The current image of the city of Yerevan (Armenia) through the study of urban spaces

Abstract

[EN] Yerevan is one of the most important administrative and economic centers of the Republic of Armenia. Carrying the title of the capital city, Yerevan is considered to be the business card of the country. Through the years of prosperity and hardships, the capital has undergone numerous urban changes that altered its image. Therefore, the objective of this study is the illustration of overall changes in the image of the capital through the study of urban spaces of the central Kentron district of the city, focusing the analysis on the historical center, its evolution and development from the Soviet period. Current research is mainly focused on the spatial pattern related analysis of the city, in particular, on the physical environment. The methodological approach of the present study was inspired by the analysis conducted by Kevin Lynch (1960). Focusing on the analysis of the image of the city, the author portrayed a comprehensive vision of urban identity in spatial planning and city designing. Following the method, official documents (including master plans, cartographic data, areal images, etc.) were reviewed. Then, combining them with the direct observation of the elements composing the city (paths, edges, nodes, districts, and landmarks) and its historical overview, the analysis of the current urban structure and urbanistic evolution shaping the capital was given.