment of existing urban setting.

Abstract Design studio, workshop, practical placement and design-build concept, are all forms of experiential learning. The aim of this paper is to investigate the significance of design-build concept and to define the extent to which it has penetrated into architectural curricula. Results indicate variety in understanding, programming and implementation among different schools. Conducted comparative analysis of different case examples could be used as a guideline to schools in which this concept has not been introduced yet.

Abstract The article presents an analysis of the concept of novelty of artistic forms and its visual expressions in contemporary Lithuanian architecture. It is stated that the novelty is virtually manifested through utopian visions of the new world and their metamorphoses, and is made relevant by the method of experiment. Based on examples of Western European architectural utopias and experiments, the article suggests the formulated indicators of novelty, which are reflected in artistic forms of contemporary Lithuanian architecture. The aim of the research is to reveal the concept of novelty linking it with transformation and utopia, and illustrating it with the objects of contemporary Lithuanian architecture.

The focus of research is rapidly emerging rurban landscapes. In this research we apply the concepts of resilience of socio-ecosystems, landscape sustainability, alternative landscapes etc. in order to formulate general guidelines for rurban landscape management. The formulated guidelines for rurban landscape management consist of: the basis for management providing guiding and integrating aspects and the management goals in six interconnected - environment, economics, equity, aesthetics, experience, and ethics.

Based on the basic theoretical principles and the existing practices of community involvement into planning, the article explores the ways of improving urban landscapes of residential territories, especially in the process of housing renovation. Researchers of different countries increasingly focus their attention on adaptability of landscape in the process of housing renovation and identify the main actors in this process. Local communities are strongly motivated players in the process of improving residential areas, providing the planners and architects with the ideas for programming, designing and implementing diverse housing projects on different scales. At the same time, the local communities themselves get strengthened by consolidating their interests towards achieving common goals in the territory of their interest. Housing renovation process is a perfect sphere where local communities could express their goals of improving living standards in the existing area of residence. The main interest areas of local residents for better living space and the surrounding area are presented, where landscape is seen as an important consolidating element. As a physical resource, landscape is important for local communities for its recreational function in a close environment also in connection to wider urban landscape. Providing green links for the residents among local, urban and suburban areas is a way to develop an integrated landscape system. As a visual element, landscape has an impact on visual identity of the residence that is perceived and memorised by residents. The article gives a set of recommendations on the ways of improving the methods and practices of complex urban renovation underlining community-based landscape development plans.

This paper studies the concept of city branding in general and its objectives, and examines the most common branding strategies – the creative city and the experience city. Further on, the paper elaborates on the notion of image-reality consistency and explores the role of flagship developments in branding and urban regeneration. Consequently, a strong casual link between city branding and urban regeneration is established.