Analysis of the territorial structure of the urban landscape of Chuhuiv for the needs of green and blue infrastructure implementation

Abstract

The aim of the study is to study the territorial organization of the urban landscape of Chuhuiv with a view to further optimising the territory by means of green and blue infrastructure

Main material. The study of the territorial organization of urban landscapes in the city of Chuhuiv is based on the analysis of anthropogenically transformed geocomplexes that combine natural and artificial components. Urban areas require a special approach to the study of their structural organization, as the combination of anthropogenic and natural factors creates a complex system of interactions. Small towns in Ukraine, despite their greater prevalence, are less studied areas of the urban landscape, yet they still retain certain features of the natural landscape, are less anthropogenically transformed, and have significant potential for nature-based solutions.

The results of the study of the territorial structure of the urban landscape showed that the city is dominated by the settlement type of low-rise buildings, with a significant potential for the recreational type of landscape, which is due to both the natural conditions of the study area and the lack of continuous development. It is the presence of recreational types within the settlement type that provides the basis for the creation of green infrastructure facilities to optimize the city structure and ensure sustainable development of the urban environment.

Conclusions. The analysis of the territorial structure of the urban landscape of Chuhuiv has shown significant functional and spatial heterogeneity, which is a key factor for the implementation of green and blue infrastructure. Residential development covers more than 30% of the territory, which creates prerequisites for the integration of green areas, but the high share of beligerative (17.4%) and industrial (10.5%) areas limits the possibilities for the spatial development of recreational areas. Despite the significant share of recreational areas (23%), only 7.33% of the total city area is covered by publicly accessible green areas, which is insufficient to create a high-quality urban environment. The development of green and blue infrastructure should be based on the expansion of recreational areas, creation of green corridors along transport routes, and reclamation of industrial and brownfield sites, which will help to increase the city’s environmental sustainability and improve living conditions.