Spatial-Functional Transformations Along the Main Roads of a City: The Case of Kyiv

Abstract

The article is aimed at the analysis of the development of the city of Kyiv along the linear main roads and the identification of the related spatial-functional transformations. As a result of the city’s spatial development and growth, numerous functional transformations are taking place. They are manifested differently in different urban zones and sectors – from the centre to the periphery and at the same time in different directions. The main roads diverging from the central business district to the city outskirts and further to the suburbs usually become the key axes of transformations. The study of spatial-functional transformations along the main roads of the city is stemmed from the studies on the justification of urban space zoning (functional zoning), identification of their features and ways to improve them, analysis of various transformations of the urban space and problems of spatial expansion of the city along the highways. Two Kyiv’s linear main roads from the city centre to the periphery and nearby suburbs were chosen as research cases – in the western direction (Lesia Ukrainka Boulevard – Taras Shevchenko Boulevard – Beresteysky Avenue) and in the south-eastern direction (Mykola Bazhan Avenue – Boryspilske Highway). The research involves a combination of both observations and GIS analysis and mapping. The article claims that the differently directed linear main roads in Kyiv have a different characteristics of concentration and spatial scale of functional zones, their combination and degree of fragmentation, different specifics of the formation of local gravity centres, which is caused both by the nature of the city's development, planning shortcomings of the previous period, and current urban planning restrictions. Closer to the city centre, there is an increase in multi-functionality and functional fragmentation of space along the main roads. Industrial spaces located closer to the periphery are transforming mainly into residential spaces with varying degrees of combination with administrative-office and service functions. In the nearby suburbs, manifestations of urban sprawl are observed as a result of primarily residential and commercial suburbanisation.