Urban space and architecture: expression of cultural peculiarities of the epoch

Abstract

The article explores the influence of cultural, social, and economic factors on the appearance of contemporary cities, with a particular fo- cus on architecture as a means of shaping urban space. Attention is drawn to the multifaceted nature of cities, where architecture becomes not just a visual element but also a reflection of historical, social, and cultural contexts. The authors analyze theories of space production proposed by Rudolf Arnheim and Henri Lefebvre, which emphasize the interaction between humans and space. These theories help to understand how architecture not only creates a physical environment but also shapes social relationships and identity. Special emphasis is placed on the differences between modernist and postmodernist approaches to urban planning. Modernism seeks universality and functionality, while postmodernism stresses diversity and context, which is manifested in less structured and more inclusive urban spaces. An example considered is the “Luzhkov style” in the architecture of Moscow in the 1990s, which illustrates how architectural forms can express specific cultural phenomena and social changes arising during a transition period. Moscow’s architecture reflects not only the aesthetic and stylistic requirements and preferences of a particular historical era but also the social and cultural conditions that contributed to the formation of certain styles and movements. Drawing on previous research into Moscow architecture that emerged at the intersection of epochs, the authors examine the mechanisms of structuring and fixing cultural phenomena through means of architecture and urban planning. Examples of buildings and public spaces demonstrate how architecture adapts to new conditions and societal expectations. The authors conclude that urban space is constantly changing under the influence of socio-economic and cultural conditions. Architecture, in turn, serves as an important tool for expressing these changes, allowing urban dwellers to perceive, identify with, and interact with their surrounding environment. Thus, architecture becomes not only a backdrop for life but also an active participant in social processes. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the applicability of such analysis to the architecture of any cities and historical periods, which significantly enhances the potential for studying the specificity of cities and their identities. The aspects discussed are crucial for understanding the dynamics of urbanism and forming a more humanistic approach to architectural design.