Environment as a factor of the spatial organizations of the big city (on the example of the city of Kharkiv)

Abstract

Organization of the big urban spatial system is a difficult process which depends on environment, population, settlement, production specialization, economic activity, etc. Environment, in our opinion, is a primary factor.

The main purpose of the article is the social and geographical analysis of environment of Kharkiv city for definition of their influence on formation of the spatial urban organization.

Relief, river system, climatic conditions, soils, flora and fauna of the area as components of the environment have significant impact on the features of the urban environment formation. The flat city relief in Kharkiv and straight gullies and ravines are favorable factors for creating urban space optimized system. Relatively smooth surface allows construction of any architectural designs without the probability of further destruction due to adverse natural conditions. A large number of rivers in the city have  a great influence on the formation of its spatial organization. Rivers in the city are used for drinking, agricultural water supply, fishing, recreation and irrigation. The zone of high pressure of Voyeykov-Brounov crossing the city forms the stable weather and the absence of strong winds, which allows high-rise construction of buildings and reduces the likelihood of natural disasters. Soils territory is favorable for farming in the city and suburban areas. Forest-steppe flora and fauna are changing through human impact.

Natural conditions of the city of Kharkiv allow to generate an optimal urban structure.