34 Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering 2014/3/8

JSACE 3/8 Urban and Territorial

Urban and Territorial Aspects of Aspects of the Development Lithuanian Seaside of the Recreational System of Received 2014/07/01 Accepted after Lithuanian Seaside revision 2014/09/09 Petras Grecevičius Klaipėda University, Faculty of Arts, Centre for Architecture, Urban and Design “Baltic Landscapes” K. Donelaičio sq. 5, LT-92144 Klaipėda, Jonas Abromas* Klaipėda University, Faculty of Arts, Centre for Architecture, Urban and Design “Baltic Landscapes” K. Donelaičio sq. 5, LT-92144 Klaipėda, Lithuania Vytautas Dubra Klaipėda University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Architecture, Design and Fine Arts K. Donelaičio sq. 5, LT-92144 Klaipėda, Lithuania Dovilė Kalkė Klaipėda University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Architecture, Design and Fine Arts K. Donelaičio sq. 5, LT-92144 Klaipėda, Lithuania

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.sace.8.3.7498

During the period of 1991-2013, the Lithuanian Baltic seaside suffered very intensive, often unsustainable processes of privatisation and urbanisation. These processes took place in the resort of and other areas such as Giruliai, Melnragė, Karklė, Šventoji, etc. The result contributed to the loss of recreational potential there. During the spontaneous formation of the Lithuanian maritime metropolis, the state of the quality of environment and landscape resulted in the loss of sustainability. Consequently, brand new seaside territorial problems emerged. The following methods were used: system analysis, comparative analysis, visual inspection of the recreational green spaces and environmental assessment studies of the structures, including the methods of spatial structure analysis of recreational landscapes. The study is based on the results 2001-2013 in Lithuania. According to the solutions of the general plan of the territory of Lithuania, the seaside territory is attributed to high to very high potential recreational areas of national importance. The general plan of the territory of the Republic of Lithuania provides the guidelines for the development of recreational seaside region. Thus, the medium and high quality infrastructure for accommondation and base of recreational services must be created. Long-time environmental monitoring leads to the conclusion that in recent years, instead of improving, the environmental quality of many Lithuanian seaside areas have lost the important qualitative components, resulting in the deteriorated quality of public spaces, and the increased urban and architectural chaos. In this study, the authors examine the impact of changes on the quality of the recreational territorial system on the recreational potential of areas. The study provides particular suggestions on how to improve the quality of the recreational Journal of Sustainable environment using the design and installation tools. This paper presents suggestions for the Architecture and Civil Engineering Vol. 3 / No. 8 / 2014 implementation of measures for planning public spaces and recreational areas of coastal settlements, pp. 34-44 and improving the recreational potential of the areas. DOI 10.5755/j01.sace.8.3.7498 © Kaunas University of Technology KEYWORDS: Lithuanian seaside, territorial system of recreation, resort, urban development. JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING 2014. No. 3 (8) ISSN 2029-9990 ______DARNIOJI ARCHITEKTŪRA IR STATYBA

Urban and Territorial Aspects of the Development of the Recreational System of Lithuanian Seaside

Petras Grecevičius1, Jonas Abromas1*, Vytautas Dubra2, Dovilė Kalkė2

1 Klaipėda University, Faculty of Arts, Centre for Architecture, Urban and Design “Baltic Landscapes”, K. Donelaičio sq. 5,

LT-92144 Klaipėda, Lithuania 2 Klaipėda University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Architecture, Design and Fine Arts, K. Donelaičio sq. 5, LT-92144 Klaipėda, Lithuania

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.sace.8.3.7498 During the period of 1991-2013, the Lithuanian Baltic seaside suffered very intensive, often unsustainable processes of privatisation and urbanisation. These processes took place in the resort of Palanga and other areas such as Giruliai, Melnragė, Karklė, Šventoji, etc. The result contributed to the loss of recreational potential there. During the spontaneous formation of the Lithuanian maritime metropolis, the state of the quality of environment and landscape resulted in the loss of sustainability. Consequently, brand new seaside territorial problems emerged. The following methods were used: system analysis, comparative analysis, visual inspection of the recreational green spaces and environmental assessment studies of the structures, including the methods of spatial structure analysis of recreational landscapes. The study is based on the results 2001-2013 in Lithuania. According to the solutions of the general plan of the territory of Lithuania, the seaside territory is attributed to high to very high potential recreational areas of national importance. The general plan of the territory of the Republic of Lithuania provides the guidelines for the development of recreational seaside region. Thus, the medium and high quality infrastructure for 35 accommondation and base of recreational services must Electronicbe created. version Long available-time environmental www.sace.ktu.lt monitoring leads to the conclusion that in recent years, instead of improving, the environmental quality of many Lithuanian seaside areas have lost the important qualitative components, resulting in the deteriorated quality of public spaces, and the increased urban and architectural chaos. In this study, the authors examine the impact of changes on Duringthe quality the ofperiod the recreational of 1991-2013, territorial the systemLithuanian on the Baltic recreational seaside potential suffered of areas.very intensive,The study prooftenvides particular suggestions on how to improve the quality of the recreational environment using the design and installation tools. This paper Introductionpresents suggestions for the implementationunsustainable of processesmeasures for of planning privatisation public andspaces urbanisation. and recreational These areas processes of coastal tooksettlements, place inand the improving the recreational potential ofresort the areas. of Palanga and other areas such as Giruliai, Melnragė, Karklė, Šventoji, etc. The result contributed to the loss of recreational potential there. During the spontaneous formation of the Keywords: LithuanLithuanianian seaside, territorialmaritime system metropolis of recreation, state ofresort, the urbanquality development. of environment and landscape resulted in the loss of sustainability.

The seaside habitat is characterized by a uniqueMarine and alsometropolis very vulnerable combines landscape, Klaipė da,rich Palanga,in 1. Introduction natural and cultural resources. The sea andKretinga, its coastal Garg recreationalždai, Šilutė, capabilitiesand Pagėgiai have into hada single and urban still have a great impact on the lives of peopleformation; in our country.links between Tauragė, Šilalė, Rietavas, Plungė, During the period of 1991-2013, the Lithuanian Baltic Telšiai, Mažeikiai and other settlements are intensifying. seaside suffered Duringvery intensive, the last twenty-fiveoften unsustainable years, very intense and often unbalanced urbanization processes The analysis of multi-functional communication trends processes of privatisationtook placeand urbanisation. along the seaside, These proce whichsses led to the loss of the recreational potential of Palanga shows the recent strengthening of the role of Klaipėda city took place in the resortand ofNeringa Palanga resorts and other as wellareas as such Giruliai, as Melnragė, and other recreational areas. The as the centre of gravitational attraction (Fig.1). Giruliai, Melnragė, Karklė, Šventoji, etc. The result Lithuanian marine metropolis is emerging contributed to the loss of recreational potential there. During in the seaside (Fig. 1); the development of Fig. 1 the spontaneous formation of the Lithuanian maritime the Klaipėda seaport is accelerating; it is metropolis state of the quality of environment and landscape Territorial structure of resulted in the loss ofalso sustainability. expected to begin the reconstruction of the Lithuanian marine metropolis (Grecevičius, The seaside habitatŠventoji is characterizedseaport; traffic by flows a unique are intensifying;and 2014) also very vulnerableand landscape, finally, richenvironmental, in natural and landscapecultural and resources. The sea andespecially its coastal marine recreational coastal protection capabilities problems have had and still have a great impact on the lives of people are exacerbating (Steenwegen, Adams 2003; in our country. Atienė, Grecevičius 1997). During the last twenty-five years, very intense and often unbalanced urbanizationMarine metropolis processes combines took place Klaipėda, along Palanga, the seaside, which ledKretinga, to the loss Gargždai, of the recreational Šilutė, and potential Pagėgiai into a of Palanga and Neringasingle urban resorts formation; as well links as betweenGiruliai, Tauragė,

Melnragė, Kintai Šilalė,and otherRietavas, recreational Plungė, Telšiai,areas. MažeikiaiThe and

Lithuanian marine metropolis is emerging in the seaside other settlements are intensifying. The analysis (Fig. 1); the development of the Klaipėda seaport is of multi-functional communication trends accelerating; it is also expected to begin the reconstruction shows the recent strengthening of the role of Šventoji seaport; traffic flows are intensifying; and finally, environmental,of Klaipėda landscap citye and as theespecially centre ofmarine gravitational coastal protection problemsattraction are (Fig.1) exacerbating. (Steenwegen, Adams 2003; Atienė, Grecevičius 1997). Fig. 1. Territorial structure of the Lithuanian marine metropolis THE AIM OF RESEARCH (Grecevičius, 2014) To determine the trends in the development of the Lithuanian seaside recreational areas, the awareness of which would help to ensure sustainable use of the coastal zone and the mainland areas, and allow the public to use seaside recreational resources more efficiently and to preserve the unique landscape of the and the mainland coast. OBJECTIVES OF THE SEASIDE RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL To envisage trends and priorities of recreation in coastal beaches by specifying solutions for 1 the management of the coastal zone and the continental area (within the Western region of Lithuania); to discuss priorities for the use and management of seaside beaches, and the regulations of protection and management of the recreational resources and landscape. To envisage principles for the formation of recreational infrastructure in the seaside 2 landscape; to define the structure of public recreational infrastructure network providing for the concept of the distribution of recreational infrastructure for public visits and other infrastructure objects. To meet the public needs by protecting the seaside landscape and recreational resources, 3 and by ensuring sustainable development of the area; to harmonize the interests of the country by developing seaside tourism and recreational services. The aim of research: To determine the trends in the 3. Results development of the Lithuanian seaside recreational areas, The Lithuanian seaside recreational region plays an the awareness of which would help to ensure sustainable use important role in the whole space of the Southeast Baltic of the coastal zone and the mainland areas, and allow the Sea tourist habitat. The seaside and especially the seaside public to use seaside recreational resources more efficiently strip are full of areas and objects of great recreational value and to preserve the unique landscape of the Curonian Spit and tourist attraction. The area has two main climatic and the mainland coast. seaside resorts of the country with the most important Objectives of the seaside recreational potential: preserved asset, i.e. non-urban and non-private strip of 1. To envisage trends and priorities of recreation in beach dunes. During the summer, the and its coastal beaches by specifying solutions for the management beaches become a major tourist attraction centre in of the coastal zone and the continental area (within the Lithuania. Up to 350 thousand guests (holidaymakers, Western region of Lithuania); to discuss priorities for the tourists, excursionists) can be accommodated here at a time. use and management of seaside beaches, and the regulations Large visitor flows are attracted by thematic tourist routes of protection and management of the recreational resources and roads, which are under formation (Mickevičius, and landscape. Žilinskas 2000). Unfortunately, many great ideas went 2. To envisage principles for the formation of unsuccessful, such as the Amber Road, the Curonian Culture recreational infrastructure in the seaside landscape; to define Path; the development of a small cruise tourism ring had the structure of public recreational infrastructure network stopped without starting; no special attention is paid to the providing for the concept of the distribution of recreational creation of auto-tourism and thematic parks. The infrastructure for public visits and other infrastructure development of recreation in seaside forests is limited by the objects. forestland status. Even spontaneous beds, which are 3. To meet the public needs by protecting the seaside currently grown together in the area of the former Giruliai landscape and recreational resources, and by ensuring Park (which existed before the War) are ascribed to forests. sustainable development of the area; to harmonize the The possibility of the formation of recreational complexes is interests of the country by developing seaside tourism and also difficult in the area. recreational services. It is very important to be able to be near the sea in a quiet natural environment with a large variety of 2. Methods 36 recreational activities, and the combination of water, dunes The followingJournal of Sustainable methods Architecture were used: and Civil system Engineering analysis, and pinewoods.2014/3/8 The area is still rich in natural recreational comparative analysis, visual inspection of the recreational resources: sea basins, seaside beaches, unique natural non- green spaces and environmental assessment studies of the urban strip of seashore, recreational forests, and clean The aim of research: To determine the trends in the structures,3.The Results following including methods the were methods used: systemof spatial analysis, structure comparative ionized analysis, air (Grecevi visual činspectionius 1982). development of the Lithuanian seaside recreational areas, Methods analysisof theThe ofrecreational recLithuanianreational greenseaside landscapes spaces recreational (Lynchand environmental region1981) . playsThe studyassessmentan studiesUnreasonable of the restitutionstructures, of land by small 20-acre plots the awareness of which would help to ensure sustainable use important role in the whole space of the Southeast Baltic of the coastal zone and the mainland areas, and allow the is basedincluding on the methodsresults 2001 of spatial-2013 structurein Lithuania. analysis According of recreational to has landscapes done irreparable (Lynch 1981). damage The to the formation of the theSeastudy solutions tourist is based habitat.of the on generalthe The results seaside plan 2001-2013 ofand the especially territory in Lithuania. theof Lithuaniaseaside According sustainable to the solutions seaside of therecreational general territorial system. Building a public to use seaside recreational resources more efficiently strip are full of areas and objects of great recreational value (Fig.plan 2), of thethe territoryseaside territoryof Lithuania is attributed(Fig. 2), the to seaside high to territory very islarger attributed object to highin tothe very plot high of such size is impossible; and to preserve the unique landscape of the Curonian Spit and tourist attraction. The area has two main climatic high potential recreational areas of national importance. meanwhile land consolidation possibilities are very limited. and the mainland coast. seasidepotential resorts recreational of the areas country of national with the importance. most important While analysing the development of the formation of Objectives of the seaside recreational potential: preserved asset, i.e. non-urban and non-private strip of The general plan of the territory 1. To envisage trends and priorities of recreation in the Lithuanian seaside recreational use and the territorial Fig. 2 beach dunes. During the summer, the Baltic Sea and its of the Republic of Lithuania coastal beaches by specifying solutions for the management system, it is necessary to evaluate the reasons for deviating Lithuanian Territory beaches become a major tourist attraction centre in provides the guidelines for the of the coastal zone and the continental areaPlan. (within Recreational the from the “nest” idea to localize seaside settlements in the Lithuania. Up to 350 thousand guests (holidaymakers, development of recreational Western region of Lithuania); to discuss prioritiesareas. (2002for them.) tourists, excursionists) can be accommodated here at a time. mainland area during the research period (Fig. 3). seaside region. Thus, the medium use and management of seaside beaches, and the regulations Large visitor flows are attracted by thematic tourist routes of protection and management of the recreational resources and roads, which are under formation (Mickevičius, and high quality infrastructure for and landscape. Žilinskas 2000). Unfortunately, many great ideas went accommondation, and the base 2. To envisage principles for the formation of unsuccessful, such as the Amber Road, the Curonian Culture of recreational services must be recreational infrastructure in the seaside landscape; to define Path; the development of a small cruise tourism ring had created. Undoubtedly, Palanga the structure of public recreational infrastructure network stopped without starting; no special attention is paid to the providing for the concept of the distribution of recreational must remain the main resort of creation of auto-tourism and thematic parks. The the Lithuanian seaside (Lietuvos infrastructure for public visits and other infrastructure development of recreation in seaside forests is limited by the Respublikos teritorijos bendrasis objects. forestland status. Even spontaneous beds, which are 3. To meet the public needs by protecting the seaside currently grown together in the area of the former Giruliai planas 2002; Palangos miesto landscape and recreational resources, and by ensuring Park (which existed before the War) are ascribed to forests. bendrasis planas iki 2015 metų, sustainable development of the area; to harmonize the The possibility of the formation of recreational complexes is 2008). interests of the country by developing seaside tourism and Figalso 2. Lithuaniandifficult in Territorythe Seaside Plan. Regional Recreational Park area. areas. (2002 m.) recreational services. The LithuanianIt is very important seaside recreationalto be able to region be near plays the seaan importantin a role in the whole space of the Results quietSoutheastThe natural general Baltic environment Seaplan tourist of the habitat. withterritory Thea oflargeseaside the varietyRepublic and especially of of the seaside strip are full of areas 2. Methods recreational activities, and the combination of water, dunes Lithuaniaand objects provides of great the recreational guidelines valuefor the and development tourist attraction. of TheFig. area 3. „Deep has two– nest” main conceptual climatic model of the seaside planning The following methods were used: system analysis, and pinewoods. The area is still rich in natural recreational recreationalseaside resorts seaside of theregion. country Thus, with the the medium most important and high preserved (Stauskas, asset, 1968) i.e. non-urban and comparative analysis, visual inspection of the recreational qualityresources: infrastructure sea basins, for seaside accommondation, beaches, unique and natural the base non -of non-private strip of beach dunes. During the summer, the Baltic Sea and its beaches become green spaces and environmental assessment studies of the recreationalurban strip services of seashore, must berecreational created. Undoubtedly, forests, and Palangaclean The Great Palanga stretches along unique natural ionizeda major air tourist (Grecevi attractiončius 1982). centre in Lithuania. Up to 350 thousand guests (holidaymakers, structures, including the methods of spatial structure must remain the main resort of the Lithuanian seaside environment, the main factor of which is the sea and the analysis of recreational landscapes (Lynch 1981). The study tourists,Unrea excursionists)sonable restitution can be of accommodatedland by small 20 here-acre at plots a time. Large visitor flows are attracted (Lietuvos Respublikos teritorijos bendrasis planas 2002; associated natural components (Fig. 4). However, the resort is based on the results 2001-2013 in Lithuania. According to has done irreparable damage to the formation of the Palangosby thematic miesto tourist bend routesrasis planas and roads, iki 2015 which met areų, 2008 under). formationstill (Mickevičius, has no complete Žilinskas urban 2000). structure. The future of Palanga the solutions of the general plan of the territory of Lithuania sustainableUnfortunately, seaside many recreational great ideas territorial went unsuccessful,system. Building such a as the Amber Road, the Curonian (Fig. 2), the seaside territory is attributed to high to very larger object in the plot of such size is impossible; Culture Path; the development of a small cruise tourism ring had stopped without starting; no high potential recreational areas of national importance. meanwhile land consolidation possibilities are very limited. special attention is paid to the creation of auto-tourism and thematic parks. The development of While analysing the development of the formation of therecreation Lithuanian in seaside seaside forests recreational is limited use byand the the forestland territorial status. Even spontaneous beds, which system,are currently it is necessary grown together to evaluate in the the area reasons of the for formerdeviating Giruliai Park (which existed before the fromWar) theare “nest”ascribed idea to toforests. localize The seaside possibility settlements of the formation in the of recreational complexes is also mainlanddifficult in area the duringSeaside the Regional research Parkperiod area. (Fig. 3). It is very important to be able to Fig. 3 be near the sea in a quiet natural „Deep – nest” conceptual environment with a large variety model of the seaside of recreational activities, and the planning (Stauskas, 1968) combination of water, dunes and pinewoods. The area is still rich in natural recreational resources: sea basins, seaside beaches, unique natural non-urban strip of seashore, recreational forests, Fig 2. Lithuanian Territory Plan. Recreational areas. (2002 m.) and clean ionized air (Grecevičius 1982). The general plan of the territory of the Republic of Lithuania provides the guidelines for the development of Fig. 3. „Deep – nest” conceptual model of the seaside planning recreational seaside region. Thus, the medium and high (Stauskas, 1968) quality infrastructure for accommondation, and the base of recreational services must be created. Undoubtedly, Palanga The Great Palanga stretches along unique natural must remain the main resort of the Lithuanian seaside environment, the main factor of which is the sea and the (Lietuvos Respublikos teritorijos bendrasis planas 2002; associated natural components (Fig. 4). However, the resort Palangos miesto bendrasis planas iki 2015 metų, 2008). still has no complete urban structure. The future of Palanga

urban development depends on the idea of urban frame (Stauskas, 1965), and further trends in the development of recreation economics.

Fig.6. The architectural concept of Vanagupė build-up was based on the aim to ensure the sense of dominance of nature in the seaside strip (Stauskas, 1968/ 2012)

Undoubtedly, the development of the seaside recreational territorial system is recently influenced by Klaipėda city with quite a large recreational potential not used (Fig. 7). The city still has a good natural basis for urban development depends on the idea of urbanthematic frame parks. However, turning the former popular 37 Electronic version available(Stauskas, www.sace.ktu.lt 1965), and further trends in the developmentGiruliai of and Melnragė resort settlements into the blocks of recreation economics. dwelling houses of Klaipėda city is deemed negative.

Unreasonable restitution of land by small 20-acre plots Fig. 4 has done irreparable damage to the formation of the „Deep – nest” concept is sustainable seaside recreational territorial system. barely seen in the Master Building a larger object in the plot of such size is Plan of Palanga ResortFig.6 . The architectural concept of Vanagupė build-up was based 2008. impossible; meanwhile land consolidation possibilities on the aim to ensure the sense of dominance of nature in the are very limited. seaside strip (Stauskas, 1968/ 2012) While analysing the development of the formation Undoubtedly, the development of the seaside of the Lithuanian seaside recreational use and the recreational territorial system is recently influenced by territorial system, it is necessary to evaluate the reasons Klaipėda city with quite a large recreational potential not for deviating from the “nest” idea to localize seaside Fig.4. „Deep – nest” concept is barely seen in the Master Plan of Fig.7. Solutionsused of (Fig.Klaip ė7).da cityThe Master city stillPlan. has a good natural basis for settlements in the mainlandPalanga area during Resort the 2008. research thematic parks. However, turning the former popular period (Fig. 3). A number of violations of sensitive spaces of the An interesting practice of recreational seaside complex Giruliai and Melnragė resort settlements into the blocks of The Great Palanga stretches along unique natural Curonian Spitdwelling and Palanga houses ofresorts Klaip isėda increasing, city is deemed since negative. new environment, the main factoris ofobserved which is thein seaVanagup and theė . The primary architectural idea of buildings and small architectural objects of questionable/ associated natural componentsVanagup (Fig.ė 4)recreational. However, the complex was based on the analogue poor aesthetic value rise up in Juodkrante and Nida. resort still has no completeof urban the urbanstructure. structure The future of the Old Palanga historic villas (Fig. Erection of elements, not typical for Neringa, Palanga and of Palanga urban development depends on the idea of 5). The aim of the authors was to prevent the structures from Klaipeda historic environment, has a negative impact on urban frame (Stauskas, 1965),invading and further roughly trends into in the the coastal zone’s visual field. The development of recreation economics. recreational environmental culture. The number of aim was to preserve the sense of naturalness, purity, long- stationary bed places in Palanga and Neringa resorts has An interesting practice of recreational seaside complex term stability and security. The intention was to prevent the relatively decreased by 2-3 times comparing with 1990. The is observed in Vanagupė. The primary architectural structures from dominating over the green line of the coastal territorial system of recreational services is unbalanced. idea of Vanagupė recreationaldunes, complex and insteadwas based the onoriginal architecture verticals should the analogue of the urban structure of the Old Palanga The following indicators can be evaluated while have been visible in certain areas (Fig. 6). analyzing the development possibilities of the seaside historic villas (Fig. 5). The aim of Fig.4. „Deep – nest” concept is barely seen in the Masterrecreational Plan of Fig.7. territorial Solutions system of Klaip: ėda city Master Plan. the authors was to prevent the Palanga Resort 2008. Fig. 5 structures from invading roughly 1. The area’s recreational cultural and natural Vanagupėresources. recreational TheA impactnumber ofof violationsnatural resources of sensitive on spacesthe of the into the coastal zone’s visual field. An interesting practice of recreational seasidecomplex complex project (Leckas, Curonian Spit and Palanga resorts is increasing, since new The aim was to preserve the sense is observed in Vanagupė. The primary architectural1973) idearecreational of use of the area is analysed by three aspects: suitability buildingsof the beach and smallmorphometric architectural parameters objects (beachof questionable/ of naturalness, purity, long-term Vanagupė recreational complex was based on the analogue poor aesthetic value rise up in Juodkrante and Nida. stability and security. The intention width and slope) and sandy texture for recreational of the urban structure of the Old Palanga historic villas (Fig. Erection of elements, not typical for Neringa, Palanga and was to prevent the structures from activities; the impact of the area’s hydrographic regime on 5). The aim of the authors was to prevent the structures from Klaipeda historic environment, has a negative impact on dominating over the green line the formation of recreational spaces, and the possibilities invading roughly into the coastal zone’s visual field. The recreational environmental culture. The number of of the coastal dunes, and instead of using the hydrographic network for the development of aim was to preserve the sense of naturalness, purity, long- stationary bed places in Palanga and Neringa resorts has the original architecture verticals term stability and security. The intention was to preventrecreational the relatively infrastructure; decreased byresi 2stance-3 times ofcomparing beach withand 1990. The should have been visible in certain structures from dominating over the green line of the protectivecoastal beach dune ridge vegetation, and seaside forests areas (Fig. 6). territorial system of recreational services is unbalanced. dunes, and instead the original architecture verticals toshould recreation, Theand followingpossibilities indicators of using can them be forevaluated the while Undoubtedly, the development of have been visible in certain areas (Fig. 6). formation analyzingof recreational the developmentspaces. The possibilitiesimpact of cultural of the seaside the seaside recreational territorial heritage onrecreational recreation territorialdevelopment system is :analyzed from two system is recently influenced by aspects: possibilities1. The of area’srecreational recreational development, cultural andand natural Klaipėda city with quite a large restrictions on the status of the cultural heritage area, and recreational potential not used resources. The impact of natural resources on the adaptation of cultural heritage objects for the development (Fig. 7). The city still has a good recreational use of the area is analysed by three aspects: Fig. 5. Vanagupė recreational complex project (Leckas, Fig. 6of recreation and tourism. natural basis for thematic parks. suitability of the beach morphometric parameters (beach urban development depends on the idea of urban 1973)frame However, turning the former The architectural2. concept Intensitywidth ofand currentslope) anduse sandyof the texture area . forThe recreational (Stauskas, 1965), and further trends in the development of of Vanagupėassessment build-up ofactivities; current theuse impactof the area;of the current area’s visitorhydrographic flows; regime on popular Giruliai and Melnragė was based on the aim recreation economics. suitability of the area’s recreational space for the spread resort settlements into the blocks to ensure the sense of the formation of recreational spaces, and the possibilities of dwelling houses of Klaipėda city dominanceand of natureflow ofof visitors; using the the hydrographic impact of networkvisitor flows for the on development the of in the seaside strip recreational infrastructure; resistance of beach and is deemed negative. (Stauskas, 1968/ 2012) Fig.6. The architectural concept of Vanagupė build-up was based protective beach dune ridge vegetation, and seaside forests on the aim to ensure the sense of dominance of nature in the to recreation, and possibilities of using them for the seaside strip (Stauskas, 1968/ 2012) formation of recreational spaces. The impact of cultural heritage on recreation development is analyzed from two Undoubtedly, the development of the seaside recreational territorial system is recently influenced by aspects: possibilities of recreational development, and Klaipėda city with quite a large recreational potential not restrictions on the status of the cultural heritage area, and used (Fig. 7). The city still has a good natural basis for adaptation of cultural heritage objects for the development thematic parks.Fig. 5However,. Vanagup turningė recreational the former complex popular project (Leckas, of recreation and tourism. Giruliai1973) and Melnragė resort settlements into the blocks of 2. Intensity of current use of the area. The dwelling houses of Klaipėda city is deemed negative. assessment of current use of the area; current visitor flows; suitability of the area’s recreational space for the spread and flow of visitors; the impact of visitor flows on the

Fig.4. „Deep – nest” concept is barely seen in the Master Plan of Fig.7. Solutions of Klaipėda city Master Plan. Palanga Resort 2008. A number of violations of sensitive spaces of the An interesting practice of recreational seaside complex Curonian Spit and Palanga resorts is increasing, since new is observed in Vanagupė. The primary architectural idea of buildings and small architectural objects of questionable/ Vanagupė recreational complex was based on the analogue poor aesthetic value rise up in Juodkrante and Nida. of the urban structure of the Old Palanga historic villas (Fig. Erection of elements, not typical for Neringa, Palanga and 5). The aim of the authors was to prevent the structures from Klaipeda historic environment, has a negative impact on invading roughly into the coastal zone’s visual field. The recreational environmental culture. The number of aim was to preserve the sense of naturalness, purity, long- stationary bed places in Palanga and Neringa resorts has term stability and security. The intention was to prevent the relatively decreased by 2-3 times comparing with 1990. The structures from dominating over the green line of the coastal territorial system of recreational services is unbalanced. dunes, and instead the original architecture verticals should The following indicators can be evaluated while have been visible in certain areas (Fig. 6). analyzing the development possibilities of the seaside recreational territorial system: 1. The area’s recreational cultural and natural resources. The impact of natural resources on the recreational use of the area is analysed by three aspects: suitability of the beach morphometric parameters (beach width and slope) and sandy texture for recreational activities; the impact of the area’s hydrographic regime on the formation of recreational spaces, and the possibilities of using the hydrographic network for the development of recreational infrastructure; resistance of beach and protective beach dune ridge vegetation, and seaside forests to recreation, and possibilities of using them for the formation of recreational spaces. The impact of cultural heritage on recreation development is analyzed from two aspects: possibilities of recreational development, and restrictions on the status of the cultural heritage area, and adaptation of cultural heritage objects for the development Fig. 5. Vanagupė recreational complex project (Leckas, of recreation and tourism. 1973) 2. Intensity of current use of the area. The assessment of current use of the area; current visitor flows; suitability of the area’s recreational space for the spread and flow of visitors; the impact of visitor flows on the

urban development depends on the idea of urban frame (Stauskas, 1965), and further trends in the development of recreation economics.

Fig.6. The architectural concept of Vanagupė build-up was based on the aim to ensure the sense of dominance of nature in the seaside strip (Stauskas, 1968/ 2012)

Undoubtedly, the development of the seaside recreational territorial system is recently influenced by Klaipėda city with quite a large recreational potential not used (Fig. 7). The city still has a good natural basis for thematic parks. However, turning the former popular Giruliai and Melnragė resort settlements into the blocks of 38 dwellingJournal houses of Sustainable of Architecture Klaip andė daCivil Engineeringcity is deemed negative.2014/3/8

Fig. 7 Solutions of Klaipėda city Master Plan.

Fig.4. „Deep – nest” concept is barely seen in the Master Plan of Fig.7.A number Solutions of violations of sensitive Klaip spacesėda city of the Master Curonian SpitPlan. and Palanga resorts is increasing, Palanga Resort 2008. since new buildings and small architectural objects of questionable/ poor aesthetic value rise up in JuodkranteA number and Nida. of Erection violations of elements, notof typical sensitive for Neringa, spaces Palanga and of Klaipeda the An interesting practice of recreational seaside complex historic environment, has a negative impact on recreational environmental culture. The number Curonianof stationary bedSpit places and in Palanga Palanga and Neringa resorts resorts is has increasing, relatively decreased since by 2-3 newtimes is observed in Vanagupė. The primary architectural idea of buildingscomparing with and 1990. Thesmall territorial architectural system of recreational ob servicesjects is ofunbalanced. questionable/ Vanagupė recreational complex was based on the analogue The following indicators can be evaluated while analyzing the development possibilities of poorthe seaside aesthetic recreational value territorial systemrise : up in Juodkrante and Nida. of the urban structure of the Old Palanga historic villas (Fig. Erection of elements, not typical for Neringa, Palanga and 5). The aim of the authors was to prevent the structures from THE AREA’S RECREATIONAL CULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES. Klaipeda1 The impact historic of natural resourcesenvironment, on the recreational has usea ofnegative the area is analysedimpact by three on invading roughly into the coastal zone’s visual field. The recreationalaspects: suitability of environmentalthe beach morphometric parametersculture. (beach The width andnumber slope) and sandyof aim was to preserve the sense of naturalness, purity, long- texture for recreational activities; the impact of the area’s hydrographic regime on the formation of stationaryrecreational spaces, bed and places the possibilities in Palangaof using the hydrographic and Neringa network for resortsthe development has term stability and security. The intention was to prevent the relativelyof recreational decreased infrastructure; resistanceby 2-3 of times beach and comparing protective beach with dune ridge 1990. vegetation, The structures from dominating over the green line of the coastal and seaside forests to recreation, and possibilities of using them for the formation of recreational territorialspaces. The impact system of cultural of heritagerecreational on recreation services development is is analyzedunbalanced. from two aspects: dunes, and instead the original architecture verticals should possibilitiesThe of recreationalfollowing development, indicators and restrictions can on thebe status evaluated of the cultural heritagewhile area, and adaptation of cultural heritage objects for the development of recreation and tourism. have been visible in certain areas (Fig. 6). analyzing the development possibilities of the seaside INTENSITY OF CURRENT USE OF THE AREA. recreational2 The assessment territorial of current use system of the area;: current visitor flows; suitability of the area’s recreational1. spaceThe for thearea’s spread andrecreational flow of visitors; the impactcultural of visitor andflows onnatural the natural environment; and the need for regulating visitor flows. resources.CURRENT INFRASTRUCTURE. The impact of natural resources on the 3recreational Transport infrastructure use of was the analyzed area in termsis analysed of communication by bythree motor (caraspects: parking lots,suitability etc.) and motorless of the vehicles, beach on foot, morphometricand the existing access roadsparameters to the sea. The (beach number and distribution of information infrastructure (number and style of information stands), and recreationalwidth (beach)and infrastructureslope) and(rescue stations,sandy changing texture rooms, benches,for recreational bins, containers, toilets,activities; beach sports the and impact children’s playof grounds,the area’s food, drinking hydrographic water fountains, regimesmoking areas, on inventory points, stairs to the beach) was also analysed. the formation of recreational spaces, and the possibilities CONFLICTS ARISING FROM INCOMPATIBILITY OF LAND USE DEMAND AND SUPPLY. 4of Forusing this purpose, the hydrographic the main demand and networkinterest groups for for using the the development coastal zone mainland of haverecreational been determined, andinfrastructure; their spatial distribution resi was stanceanalysed; the territorialof beach conflict habitatsand have been distinguished. protective beach dune ridge vegetation, and seaside forests to recreation, and possibilities of using them for the formation of recreational spaces. The impact of cultural heritage on recreation development is analyzed from two aspects: possibilities of recreational development, and restrictions on the status of the cultural heritage area, and adaptation of cultural heritage objects for the development Fig. 5. Vanagupė recreational complex project (Leckas, of recreation and tourism. 1973) 2. Intensity of current use of the area. The assessment of current use of the area; current visitor flows; suitability of the area’s recreational space for the spread and flow of visitors; the impact of visitor flows on the

39 Electronic version available www.sace.ktu.lt

The following functional zones have been distinguished according to the existing recreation- al activity: __ Beach centres for recreational services - areas near the corridors of visitor flows with adja- cently developed recreational services, entertainment, etc.; __ Recreational areas of intensive use, which are coastal stripes, where the volume of recre- ational activities is the highest compared to the recreational capacity; __ Recreational areas of intensive use, which are coastal stripes, where the volume of recre- ational activities is the lowest compared to the recreational capacity. Proper compatibility of activities is important in planning seaside recreational areas. The assess- ment of recreational properties of the Lithuanian seaside mainland beaches includes distinguishing of seaside stripes, which are different in their morphological and geomorphological characteristics, and their management properties, i.e. their attribution to administrative formations. The analysis of the conditions of natural continental seaside beaches included seaside stripes of Klaipeda city, Klaipeda district, Seaside Regional Park (Klaipeda district part) and Palanga resort. (Table 1). The total length of the entire mainland seaside strip from the northern pier of Klaipeda to Lithua- nian-Latvian border is about 38.5 km. The beach width ranges from 15-25 m (at the Dutchman’s Cap Cliff) to 90 m (the southern part of Šventoji settlement). The approximate area of the beaches in the mainland is 155 ha. Such area can accommodate, if properly fixed, about 240 thousand visitors at a time. The social aspect of the use and development of the Lithuanian seaside recreational resources. Recently, the significance and importance of the social aspect and the aspect of people’s needs is stressed in many fields of activities, especially in relation to the environmental planning(Fig. 8). Common technical, economic, ecologicalaspect andof people'saesthetic needsgrounds is arestressed increasingly in many related fields with of to develop intensive recreational activities. activities, especially in relation to the environmental The area is being developed as an extremely important the sociological grounds (Vanagas, Neniškis 2000). The Lithuanian seaside occupies an important planning (Fig. 8). Common technical, economic, ecological recreational zone of Klaipeda city, attracting high numbers place in the development of the nationaland economy,aesthetic recreationgrounds areand increasinglytourism; it has related a unique with and the of locals and people from other regions not only in summer vulnerable landscape, as well as abundantsociological natural andgrounds cultural (resources.Vanagas, ThisNeni areaškis is 2000ascribed). The to but also in other seasons. In this area, the main short-term the recreational range group of a veryLithuanian high potential. seaside It is suitableoccupies for an the important development place of manyin the and long-term recreational needs of people are associated types of recreation (cognitive, sports, entertainmentdevelopment andof therapeutic)the national and economy tourism., recreation and with priority use of the recreational area, which in turn is However, the state of some seaside areastourism is special; it has fora unique its natural and vulnerable environment landscape, greatly sufferingas well as related to the quantitative, qualitative and diversification abundant natural and cultural resources. This area is increase of the area’s recreational capabilities, and the from large unsettled recreation flows. The forestry area is full of trails. In some places, the forest ascribed to the recreational range group of a very high development of adequate service infrastructure. is soaked due to unhandled stream andpotential. storm It water. is suitable Visitors for bypassthe development the swampy of many areas, types thus of The following steps should be taken for the Lithuanian making new trails, and resulting in therecreation loss of forest (cognit floor.ive, sports,Seaside entertainment protective dunes and therapeuticare eroded) seaside recreational territorial system to reach its full not only by the sea waves and wind, butand also tourism. because of unhandled flows of recreationists’ move- potential and qualitative development with the help of ment to the beach. Therefore, there integral and effective use of natural and cultural values: is an urgent need to develop a com- Fig. 81. To prepare a special plan for the formation of the plex of measures for handling and Lithuanian marine metropolis. By renewing master plans of Tastefullythe seaside formed region street municipalities, to give priority to the managing recreational areas, which leading to the beach increase of integration of marine transportation with land, would ensure the ecological stabili- (Dariaus ir Girėno Street inand Palanga. to the (Grecevičius, development of recreation and tourism areas. ty of the areas’ natural environment, 2014.) 2. When planning larger public complexes, to seek and would preserve principal recre- their surroundings to be properly installed with car parking, ational values (Jahrbuch der Hafen- access roads, green spaces without large paved areas, artistic bautechnischen Gesellschaft 2004; highlights and high artistic quality spaces. To equip safe and Jarmalavičius, Žilinskas 2007). environmentally stable accesses to the sea for service vehicles and fishermen transport, as well as fishing net and The uniqueness of the area lies in boat handling and storage sites. the fact that it entails the aspects 3. To install parks and squares, providing spaces for of meeting the locals’ recreation recreational activities while implementing design and needs, and also because it serves construction of the seaside residential neighbourhoods,

housing areas or districts. Fig.8. Tastefully formed street leading to the beach (Dariaus ir 4. To develop a modern system of bicycle trails in the Girėno Street in Palanga. (Grecevičius, 2014.) region, installing them in the seaside resorts and towns first However, the state of some seaside areas is special for of all. its natural environment greatly suffering from large 5. To ensure best possible protection and development unsettled recreation flows. The forestry area is full of trails. of the usage of the seaside region’s natural and cultural In some places, the forest is soaked due to unhandled stream resources (Old Town of Klaipeda, Neringa and Palanga and storm water. Visitors bypass the swampy areas, thus resort, seaside dune strip with beaches). To carry out regular making new trails, and resulting in the loss of forest floor. research on the state of seaside recreational landscapes, and Seaside protective dunes are eroded not only by the sea its change forecast. waves and wind, but also because of unhandled flows of 6. To carry out as soon as possible the developing recreationists’ movement to the beach. Therefore, there is an works of marine tourism and tourism infrastructure in the urgent need to develop a complex of measures for handling Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. (Construction of and managing recreational areas, which would ensure the marine yacht ports; Entertainment Island at Giruliai; small ecological stability of the areas’ natural environment, and ports in the lagoon; marine piers at Nida and Juodkrante). would preserve principal recreational values (Jahrbuch der 7. Regular systematic marine coastal research and Hafenbautechnischen Gesellschaft 2004; Jarmalavičius, management works carried out by a specially established Žilinskas 2007). state scientific enterprise. Dune management should be The uniqueness of the area lies in the fact that it entails transferred to the foresters. the aspects of meeting the locals’ recreation needs, and also 8. To develop a protection and maintenance because it serves as a short-term and holiday recreation programme and action plan for the Klaipeda city Baltic Sea place for the entire Lithuanian population. mainland coast and other seaside stripes. In order to ensure The emerging Klaipeda marine metropolis also has the restoration of the beach at the northern pier of the quite a clear development trend, influencing the priority Klaipeda seaport, and the effective protection of the coastal strengthening of the planned area’s recreational function. A zone, the following steps are necessary: the formation of the great potential of recreational resources lies in Giruliai - coastal protection infrastructure that would ensure the Melnrage seaside strip, but the natural environment is stability of the coast and the stabilization of the suffering greatly from unregulated recreation flows and anthropogenic impact; active enforcement of the Baltic Sea unhandled surface waters. During the pre-war period, this mainland coastal strip; preparation of experimental projects area was used for intense recreational activities; it had park on beach reconstruction, as well as coast and protective spaces and villas. This is an important factor influencing the dune ridge enforcement (energy reefs, natural stone barriers, further vision of the land usage. biological measures, geosynthetical and other structures), The greater part of this area (about 70%) is currently and their realization. used as forestland. In the perspective, the whole area should 9. To initiate the development and management of be transferred to the Klaipeda City Municipality, allowing it recreational areas as a priority part of seaside town

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Table 1 Name of Strip Description Lithuanian mainland Seaside strip near the urbanized area of Klaipėda city – I seaside stripes (Pajūrio Melnragė seaside strip (1,33 km) Melnragė village, which is an important area of Melnragė – juostos… 2014) Giruliai recreational zone of Klaipeda city. Seaside strip between I and II Melnragė villages near non- Melnragė and II Melnragė strip urban part of Klaipėda city – the south-western part of (1,57 km) Giruliai forest, part of Melnragė – Giruliai recreational zone of Klaipėda city. Seaside strip near the urbanized area of Klaipėda city – II II Melnragė strip Melnragė village, which is a part of Melnragė – Giruliai (0,77 km) recreational zone of Klaipėda city. Seaside strip near the urbanized area of Klaipėda city – Giruliai village, and more northern non-urban area – a part of Giruliai Giruliai seaside strip (1,36 km) forest, an important area of Melnragė – Giruliai recreational zone of Klaipeda city. Borders with the preserved Seaside Regional Park to the north. Seaside strip between the southern Preserved areas: part of Seaside Regional Park, southern part border of the park and Dutchman’s belongs to the Kukuliškiai recreational zone, the northern part Cap cliff (2,15 km) belongs to the Duchman’s Cap Landscape Reserve Preserved areas: part of the Duchman’s Cap Landscape Dutchman’s Cap cliff strip (1,15 km) Reserve and Seaside Regional Park, near the Dutchman’s Cap cliff natural heritage site

Preserved areas: part of the Seaside Regional Park near the Karklė village strip (1,77 km) Karklė Ethno-cultural Reserve

Seaside strip between Rikinė stream Preserved areas: part of the Plazė Nature Reserve of the and Šaipiai village (4,67 km.) Seaside Regional Park

Seaside strip between Šaipiai village Seaside strip near the urbanized area of Klaipėda city – I and settlement (PRP Melnragė village, which is an important area of Melnragė – northern border) (3,24 km) Giruliai recreational zone of Klaipeda city Seaside strip between the northern Seaside strip near the little urbanized part of Palanga town – border of the Seaside Regional Park Palanga Botanical Park. and Birutė hill (2,06 km.) Seaside strip between Birutė hill and Seaside strip near the urbanized part of Palanga town. Palanga Bridge (1,53 km.) Seaside strip between Palanga Seaside strip near the urbanized part of Palanga town. Bridge and Rąžė stream (0,71 km.) Seaside strip between Rąžė stream Seaside strip near the little urbanized part of Palanga town. and Kontininkai (2,73 km.) Seaside strip between Kontininkai Seaside strip near the little urbanized part of Palanga town. and Kunigiškiai (1,39 km.) Seaside strip between Kunigiškiai Seaside strip near the little urbanized part of Palanga town. and Užkanaviai (1,98 km.) The strip of southern part of Šventoji Seaside strip near the urbanized part of Palanga town – (4,14 km.) Šventoji settlement The strip of northern part of Šventoji Seaside strip near the urbanized part of Palanga town – (2,91 km.) Šventoji settlement

Seaside strip near the little urbanized part of Palanga town – Būtingė strip (3,07 km.) Būtingė settlemet 41 Electronic version available www.sace.ktu.lt as a short-term and holiday recreation place for the entire Lithuanian population. The emerging Klaipeda marine metropolis also has quite a clear development trend, influencing the priority strengthening of the planned area’s recreational function. A great potential of recre- ational resources lies in Giruliai - Melnrage seaside strip, but the natural environment is suffering greatly from unregulated recreation flows and unhandled surface waters. During the pre-war pe- riod, this area was used for intense recreational activities; it had park spaces and villas. This is an important factor influencing the further vision of the land usage. The greater part of this area (about 70%) is currently used as forestland. In the perspective, the whole area should be transferred to the Klaipeda City Municipality, allowing it to develop intensive recreational activities. The area is being developed as an extremely important recreational zone of Klaipeda city, at- tracting high numbers of locals and people from other regions not only in summer but also in other seasons. In this area, the main short-term and long-term recreational needs of people are associated with priority use of the recreational area, which in turn is related to the quantitative, qualitative and diversification increase of the area’s recreational capabilities, and the development of adequate service infrastructure. The following steps should be taken for the Lithuanian seaside recreational territorial sys- tem to reach its full potential and qualitative development with the help of integral and effective use of natural and cultural values: To prepare a special plan for the formation of the Lithuanian marine metropolis. By renewing 1 master plans of the seaside region municipalities, to give priority to the increase of integration of marine transportation with land, and to the development of recreation and tourism areas. When planning larger public complexes, to seek their surroundings to be properly installed 2 with car parking, access roads, green spaces without large paved areas, artistic highlights and high artistic quality spaces. To equip safe and environmentally stable accesses to the sea for service vehicles and fishermen transport, as well as fishing net and boat handling and storage sites. To install parks and squares, providing spaces for recreational activities while implementing 3 design and construction of the seaside residential neighbourhoods, housing areas or districts. To develop a modern system of bicycle trails in the region, installing them in the seaside 4 resorts and towns first of all. To ensure best possible protection and development of the usage of the seaside region’s nat- 5 ural and cultural resources (Old Town of Klaipeda, Neringa and Palanga resort, seaside dune strip with beaches). To carry out regular research on the state of seaside recreational landscapes, and its change forecast. To carry out as soon as possible the developing works of marine tourism and tourism in- 6 frastructure in the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. (Construction of marine yacht ports; Entertainment Island at Giruliai; small ports in the lagoon; marine piers at Nida and Juodkrante). Regular systematic marine coastal research and management works carried out by a specially 7 established state scientific enterprise. Dune management should be transferred to the foresters. To develop a protection and maintenance programme and action plan for the Klaipeda city 8 Baltic Sea mainland coast and other seaside stripes. In order to ensure the restoration of the beach at the northern pier of the Klaipeda seaport, and the effective protection of the coastal zone, the following steps are necessary: the formation of the coastal protection infrastructure that would ensure the stability of the coast and the stabilization of the anthropogenic impact; active enforcement of the Baltic Sea mainland coastal strip; preparation of experimental projects on 42 Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering 2014/3/8

beach reconstruction, as well as coast and protective dune ridge enforcement (energy reefs, natu- ral stone barriers, biological measures, geosynthetical and other structures), and their realization. To initiate the development and management of recreational areas as a priority part of sea- 9 side town recreation, sports and entertainment business; to build high-quality minimum rec- reational beach visitor service facilities. To develop recreational service centres, rescue stations network, and to install all-year-round toilets with the necessary engineering networks. In order to significantly improve the variety of recreational services for visitors, to maintain 10 and preserve a stable natural framework, the existing character of the natural landscape, and to amplify the elements that restore and support landscape naturalness; to increase in prin- ciple the quality of the recreational area by developing theme parks, such as the Baltic Marine Ethnic Culture Forest Park. 11 To build educational nature and ecological cognitive footpaths.

Conceptual provisions of the landscaping and its management are aimed at ensuring recreational Discussion attraction, aesthetic value, recreational capacity and ecological stability of the planned area. The protection of natural and cultural values, and their rational use for cognitive and recreational purposes, as well as sustainable economic activity are combined harmoniously. Natural values and forests are handled to provide people with health benefits, instead of protecting them. Little cultural heritage values have remained in the seaside areas, but the nature of the use of part of areas is adjusted in principle under the basis of the pre-war urban structure. Strengthening of the landscape identity and cultural as well as natural authenticity is impossible without a clear and reasonable concept, the most important provision of which is the protection of the environment through the creation and use of new higher quality landscape values, and timely response to the ever-changing world. The basic principal provision of the seaside recreational territorial system of landscaping is to create a silhouette of modern and sustainable marine region, which can be observed from the sea, by shaping natural - urban hills as highlights of green coastline in the visual zone of Giruliai, II Melnrage, Melnrage, Karkle, Nemirseta, Palanga, Šventoji, etc. The most important observation decks for the seaside area are located on the back platform of the northern pier of Klaipeda and Palanga Sea Bridge. The pursued indicator of optimality (quality standard) of natural and urban landscape structure of the emerging area is a consistent transition from urban to natural space without extensively bright contrast. Integrity principle typical of resorts or resort areas is applied to the urbanized and natural landscape ratio. The research resulted in the statement that due to some constructed objects the quality of some seaside territorial landscapes is diminishing, singularity is under loss and emotional impact is weakening. The process of the formation of the harmoniuous recreational territorial system and representatory landscape framework requires adjoining of the protected territories, resorts, recreational spaces, and values of cultural heritage into united complexes. But the reality of territorial planning is that the main objectiveness is given to division into the plot areas and the elementary urban logic of the development of recreational territories is discarded. Within the settlements, public spaces are rapidly diminishing and dissappearing, green areas suffer intensive urbanisation, previously planned parks and squares are loosing their planned land sites. After the privatisation of the central part and approaches to the port of Šventoji, the ability of old port reconstruction was lost. 43 Electronic version available www.sace.ktu.lt

The territory area of Great Palanga still consists of some exceptionally valuable natural landscape complexes that must be protected from privatisation. Those include Šventoji geomorphological structures, the dune park forest of Kunigiškiai, river side park of Šventoji, recreational forests of Palanga, Nemirseta and Šventoji (Lietuvos pajūrio regiono turizmo plėtros studija 2007; Lietuvos Respublikos Pajūrio juostos įstatymas 2002).

Trends in the development of the Lithuanian seaside recreational areas, observed from 1990 to 2010, are as follows: Conclusions Extensive and unbalanced development of the recreational system in the area of the Curonian 1 Spit National Park. The losses of the unique landscape values due to natural processes, and landscaping works that are carried out ineffectively. Inefficient system of recreational services, which raises a reasonable dissatisfaction among visitors. Solutions of the National Park Master Plan do not promote the development of qualitative recreation system. Spontaneous formation of the Lithuanian marine metropolis has significant influence 2 on the urbanization development of the Western Lithuanian region. Territorial merge of Klaipeda, Palanga and cities is becoming rapid. The active zone of this process is the area extending 20-30 km radius from the city of Klaipeda. Expansion of the town areas, and disappearing borders of settlements is typical in this zone. In the further zone (60-90 km), territorial and internal extinction process in towns can be seen. Small towns near the district centres “grows” into the urban structure. Palanga resort and other seaside settlements are facing the lack of architectural coherence. 3 The absence of a unified architectural approach practically destroyed the most important historical part of the Palanga. The single point examples of the old villas (Anapilis, Kurhauzas, Šilelis, etc.) do not give the impression of specific spatial structure. System for the conservation and protection of cultural heritage turned out to be helpless against the invasion of the modern architecture objects. Recreational links between separate recreational areas are being destroyed due to 4 urbanization process. There is no space for previously planned parks; the issue of car parking is not addressed. Integrated environmental monitoring works are not carried out; there is no network of fixed reference points (landmarks) in the coastal areas. Environmental assessment reports use generalised scaled criteria, which usually do not reflect the actual condition. Poor material base of recreational research. No budget funds are allocated for important research; the scientific potential of Klaipeda University is not used in landscaping works. Successful recreation and tourism development in the Lithuanian seaside region is 5 possible, but requires the development of special plans that would help to preserve recreational potential of major areas, and to distinguish urban nodes, strategically important for the development of recreation. It is also important to ensure the functioning of regional thematic routes during the development of seaside tourism.

Grecevičius P. 1982. Pabaltijo kurortų rekreacinių Jarmalavičius D., Žilinskas G. 2007. Lietuvos žemynin- References paslaugų sistemų architektūrinis planinis organiza- io jūros kranto paplūdimių technologinis tinkamumas vimas. Daktaro disertacija. rekreacijai. Annales Geographicae 1 (40), ISSN-1822-6701. Jahrbuch der Hafenbautechnischen Gesellschaft. Lietuvos pajūrio regiono turizmo plėtros studija. 2004. Coastal Protection – State of the Art Future 2007. Lietuvos Respublikos ūkio ministerija, mokslin- Perspectives in Germany. 54. Band. Hamburg, 321 p. is tiriamasis darbas. 44 Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering 2014/3/8

Lietuvos Respublikos Pajūrio juostos įstatymas. Stauskas V. 2006. Pajūrio kraštotvarkos politika: 2002, nr. 73-3091. kryptinga sistema ar dar ne? Archiforma, 1. Lietuvos Respublikos teritorijos bendrasis planas. Stauskas V. 2012. Architectūra, aplinka, atostogos. 2002. Patvirtintas Lietuvos Respublikos Seimo 2002 Kaunas, 392 p. m. spalio 29 d. nutarimu Nr. IX–1154 Steenwegen L., Adams N. 2003.Vakarų Lietuvos re- Lynch K. 1981. A Theory of Good City Form. Cam- giono erdvinė strategija. Klaipėda. bridge, London. Vanagas J., Neniškis E. 2000. Lietuvos miestų po- Mickevičius V., Žilinskas G.. 2000. Baltijos jūros tencialas Baltijos jūros urbanistiniame kontekste. Lietuvos žemyninio kranto apsauginio paplūdimio Urbanistika ir architektūra, 2. kopagūbrio tinkamumas rekreacijai. Geografijos V. Atienė, P. Grecevičius. Rekreacinės aplinkos ar- metraštis, 33, ISSN 0132-3156. chitektūros formavimo tendencijos ir problemos Pajūrio juostos žemyninės dalies paplūdimių Lietuvos pajūrio regione. Urbanistika ir architek- rekreacijos planas. 2014. VŠĮ BALTREK, Klaipėda. tūra, Nr. 2 (24). V. technika, 1997. P. 60-66. Palangos miesto bendrasis planas iki 2015 metų (Palangos miesto bendrojo plano koncepcija iki 2025 metų). 2008.

About the PETRAS JONAS VYTAUTAS DOVILĖ authors GRECEVIČIUS ABROMAS DUBRA KALKĖ Prof. PhD student Assoc. Prof. PhD student Dept. of Architecture, Kaunas University of Dept. of Architecture, Vilnius Gediminas Design and Fine Technology. Dept. of Design and Fine Technical University. Arts. Architecture, Architecture, Design Arts. Architecture, Dept. of Architecture, Urban Planning and and Fine Arts, Klaipėda Urban Planning and Design and Fine Arts, Design Center „Baltic University. Design Center „Baltic Klaipėda University. landscapes“, Klaipėda landscapes“, Klaipėda Main research area Main research area University. University. Territory planning, Architecture, territory Main research area landscape design, Main research area planning, landscape Architecture, urban alternative energy, Hydrology, design, heritage. visual impact to the hydrotechnics, costal design, recreation Address landscape. engineering, landscape and tourism, strategic K. Donelaičio sq. 5, engineering, territory planning, humanization Address Klaipėda, Lithuania. planning. of architectural K. Donelaičio sq. 5, Tel. (8 46) 398731 environment. Klaipėda, Lithuania. Address E-mail: dovilekalke@ Address Tel. (8 46) 398731 K. Donelaičio sq. 5, gmail.com K. Donelaičio sq. 5, E-mail: Klaipėda, Lithuania. Klaipėda, Lithuania. jonasabromas@yahoo. Tel. (8 46) 398731 Tel. (8 46) 398731 com E-mail: E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]