The dilogy of Klaipėda's urban development I. Shaping or preserving the historical image of the port city

Abstract

The paper explores the transformation of urban image in the context of global cities, focusing on Klaipėda, Lithuania’s only ice-free seaport and a historically multi-layered urban area. The research addresses the challenge of maintaining local identity amid globalization and historical disruptions that altered urban development trajectories in the mid-20th century. These changes often led to the loss or radical transformation of cities’ visual and structural identities. The study investigates how Klaipėda’s image, historically shaped by its fortress origins, timber trade, and later port functions, is evolving today. The first impression of the city, especially for cruise passengers arriving via the Curonian Lagoon, is dominated by industrial port elements rather than its historical core. However, recent transformations – such as revitalization of industrial areas and the reconstruction of the castle tower in 2024 – signal a shift toward re-establishing historical identity. Research methods include long-term urban structure analysis, review of territorial planning documents, and application of a tested methodology for assessing urban landscapes and their relationship with new developments. The authors also draw on Lithuanian and international sources and their professional experience, complemented by feasibility studies conducted in 2022–2023. Results reveal that the southern horn at the mouth of the Danė River, a strategic entry point, plays a crucial role in shaping Klaipėda’s identity. The analysis identifies principles for harmonizing heritage preservation with contemporary development, emphasizing the concept of “protect by developing.” Conclusions and recommendations advocate for a balanced approach: neither rigid preservation nor unrestricted transformation, but a strategy that integrates historical elements with new urban forms. This approach can strengthen Klaipėda’s unique identity within the global network of port cities, ensuring that development enhances rather than erases its historical character.