Looking for the Fusion of Cultural Environment and Modernity in a Cityscape: Western Gate in Jelgava

Abstract

The research is based on the examination of the cityscape transformation processes and a search for the fusion of the cultural and historical space and the trends of contemporary modernism in architecture. Over the last three centuries, Jelgava (Mitau), the capital of the former Dutchy of Courland, has changed the height, the density and the structure of its building. The process of transformation was determined by crisis situations in the state, by rapid growth of the trade and domestic economy, as well as by the period of state independence and downfall of the national economy. Splendour and misery of the city has raised and destroyed houses, parks and churches in Jelgava.The historical map of the city originates in the beginning of the 18th century on the left bank of the Lielupe River with a linear building canvas formed by small wooden houses and a net of dirt roads. During the 19th-20th centuries, the city is developing radially around the ancient central built-up area, sketching the structure of the city map based on the network of the trading routes: the Western gate – Dobele, the Northern gate – sea, the Southern gate – Lithuania. The East is a crossing point to reach Jelgava Palace. The direction to Riga led along the river, as the eastern part was a marshland.