URBAN CREATIVE SPACES: FROM SOCIAL PREREQUISITES TO PRINCIPLES OF FORMATION

Abstract

The article examines the specifics of creativity as a social phenomenon that dictates new forms of modern people economics, communication and self-realization. The key stages in the creative spaces' development as the creative industries material embodiment in the urban environment are outlined: from the spontaneous familiarization of abandoned industrial zones by artists at the beginning of the 20th century to the holistic concept formation and global dissemination in the 21st century. The economic, social, urbanistic, institutional and technological prerequisites that contribute to the urban creative spaces’ development are identified. The main trends in their organization have been identified based on the design experience analysis: theming with the unique cultural environment formation; the creative clusters’ creation based on the “city within a city” principle; multifunctionality and experimentation with formats; the degrading and empty territories activation using the site’s resources; the connection between the place and its history and heritage, the “spirit of the place” - the project concept basis; art and landscape design integration to create a unique look. The principles of the urban creative spaces’ socio-spatial organization are formulated: multifunctionality, openness, individuality, uniqueness, emotional involvement, climatic adaptability, which are aimed at preserving the place identity, improving the urban environment quality, creating conditions for the territories’ sustainable development and activating the city’s planning districts' cultural and business activity. Theoretical models for the creative spaces’ formation in different urban planning situations and methods of integration into the modern city context are proposed.