CITY BEHIND WALLS - identity versus image
International conference of historical towns
VILNIUS, Lithuania
(in this case we speak only about Vilnius Old Town)
542 287 inhabitants (data of 2001)
20 400 inhabitants of the Old Town (data of 2001)
Brief general information on VILNIUS :
3 key points that provide the city with its characteristic atmosphere :
Irregular medieval 14-16th c .Old Town plan which survived despite invasions and partial destruction;
Impressive complex of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism buildings;
Harmony between the landscape and the townscape.
Icon of the city
(most important eye-catching or famous aspect of the city) :
Baroque domes and towers of Vilnius dominate in picturesque Old Town panoramas:
3-5 advantages of the city: the soft cultural potentials or values
e.g. rituals, people’s habits, art, sports, importance in historical politics (capital or not? Regional function?) etc.
Vilnius was a capital and the political centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania from the 14th to the end of the 18th century. Vilnius has had a profound influence on the political, cultural and architectural development of much of eastern Europe.
Today it is a capital of the Republic of Lithuania, important administrative, economic, social and cultural centre.
Multicultural community: Lithuanians, Poles, Russians, Byelorussians and Jewish lived there.
Vilnius belonged to Russian Empire in 1795 – 1918; was annexed by Poland in 1920 – 1939; occupied by Nazi in 1941-1944; occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940 – 1990.
3-5 advantages of the city : the hard cultural potentials or values
e.g. cultural heritage, fortress elements that are left (see ‘Fortress as a Corset’), important old buildings, architecture, other dominants beautiful nature, recreation etc.
Vilnius Old Town is on the World cultural heritage list because of its medieval urban structure, number of valuable monuments and the regional importance. Most important architectural monuments are: the ensemble of Vilnius Castles, the ensemble of Vilnius University, the ensemble of St.Ann’s Church, St. Bernardine Church and the Monastery, Church of St.Teresa and Carmelite Convent, remains of the Defensive Wall, the Cathedral and the Town Hall Square.
3-5 disadvantages of the city, when talking about soft potentials or values
(people and their habits)
The people were not used to take care about their houses during Soviet times, because all properties were state owned. There is still bad maintenance of houses, though now the majority of properties are private. There is a lack of awareness on heritage values and conservation.
3-5 disadvantages of the city, when talking about the hard potentials or values
(buildings, urban tissue, artworks, traffic, etc.)
Some urban quarters, some churches, belfries and buildings were demolished during 19th c. and after the World War II.
Some authentic details of buildings (wooden gates, doors and windows, architectural decorations and murals are lost).
Traffic and parking problems in the Old Town are not solved.
City strategies regarding identity / image of VILNIUS
Which are the strategies of the city to increase the city’s identity :
(building a positive relationship of the citizens to their city, making people aware of the advantages and disadvantages)
1. Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation Strategy was prepared by international experts in 1995. Extensive public consultations and opinion surveys were carried out, including issues such as Visions of Old Town, Living and Working in the Old Town, Problems of the Service Infrastructure, Streets and Squares, Traffic and Parking, Parks and Green Spaces. The strategy recommended integrating preservation and development.
It was used for further planning of actions in the Old Town.
Way to improve: It would be more useful, if the Strategy developed more detailed Action Plan or Conservation Management Plan.
2. Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation Programme is implemented since 1998. The programme includes physical renewal of buildings, streets and public areas; community development, involvement into the renewal process; co-ordination of private and public funds; information (lectures, seminars, exhibitions, publication of information booklets) and international co-operation (exchange of experience; international promotion of the Old Town).
Results are: approximately 300 of public and residential buildings renovated; approximately 30 streets (new cover, pavements and lighting) renovated, decorative lighting of 12 architectural monuments (churches, towers and bridges), 10 valuable heritage objects conserved/restored (murals/wall paintings, the Defensive wall and gates); public areas (10 yards, 3 squares, sightseeing sites, pedestrian paths, cemeteries) upgraded.
Way to improve: It would be good to conserve/restore more of authentic heritage monuments or architectural details; the quality of renewal works may be improved.
3. In 2003 Vilnius City Municipality started implementation of the Ethnographic and Fine Crafts and Fairs Programme for the revitalisation of traditional crafts in Vilnius Old Town. There was a financial support for the establishment of crafts and arts galleries/workshops. The Municipality invested to the infrastructure (new street and pedestrian paths, sightseeing platform) for the Crafts’ Village in Tymo Quarter.
Results are:
12 crafts galleries/workshops leased on preferential terms are working. The area for the Crafts Village is prepared: the streets and pedestrian paths are installed; the construction of buildings will start soon.
Way to improve: The number of galleries/workshops will increase, the craftsmen can participate in various common projects, to get additional financial support.
Has your local government ever developed strategies to increase Europe’s identity: building a positive relationship of the citizens to Europe, making people aware of the advantages and disadvantages.
1. The programme “Vilnius – European Capital of Culture 2009” is focused on the creativity and vitality of the European culture; it aims to highlight and reinterpret the European cultural experience, to make this experience an integral part of our modern life and infuse it with new energy. The project will stimulate the cultural contacts with other European countries.
It is only the beginning - a special NGO established for the implementation of the programme.
2. Celebration of the date, when Lithuania entered the European Union in May, 2004. There is a Fest of European countries in the beginning of May on main Vilnius street – Gediminas avenue
Way to improve: It could be more countries represented during the Fest
Has your local government ever developed strategies to increase the city’s image: letting other citizens of Europe know your advantages and disadvantages (marketing activities of the city, common projects focused on making the name of your city known, creating a new visual style of tourist materials).
1.On March 16th in Cannes, during the MIPIM 2006 exhibition, Vilnius-Kaunas dipole was titled “European Region of the future 2006/07”. Vilnius and Kaunas won on the strengths of economic potential, location costs (the lowest industrial rents, the lowest middle management and secretarial costs, and the lowest manual labour costs) and exceptional FDI promotion.
2.Vilnius is the member of the European Route of Brick Gothic. The project stretches over seven countries, 26 cities and two regions. The cultural heritage of brick Gothic and the charm of the landscapes on the shores are to be experienced from Sweden through Denmark, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Way to improve: To prepare a booklet on Vilnius Gothic Monuments, to install information stands with the description of the Route in Vilnius.
3. New modern Vilnius tourism information system was installed in May, 2006. Information stands are located near main architectural monuments; the information is in Lithuanian and English languages. There is also a phone number written, where you can get more detailed information about the monument by phone.
EXAMPLE STUDY
Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation Programme
(implemented by public institution - Vilnius Old Town Renewal Agency)
from 1998
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation Programme consists of physical renewal of buildings, streets and public areas; community development and involvement into the renewal process; co-ordination of private and public funds; information (lectures, seminars, exhibitions, information booklets). Ethnographic and Fine Crafts and Fairs Programme is also part of the overall Old Town Revitalisation Programme.
Place/ location of the project : Vilnius Old Town – UNESCO World heritage site. The area is 359 ha.
.
Field of the project / hard cultural values : (physical surroundings) :
â–¡ Urban renewal
â–¡ Conservation
â–¡ Restoration
Field of the project / soft cultural values : (people and activities) :
â–¡ Cultural heritage
â–¡ community development
â–¡ Traditional crafts
Scale of the project :
â–¡ local,
â–¡ Old Town,
Type of project:
â–¡ Participation
â–¡ Inform, education
â–¡ preservation, conservation
â–¡ renewal
Main objective(s) / goals of the project :
Main goal is the preservation and renewal of the Old Town.
Objectives:
To conserve and restore authentic Vilnius heritage;
To renew neglected and empty buildings, streets and public areas;
To revitalise traditional crafts and arts;
To involve local community into the revitalisation process;
To rise public awareness on urban conservation;
To co-ordinate private and public funds.
It is implementation of Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation Strategy. The Strategy was approved by the City Council and by the Government.
Milestones or/and (expected) results, design, or/and decision of the project :
Improved image of the Old Town: clean, light and safe streets, squares and yards; restored and renewed buildings, conserved and restored valuable authentic elements of buildings (murals, architectural decor); consciousness of the local community.
Results are: approximately 300 of public and residential buildings renovated; approximately 30 streets (new cover, pavements and lighting) renovated, decorative lighting of 12 architectural monuments (churches, towers and bridges), 10 valuable heritage objects conserved/restored (murals/wall paintings, the Defensive wall and gates); public areas (10 yards, 3 squares, sightseeing sites, pedestrian paths, cemeteries) upgraded.
Individual activities / partial steps undertaken for obtaining the goals of the project :
The Programme is realized by Vilnius Old Town Renewal Agency, established in 1998. Community development forms part of the Programme. The Agency implemented heritage management training programmes for residents, investors and other stakeholders. In 2003 a large scale programme "Heritage Conservation in supporting Community Development" was financially supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lithuania. The programme consisted of meetings, seminars, youth participation/training and publishing information brochures.
The list of information publications issued by Vilnius Old Town Renewal Agency in 1999- 2006:
Vilnius – World Heritage Site, 1999, supp.by UNESCO
How to take part in the Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation Programme (I), 2000, supp.by UNDP
Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation Strategy Implementation: Co-operation, Results, Vision, 2000, supp.by Municipality
How to take part in the Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation Programme. Preservation of Heritage Values (II), 2001, UNDP
Investors' Guidelines, 2001, supp.byUNESCO
Conservation Guidelines, 2002, supp.byUNESCO
9 Main Rules for the Maintenance of Historic Buildings
Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation 1998 – 2003
The Defensive Wall of Vilnius, 2002, supp.by Municipality
Preservation of Authentic Elements of Built Fabric of Vilnius , 2003, supp.by Municipality
Old Town: Entrance Gates, Doors and Windows, 2004, supp.by UNDP
Program of Study Tours for Youth, 2004, supp.by UNDP
Ethnographic and Fine Crafts and Fairs Programme, 2005, supp.by Municipality
Revitalisation of the Organ at the Holy Spirit Church in Vilnius, 2006, supp.by Sponsors
Different people and parties involved in the project and their roles :
Artists - Revitalisation of traditional crafts and arts, establishment of galleries/workshops
Investors - Participation in common renewal projects (through public-private partnership contracts,
when owners finance 50% of the renewal costs)
Local government - Financing of the programme, organisation, participation in working groups, decision making
Residents of city/ quarter - Participation in common renewal projects (through public-private partnership contracts,
when owners finance 50% of the renewal costs)
Youngsters and children - Participation in excursions, lectures, preparation of drawings’ exhibitions
Elderly - Participation in excursions and lectures,sharing their memories about the city with youngsters and children
Advisors / experts - Evaluation of the Programme results/impact assessment
Architects - Preparation of renewal/restoration projects
Urban designers - Preparation of the plans and renewal/restoration projects
Historians - Preparing texts for publications and articles for newspapers
Writers - Only one writer was involved for reading lectures
Others..
(Vilnius Old Town Renewal Agency) - Co-ordination of the implementation process,
organisation of community development activities
12 crafts galleries/workshops were opened in the Old Town during 2003-2005;
There were about 50 common public-private projects implemented during 2000- 2005;
12,2 mil. euros were allocated for the Programme by the local government during 1998 – 2005;
Level of the institutional / multidiscipline collaboration on this project :
The Government of Lithuania demonstrated a firm commitment to supporting the Programme by giving a special 15 mil. Litas grant in 1998 and the same amount in 1999. The special subsidy from the Government later was replaced by increasing municipal funding. Strong message was given to the community and investors as many facades were repaired and repainted and street pavement renewed.
In 2000 the co-operation between public and private sector started, and it was encouraged by Vilnius Old Town Renewal Agency (public institution financed by the Municipality). The Agency was co-ordinating and leading the project.
Evaluation in general :
Analysing the effects of implementation of Vilnius Old Town Revitalisation Programme, the most positive impact was attracting of private investments and involving local communities into the process. Public funds were used successfully in managing cultural properties and in encouraging owners to protect them. The revitalisation reasoned growth of tourism and admiration of local residents. Intensive growth of private service and leisure businesses in the Old Town made the area most vibrant, attractive and visited part of the city.
In October 2005 Lithuanian Ministry of Culture presented the Section II of the Periodic Reporting on the Application of the World Heritage Convention “State of Conservation of Specific Heritage Properties. Vilnius Historic Centre”. Summary on the current status of the authenticity and integrity of the site, management, protection, financial resources and other issues of the UNESCO Questionnaire were presented. One of the statements was : “Reconstruction and upgrade of main public spaces: squares and streets, and numerous historic buildings were performed successfully regenerating the historic city centre. Good restoration and adoption for appropriate contemporary uses of a significant number of churches, monastic and palace complexes”.
Future development :
The implementation of the Programme will continue. It is expected to get the financing from the City Municipality budget annually, and also to continue community involvement. The restoration and renewal of the Old Town and the public awareness rising is never ending process, that needs a careful management and allocation of resources.
Contact :
Mrs. Raugaliene Jurate
Architect
+370 52480903
+370 52127723
+370 52629646
Stikliu Str 4
LT 01131 Vilnius
Lithuania
