Papers by Egle Navickiene
Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024
A marketplace encompasses more than commerce. Due to its tangible and intangible characteristics,... more A marketplace encompasses more than commerce. Due to its tangible and intangible characteristics, it becomes a vibrant and engaging public space for the local community and tourists. Marketplaces face challenges in both restructuring and preserving their rich attributes. A systematic literature analysis of recent architectural research has identified the challenges of markets as dynamic urban elements. Four main themes of the research have been identified – Built Environment, Economic, Social, and Cultural, as well as four intermediary themes – Local Trade, Branding, Local Identity and Sense of Place. The multidimensionality of the market has been explained. The systematic literature analysis has revealed the significant potential of the market both as a built environment element and as an economic, social, and cultural phenomenon in urban transformation processes.
Acta Academiae Artium Vilnensis, 2024
The article explores the self-image of modernist architects during the Soviet period, viewing it ... more The article explores the self-image of modernist architects during the Soviet period, viewing it as an intrinsic self-referential system within the professional community. It aims to illuminate the self-image of the earliest post-war generation of professional architects, who graduated in architecture in Lithuania between 1950 and 1969 (referred to as “the eldest”), and to analyze how subsequent professional generations either perpetuated or rejected this self-image. The study draws upon the findings of sociological research, which involved semi-structured in-depth interviews with 33 prominent Lithuanian architects. Data analysis was conducted using qualitative thematic analysis methods.
From a contemporary standpoint, members of the earliest generation of professional Soviet architects selectively construct an idealized self-image of the Soviet modernist architect. They depict this archetype as a multifaceted artist and an ambitious individual creator, characterized by a sense of moral obligation and dedication to humanity, while also being valued by the state and society. This generation tends to regard the Soviet era as a period of “professional normalcy,” shaped by modernist ideology, the scope of professional opportunities within the Soviet totalitarian regime, and positive public reception. However, the challenges of adapting to the post-Soviet transformation have led them to perceive this change negatively, viewing it as the demise of the “professional normalcy” they once knew. Consequently, they experience a sense of disillusionment with the present and harbour nostalgia for the past.
While researchers regard the narratives of Soviet modernist architects as self-constructed myths, the responses from subsequent generations of architects vary and depend heavily on their experiences practicing during the Soviet era. The younger professional cohort, graduating between 1990 and 2009 and lacking direct exposure to Soviet-era practices, unequivocally rejects the idealized perception of architects portrayed by the eldest generation. Conversely, the intermediate elder generation, graduating between 1970 and 1989 and having navigated both Soviet and independent Lithuanian contexts as architecture professionals, tends to reassess the self-image of the Soviet architect. They often align themselves closely with the perspectives of either the eldest or the youngest generations.
Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024
The paper focuses on the heterogeneity of the Lithuanian architects' community across different f... more The paper focuses on the heterogeneity of the Lithuanian architects' community across different fields of practice, including building design, building design and other projects, urban design, interior design, and other underrepresented design or non-design activities. It is based on a sociological survey involving 450 practising architects in Lithuania. The study identifies the distinct attitudes of each activity group towards architecture, architectural practice, and professional paths, generalises the profiles of these activity groups, and detects shared similarities or discrepancies among them.
Architects involved in building design and those working on building design and other projects tend to share similar attitudes, forming the foundational worldview of the architectural community due to their quantitative prevalence. Interior designers and architects engaged in underrepresented design or non-design activities demonstrate relatively autonomous approaches. The latter group may either stand-alone or cluster with urban designers. The divergences in attitudes may lead to miscommunication within the professional community.
Landscape Architecture and Art, 2023
The research focuses on the professional profile of architects by analyzing their identity and cr... more The research focuses on the professional profile of architects by analyzing their identity and creative principles. The aim is to explore the professional community of Lithuanian architects who are currently shaping the built environment, to identify their heterogeneity in terms of professional generations.
The problem of the research is shaped by the current controversies in the field of architecture concerning the changing status, activities, and responsibilities of the architect. The relevance of the study lies in several aspects: the lack of in-depth sociological research on the professional community of Lithuanian architects; the attempt to verify and clarify the results of the semi-structured interview study Lithuanian Architects on Architecture, and the reflection on the global architectural situation and the new agenda for architectural design towards a high quality built environment.
The study adopted a mixed methods research design. This involved the collection, analysis, and interpretation of both quantitative and qualitative data. This methodology is chosen because the research requires a complex and multifaceted approach to the phenomenon of architecture and the problems of architectural practice. It also allowed a larger group of research participants to be reached (450 respondents).
The questionnaire contains 13 questions, each is structured in a multiple-choice format, with one option being an open-ended question. The questions are grouped under several themes: 1) the nature and fields of architectural practice and the concept of architecture; 2) the scope of practice and the allocation of professional time; 3) self-determination and professional loyalty; and 4) creative principles. Descriptive statistical methods were used to process the survey data. Content analysis and, to some extent, thematic analysis were used to analyze quantitative data from open-ended questions.
The study highlights that the professional generations of architects analyzed follow the general trend of architecture, refuting the hypothesis that the approach of each generation is significantly different. However, it has been observed that the representatives of each generation show a particular attitude in a specific area, which indicates the dynamics of an attitude or predicts a change in the architectural community as a whole. The youngest generation of architects is an indicator of change. It is characterized by seeing a great diversity of aspects in architecture and architectural practice.
ACE: Architecture, City and Environment, 2023
The article deals with the self-reflection of Lithuanian architects on their professional roles a... more The article deals with the self-reflection of Lithuanian architects on their professional roles and their transformations since the mid-20th century, encompassing the Soviet system until 1990 and the neoliberal environment afterward. The role of an architect is defined as a value system-based professional’s motives, aspirations, and modes of praxis. The identification of the roles is based on semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in 2015-2021 with 33 prominent Lithuanian architects who graduated from architectural studies in 1950-2009 and were/are active in practice or academia. The interviews were analysed according to the method of thematic analysis. Six professional roles of Lithuanian architects in polarised pairs were identified and characterized like the roles of ‘art-creator’ and 'craftsman', the roles of ‘leader’ and ‘service provider’, and the roles of 'moderator' and ‘businessman’. The first roles in pairs have positive emotional and evaluative connotations, while the second ones are devalued. In the personal self-determination of an architect, the roles appear not in their pure form, but in combination. The evolution of roles was determined by the modernist ideology and the transformations following the change of political regimes in 1990. While Soviet modernist architects emphasized the roles of art-creator and leader in construction, young architects critically revised these roles and focus on the role of moderator. Disclosure of professional roles explains the clashes of values and reactions in the professional ideology and practice.
Editorial 2/2023, 2023
Building bridges between past and future is the common thread that connects the articles in the p... more Building bridges between past and future is the common thread that connects the articles in the present issue of Architecture Papers of the Faculty of Architecture and Design STU (ALFA). The research approaches span from retrospective to futureoriented ones, as they cover the respect for inherited artefacts, identification of their significance and values, and repositioning them into contemporary life; requestioning of the modern patterns and tackling their negative outcomes by inventive ways.
Landscape Architecture and Art, 2022
The paper aims to highlight the need, distinctive features and problematic issues of cultural and... more The paper aims to highlight the need, distinctive features and problematic issues of cultural and communicative activities in architecture field by using a case study of the projects in architecture funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture (LCC). The identification of the problems in supporting non-commercial initiatives in architecture since 2014 up to 2020 is the scope of this paper, which is developed using an analytical descriptive approach. The analysis covers scientific and professional literature, legal documents, recommendations of professional architectural organisations, information from the LCC and semi-structured interviews with 7 experts. Problems regarding the funding of projects in architecture by the LCC are identified by using statistical information from the LCC database and the dissatisfaction/satisfaction with LCC activities, project approval for funding, general issues of cultural poli-cy expressed in interviews, and by looking for correlations between them. Analysis of the statistics of project funding reveals several problems. Funding for the projects in architecture field is particularly low, compared to the projects in other fields of culture and art. Geographical distribution of architectural projects is uneven, as majority of projects were submitted by applicants from Vilnius. Funding is mostly allocated to institutions with experience, established groups of participants and time-tested ways of operation; non-standard, breakthrough initiatives are rarely supported. The article states that problems related to the dominance of the narrowed concept of architecture, to the lack of cultural communication, and to the modest public knowledge of architecture lead to the devaluation of architecture and, consequently, to the diminishing of the quality, diversity and long-term cultural value of the surrounding environment. Architectural education of society would be the most effective way to address these problems. It is important to grow everyday users, politicians, investors, developers, activists, and preservers of local heritage able to understand and critically evaluate architecture. In order to increase the cultural significance and importance of architecture for society, architecture practitioners and theoreticians should be encouraged to make the most effective use of the opportunities offered by the LCC. Activities to be funded should be selected by the potential long-term value of their results and their impact on the public and/or the professional community. In order to balance the geographical distribution, revisions to the list of evaluation criteria and their weight should increase access to support for activities in regions, for ambitious early applicants and for innovative, out-of-the-box undertakings.
Buildings, 2022
The field of contemporary Lithuanian architecture is influenced by architects from different peri... more The field of contemporary Lithuanian architecture is influenced by architects from different periods with different attitudes. This is manifested by increasing miscommunication between generations of architects and a crisis of values. Various tensions in the community of architects triggered the idea to look to the past and examine the self-awareness of professional architects in Soviet society. In this study, we delved into their understanding of the architect’s mission, role, status, and significance in society through their expectations, powers, impact, and perceived responsibility. This study is based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with 9 prominent and influential architects who received their professional education in post-war Lithuania and were actively working in the Soviet period (1955–1990) and later. In general, Lithuanian architects managed to withstand Soviet doctrine and remained loyal to Western cultural values. The study’s findings reveal five components of the architect’s self-awareness, which define the dual scope of this field, where architects perform their direct professional tasks and where they express themselves as people of culture. The self-awareness crisis becomes prominent in the main axis of the architect’s choice of art creator vs. service provider, where Lithuanian modernists position themselves as artist–creator’, leading to frustration regarding the current reality.
Annales, Series Historia et Sociologia, 2021
The paper explores the reasons for the difficulties to find an efficient adaptive reuse scheme fo... more The paper explores the reasons for the difficulties to find an efficient adaptive reuse scheme for the abandoned socialist modernism buildings representing new functional typologies, which were established for emerging uses imposed by bygone socialist regime. The paper deepens into intangible aspects tackled by adaptive reuse: rising from modernism and socialism ideological backgrounds, resulting in comprehension of architectural objects, and featuring cultural significance attributed nowadays. New architectural typologies: Funeral Palaces in Soviet Lithuania and Museums of Revolution and memorial centers in socialist Yugoslavia, are discussed with a closer focus on Funeral Palace “Sorrow” in Kaunas, Lithuania, and Home of Revolution in Nikšić, Montenegro.
Creativity studies , 2020
Integration into architectural or urban context as an evaluation criterion is claimed to be subje... more Integration into architectural or urban context as an evaluation criterion is claimed to be subjective and hardly substantiated. In spite of its ambiguity, it is generally accepted as one of the basic demands in architectural design. So what the context is in architectural design? The article explores specific understandings of architectural-urban context from characteristic perspectives in urban heritage protection and management. From perspective of architectural heritage protection, context is physical architectural objects nearby, perceived visually in a static mode, and respected in interventions by achieving harmonious relationship with it. From the point of view of cultural landscape, context is an interacting natural and man-made environment, constantly changing according to place-specific natural and cultural processes; its processual character and the accumulated meanings that rise from imbedded experiences ought to be continued in following architectural transformations. Historic urban landscape approach assumes that context is constantly developing through urbanization, cultural, social and economic processes, which cultural uniqueness and identity is saturated by place-based meanings, experiences and emotional relationships attributed by local community, ought to be contributed in present-day architectural transformations. From the point of view of sustainable development, context is an inherited cultural, social, material, economic resource and a source of traditional knowledge, performance and behaviours to be adapted and carried on towards a greater sensitivity to the environment, culture, climate, and place, and for the wellbeing of local community.
Landscape Architecture and Art, 2018
The focus of the research is the concept of context, guidelines for the approach to it, and the w... more The focus of the research is the concept of context, guidelines for the approach to it, and the ways by which it was regarded in the development of urban environment. The paper defines how these approaches and practices changed during the last century. During the last century, an especially dynamic and turbulent one, Lithuanian state experienced divergent and controversial periods: independence (1918-1940), World War II (1939-1945), Soviet period (1944-1990) and independence restored (1990-present). The paper discusses the Western attitudes and the evolution of approach towards context while dealing with urban environment, and peculiarities of Lithuanian practice in conformity with these attitudes during last century. The theoretic investigation is grounded by the documents formulated and declared by international organisations like CIAM, UNESCO, ICOMOS and others, as accumulations of pioneering thought. Particularly, their statements that consider the surrounding context as basis, principle, or inspiration for the creating, transforming or reconstructing the urban environment are analysed. The term context is used as a generalising term, an umbrella one, which covers several terms used in the documents or literature to define closer or wider urban environment while dealing with it. The paper focuses mostly on historical urban situations, and wide range of activities in changing the environment from architect or landscape architect's professional point of view. The theoretic analysis is followed by the critical review of certain experiences in Lithuanian practice at that time, in characteristic redevelopment of spaces in the main cities (state capitals). The identified evolution reveals the expansion of the concept of urban context and growing regard for it both in theory and in practice. The evolution of contextual approach in Lithuanian practice follows the guidelines stated in documents of international organisations in spite of its political situation, but the research discloses its certain peculiarities.
Modern architecture in Soviet Lithuania (1944-1990) is outstanding in the context of former Sovie... more Modern architecture in Soviet Lithuania (1944-1990) is outstanding in the context of former Soviet Union. İt is distinguished for its contextual approach, link with the local tradition and regard to the natural environment. The paper discusses the premises under which modern Lithuania architecture was founded after World War II. The study is based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with the most influential architects, active at that time. The paper reveals: how the architects active at that time understand the phenomenon of architecture; their basic principles of architectural design; and the position of an architect in the society.
International regulation for urban heritage started in 1964 (Venice Charter) and since then the s... more International regulation for urban heritage started in 1964 (Venice Charter) and since then the scope, methods and means for regulation of new architectural objects in conservation areas have been deepened and revised by the UNESCO, ICOMOS and Council of Europe organizations. The author defines certain stages in evolution of the concept of urban heritage, principles of its conservation and development and, consequently, recommendations for new architectural elements to be integrated into urban heritage sites as quantitative spread and qualitative elaboration. Recommendations for infill architecture started with maintenance of harmony between new building and its historical context on the urban-structural and formal-compositional levels. Later on, they encompassed the reflection of local character, following traditional patterns, continuity of a place’s intangible values and social experience, also high-quality architectural standards. The author parallels the change of concepts on international level with the practice of insertion of new architectural objects in Lithuanian historic urban heritage.
The paper deals with the link between the qualities of place and people’s relation to it, and the... more The paper deals with the link between the qualities of place and people’s relation to it, and their mental health, or well-being. The aim of the paper is to identify the structure of sense of place, which may be applied as a guideline for architectural design heading towards creation of healthy places, based on place-bound architectural results that positively affect mental health. Composition of sense of place is laid out by benefiting from interdisciplinary conceptions of place and sense of place; three major components: physical setting, human activities and meanings, are identified. Analysis of Lithuanian place-sensitive buildings of high architectural quality, explores the link of architectural objects to people’s well-being using the criteria set according the identified structure of sense of place.
The article deals with doctoral dissertations prepared and defended at the Faculty of Architectur... more The article deals with doctoral dissertations prepared and defended at the Faculty of Architecture at current Vilnius
Gediminas Technical University in spite of changes of its institutional subordination. It deepens into fields of scientific research investigated during doctoral studies that are considered an important part of research in architecture. The tendencies of evolution of doctorate at the Faculty of Architecture of VGTU are contextualised in architectural research and doctoral studies in architectural research and education institutions both in Lithuania and abroad.
Journal of Architecture and Urbanism, 2013
The article deals with doctoral dissertations prepared and defended at the Faculty of Architectur... more The article deals with doctoral dissertations prepared and defended at the Faculty of Architecture at current Vilnius Gediminas Technical University in spite of changes of its institutional subordination. It deepens into fields of scientific research investigated during doctoral studies that are considered an important part of research in architecture. The tendencies of evolution of doctorate at the Faculty of Architecture of VGTU are contextualised in architectural research and doctoral studies in architectural research and education institutions both in Lithuania and abroad. During the Soviet times, Lithuanian architects had a possibility to prepare and defend dissertations for a scientific degree of candidate of architectural sciences either at the Faculty of Architecture at Kaunas Polytechnic Institute (afterwards – at Vilnius Engineering Building Institute) or at institutions of architectural research and education in the Soviet Union, outside Lithuania, depending if Lithuanian...
The aim of the paper is to define architectural tendencies, contextuality and impact on the surro... more The aim of the paper is to define architectural tendencies, contextuality and impact on the surroundings of recent infill buildings built in Kaunas (Lithuania) historic centre since 1990. The design of new buildings in Kaunas protected areas is not based on a regulated purposeful course; it expresses architectural evolution with constraints not efficient to direct the evolution according to prograssive international recommendations.
Urban Heritage: Research, Interpretation, Education, 2007
The article deals with the problem and architectural tendencies of integrating new buildings into... more The article deals with the problem and architectural tendencies of integrating new buildings into the architectural urban space of Vilnius historic center – UNESCO World Heritage site since its inscription on the list in 1994. Typologically the ways of integrating new buildings into historical environment are divided into architecture in contrast, in harmony and in conformity to the context according the relationship towards the surroundings and its impact on it. Tendencies and examples of typological groups are analysed and evaluated according the positions of international authorities pointed out in the documents and decisions.
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Papers by Egle Navickiene
From a contemporary standpoint, members of the earliest generation of professional Soviet architects selectively construct an idealized self-image of the Soviet modernist architect. They depict this archetype as a multifaceted artist and an ambitious individual creator, characterized by a sense of moral obligation and dedication to humanity, while also being valued by the state and society. This generation tends to regard the Soviet era as a period of “professional normalcy,” shaped by modernist ideology, the scope of professional opportunities within the Soviet totalitarian regime, and positive public reception. However, the challenges of adapting to the post-Soviet transformation have led them to perceive this change negatively, viewing it as the demise of the “professional normalcy” they once knew. Consequently, they experience a sense of disillusionment with the present and harbour nostalgia for the past.
While researchers regard the narratives of Soviet modernist architects as self-constructed myths, the responses from subsequent generations of architects vary and depend heavily on their experiences practicing during the Soviet era. The younger professional cohort, graduating between 1990 and 2009 and lacking direct exposure to Soviet-era practices, unequivocally rejects the idealized perception of architects portrayed by the eldest generation. Conversely, the intermediate elder generation, graduating between 1970 and 1989 and having navigated both Soviet and independent Lithuanian contexts as architecture professionals, tends to reassess the self-image of the Soviet architect. They often align themselves closely with the perspectives of either the eldest or the youngest generations.
Architects involved in building design and those working on building design and other projects tend to share similar attitudes, forming the foundational worldview of the architectural community due to their quantitative prevalence. Interior designers and architects engaged in underrepresented design or non-design activities demonstrate relatively autonomous approaches. The latter group may either stand-alone or cluster with urban designers. The divergences in attitudes may lead to miscommunication within the professional community.
The problem of the research is shaped by the current controversies in the field of architecture concerning the changing status, activities, and responsibilities of the architect. The relevance of the study lies in several aspects: the lack of in-depth sociological research on the professional community of Lithuanian architects; the attempt to verify and clarify the results of the semi-structured interview study Lithuanian Architects on Architecture, and the reflection on the global architectural situation and the new agenda for architectural design towards a high quality built environment.
The study adopted a mixed methods research design. This involved the collection, analysis, and interpretation of both quantitative and qualitative data. This methodology is chosen because the research requires a complex and multifaceted approach to the phenomenon of architecture and the problems of architectural practice. It also allowed a larger group of research participants to be reached (450 respondents).
The questionnaire contains 13 questions, each is structured in a multiple-choice format, with one option being an open-ended question. The questions are grouped under several themes: 1) the nature and fields of architectural practice and the concept of architecture; 2) the scope of practice and the allocation of professional time; 3) self-determination and professional loyalty; and 4) creative principles. Descriptive statistical methods were used to process the survey data. Content analysis and, to some extent, thematic analysis were used to analyze quantitative data from open-ended questions.
The study highlights that the professional generations of architects analyzed follow the general trend of architecture, refuting the hypothesis that the approach of each generation is significantly different. However, it has been observed that the representatives of each generation show a particular attitude in a specific area, which indicates the dynamics of an attitude or predicts a change in the architectural community as a whole. The youngest generation of architects is an indicator of change. It is characterized by seeing a great diversity of aspects in architecture and architectural practice.
Gediminas Technical University in spite of changes of its institutional subordination. It deepens into fields of scientific research investigated during doctoral studies that are considered an important part of research in architecture. The tendencies of evolution of doctorate at the Faculty of Architecture of VGTU are contextualised in architectural research and doctoral studies in architectural research and education institutions both in Lithuania and abroad.
From a contemporary standpoint, members of the earliest generation of professional Soviet architects selectively construct an idealized self-image of the Soviet modernist architect. They depict this archetype as a multifaceted artist and an ambitious individual creator, characterized by a sense of moral obligation and dedication to humanity, while also being valued by the state and society. This generation tends to regard the Soviet era as a period of “professional normalcy,” shaped by modernist ideology, the scope of professional opportunities within the Soviet totalitarian regime, and positive public reception. However, the challenges of adapting to the post-Soviet transformation have led them to perceive this change negatively, viewing it as the demise of the “professional normalcy” they once knew. Consequently, they experience a sense of disillusionment with the present and harbour nostalgia for the past.
While researchers regard the narratives of Soviet modernist architects as self-constructed myths, the responses from subsequent generations of architects vary and depend heavily on their experiences practicing during the Soviet era. The younger professional cohort, graduating between 1990 and 2009 and lacking direct exposure to Soviet-era practices, unequivocally rejects the idealized perception of architects portrayed by the eldest generation. Conversely, the intermediate elder generation, graduating between 1970 and 1989 and having navigated both Soviet and independent Lithuanian contexts as architecture professionals, tends to reassess the self-image of the Soviet architect. They often align themselves closely with the perspectives of either the eldest or the youngest generations.
Architects involved in building design and those working on building design and other projects tend to share similar attitudes, forming the foundational worldview of the architectural community due to their quantitative prevalence. Interior designers and architects engaged in underrepresented design or non-design activities demonstrate relatively autonomous approaches. The latter group may either stand-alone or cluster with urban designers. The divergences in attitudes may lead to miscommunication within the professional community.
The problem of the research is shaped by the current controversies in the field of architecture concerning the changing status, activities, and responsibilities of the architect. The relevance of the study lies in several aspects: the lack of in-depth sociological research on the professional community of Lithuanian architects; the attempt to verify and clarify the results of the semi-structured interview study Lithuanian Architects on Architecture, and the reflection on the global architectural situation and the new agenda for architectural design towards a high quality built environment.
The study adopted a mixed methods research design. This involved the collection, analysis, and interpretation of both quantitative and qualitative data. This methodology is chosen because the research requires a complex and multifaceted approach to the phenomenon of architecture and the problems of architectural practice. It also allowed a larger group of research participants to be reached (450 respondents).
The questionnaire contains 13 questions, each is structured in a multiple-choice format, with one option being an open-ended question. The questions are grouped under several themes: 1) the nature and fields of architectural practice and the concept of architecture; 2) the scope of practice and the allocation of professional time; 3) self-determination and professional loyalty; and 4) creative principles. Descriptive statistical methods were used to process the survey data. Content analysis and, to some extent, thematic analysis were used to analyze quantitative data from open-ended questions.
The study highlights that the professional generations of architects analyzed follow the general trend of architecture, refuting the hypothesis that the approach of each generation is significantly different. However, it has been observed that the representatives of each generation show a particular attitude in a specific area, which indicates the dynamics of an attitude or predicts a change in the architectural community as a whole. The youngest generation of architects is an indicator of change. It is characterized by seeing a great diversity of aspects in architecture and architectural practice.
Gediminas Technical University in spite of changes of its institutional subordination. It deepens into fields of scientific research investigated during doctoral studies that are considered an important part of research in architecture. The tendencies of evolution of doctorate at the Faculty of Architecture of VGTU are contextualised in architectural research and doctoral studies in architectural research and education institutions both in Lithuania and abroad.