| Abstract [eng] |
This paper explores how did the public space in the city of Šiauliai change from 1990 to 2022. Šiauliai is a typical example of a postsocialist city where after becoming independent major political, economic and social change took place therefore impacting its urban environment. Public space is being analyzed as a reflection of the change that happened in more than thirty years. The case is first examined by using a qualitative document analysis followed by interviews with residents of Šiauliai, during which three stages of public space development emerge. During the first phase (1990-2000) personal well-being was a key priority due to sudden economic and political reforms. Public spaces were not given attention therefore their quality started to deteriorate. The visual change that did happen was stimulated by new private businesses. In the second stage (2000-2010) urban structure began to transform because of the increased number of services and big commercial facilities in different areas. More attention was given to public space, but the change was still slow. In the third phase (2010-present) almost all public spaces were renewed. Residents reflect on what is personally important to them when being in the public space. |
