SCYLINE OF THE HISTORIC CITY CENTER: ON THE ISSUE OF DETERMINING THE VALUE AND PROTECTION (THE SAINT PETERSBURG EXPERIENCE)

Abstract

The architectural appearance of historical cities is transforming over time. The elements and characteristics of the historical urban environment being preserved for future generations support the ideas about the values of the urban landscape and contribute to the continuous development of its artistic image. The protection of architectural and urban heritage is provided by a set of normative, legal documents and documents of socio-economic and spatial planning. At the present stage of the development of domestic legislation, a new "tool" for the comprehensive protection of the historical environment is being developed and implemented. It is the status of "historical settlement", within the boundaries of which the entire set of valuable elements and parameters of the historical environment is subject of protection. To date, the selection criteria and the mechanism for the protection of elements presenting the subject of protection of a historical settlement have not been developed. The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the skyline organization of the historic center of St. Petersburg. It includes recommendations for improving the system of regulation of urban planning activities in order to preserve the skyline and composition of historical buildings as components of the subject of protection of historical settlements. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the skyline organization of buildings and impact factors, proposals for the protection of the skyline can be included in the system of requirements for land use and urban planning regulations within the boundaries of zones of protection of cultural heritage properties, as well as within the boundaries of the territory of a historical settlement.