<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The development of a contemporary townscape within the historical urban structures is a phenomenon of this period that has been going on in Lithuania for about 20 years. This is an ongoing process with an uncertain outcome, as the rapidly changing urban design trends require quick responses to current needs. It is necessary to modify, revise, and supplement the concepts and existing legislation accordingly. This article examines the factors leading to the emergence and formation of the modern townscape in Vilnius, as well as the documents governing the city’s development after gaining independence. It presents an evaluation of the newly established urban structures in the central part of Vilnius and identifies the challenges and problems in shaping the contemporary townscape. The results of the study allow us to identify what actions must be taken in order to form a high-quality modern townscape, starting with self-evaluation of what has been done and ending with the creation of a dynamic urban model that would respond to constantly changing needs.
</abstract>

Shaping a Modern Townscape in The City Centre Area: The Case of Vilnius

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The epistemological debate regarding the new industrial heritage paradigm from the landscape perspective has generated a number of uncertainties as well as new questions and challenges that need to be addressed, not only from a conceptual viewpoint but also via the definition of methodological approaches that facilitate the implementation in the territory in question of some of its axioms as an initial, unavoidable step towards the identification and characterisation of these landscapes. The purpose of this article is to develop a conceptual and methodological approach to the industrial landscape based on its heritage dimension. On a conceptual level, the article explores the study of these landscapes, addressing their heritage dimension and offering a synthesis of existent theories in this field with those practical instruments, regulations, recommendations, etc., that recognise their heritage value. On a methodological level, the article advances in the design of methodological keys for the analysis and identification of these landscapes by focusing on their specific nature and heritage dimension, a step that constitutes a priority task in terms of the enhancement and integrated management of the same in a manner that supports their protection and administration on the basis of heritage and cultural considerations.
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The Heritage Dimension of Industrial Landscape. Methodological Keys for Its Analysis and Identification

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The limited access to fulfilment of housing needs, inadequate availability of finance, and unaffordable housing prices are essential factors used to determine the effectiveness of housing finance policies for Low-Income Communities (MBR). This study aims to determine how <italic>SiKasep</italic>, a Housing Subsidized KPR Information System Application effectively improves housing needs fulfilment, provides access to finance, and ensures affordable houses for low-income communities. The strategies used include leadership approaches and effective communication, government support, community knowledge, participation, and policy impact. This is a quantitative and qualitative research with data collected from 55 respondents through questionnaires. The findings indicate the importance of the community’s knowledge factors, specifically on aspects of technology proficiency and economy for MBR, as an innovative approach to effective housing finance policy.
</abstract>

The Effectiveness of Housing Finance Policy Innovation for Low-Income Communities in Indonesia

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The analysis in this research focuses on folk schools, which are among the oldest educational buildings in Latvia. These schools played a significant role in the advancement of Latvian national culture and the initiation of Latvian education. Throughout history, the preservation and fate of this architectural heritage have consistently relied on socio-economic and political factors. Even in the present day, due to urbanization, school restructuring, and a lack of societal appreciation for their historical significance, these buildings remain vulnerable to complete deterioration and eventual disappearance. The historical form of folk schools as an educational network no longer exists, and today their architectural heritage serves as vanishing proof of the past, with its value primarily recognized within cultural and historical contexts. This study analyzes 114 identified folk school structures situated in two historical regions of Latvia. It delves into their construction history and architectural characteristics while elucidating the inherent risks and potential cultural significance these edifices hold in the contemporary landscape of Kurzeme and Zemgale.
</abstract>

The Architecture of Folk Schools in Latvia: Development and Stylistic Features in Kurzeme and Zemgale

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For successful and efficient participatory planning, continuous improvement and assessment of its tools is needed. The aim of this research is to summarize the methodologies, process, and results of the participatory workshops carried out within the framework of the Genius Loci project implemented in the Šančiai neighbourhood (Kaunas, Lithuania), and to draw conclusions and insights on the effectiveness, advantages, and possibilities of using urban theories and approaches, such as mental mapping, sociotope methodology, and pattern language in participatory planning tools. The possibilities of application of the design thinking approach in facilitating the process and improving user experience are also discussed. The article includes a brief introduction to the activities of the Genius Loci project with the following focus on workshops, their methodologies, processes, and outcomes from the point of view of urban theories applied. The main outcome is the summary table demonstrating features of participatory tools (workshop sessions), elements of urban theories applied, and their evaluation followed by conclusions.
</abstract>

Application of Urban Theories in Developing Participatory Planning Tools

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Architecture and Urban Planning

The annual Scientific Journal of Riga Technical University, Architecture and Urban Planning reflects most of the research themes and content of global and local problems in the regional context not only of Baltic Sea area, but also other regions in Europe, Asia, North and South America. The authors of articles are researchers and PhD students. The journal is focused on such themes as History of Architecture and Urbanism, Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage, Theories and Criticism of Architecture and Urbanism, Local and Global Tendencies in Architecture and Urban Planning, Sustainable Architecture and Urban Environment; and Landscape Architecture.  The Scientific Journal publishes articles Ahead of Print during the year and closes the issue in December.   Why subscribe and read  The journal Architecture and Urban Planning reflects most of the research themes and content of global and local problems in the context of the countries of Baltic Sea region and beyond. The journal is focused on such themes as History of Architecture and Urbanism, Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage, Theories and Criticism of Architecture and Urbanism, Local and Global Tendencies in Architecture and Urban Planning, Sustainable Architecture and Urban Environment, and Landscape Architecture.  Why submit  The Editorial board members are academics and researchers from Northern and Eastern Europe and from US. Architecture and Urban Planning is an Open Access journal. We provide comprehensive, double-blind peer review.  Rejection Rate   25%   Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 