Reconstructive Activity in the Context of Urban Life Cycle Phases. The Case of Ukrainian Cities

Abstract

Based on the classical concept of the “Urban Life Cycle”, this study formulated the main stages of the city existence process – from its inception, through functioning (formation, three possible options for further existence – development, stabilization or stagnation) and possible death of the city. A new stage has been introduced – the revival (reconstruction) of the city – as the basis of its long cyclic existence. The study formulated the external and internal factors and prerequisites that entail the transition of the city from one phase of existence to another, as well as the forms and content of reconstructive activities at each stage of the city's life cycle. The practical part of the study was based on the analysis of the features of the life cycle and urbanization processes of Ukrainian cities with a population of more than 50 thousand people during the 19th-21st centuries. Particular attention is paid to the stage of “death” of cities. Groups of factors are formulated that can lead to the destruction and possible death of the city, namely: socio-political, natural, man-made environmental and economic. It has been established that among the factors that led to the destruction and death of hundreds of cities and towns, the most important for Ukraine are socio-political and man-made. The threats to the existence of Ukrainian cities at the present stage are analyzed in detail. The main directions of reconstructive activities and the criteria for choosing options for design solutions for the comprehensive restoration of cities in Ukraine are formulated.