Estetika Urbanistikoje: Camillo Sitte Įžvalgos
Aesthetics in Urban Planning: Insights of Camillo Sitte

Summary/Abstract: The author of the article discusses the concept of urban planning that was offered by Austrian architect Camillo Sitte at the turn of the last century. During this period and under the pressure of modernist imperatives, the leading urban planners were captured by urban megalomania and demonstrated anindifference to urban heritage and to the principles of aesthetics. The aesthetical dimension of Sitte’s thinking is scrutinized and his concept of urban planning is interpreted as strikingly up to date and modern. The author suggests that Sitte’s role in the history of urban planning still remains somewhat underrated because such influential authors as historian Carl E. Schorske or renowned architect Le Corbusier have drafted a one-sided and often unjust interpretation of Sitte’s theoretical assumptions. The author emphasizes the potential of Sitte’s approach. The author also mentions George R. Collins and Christiane Craseman Collins who consider the Austrian architect as adequately modern and thus extremely urgent in the present discussions on urban planning. Further reconsideration of the legacy of Camillo Sitte can enrich urban studies and be of great help when drafting holistic attitudes toward urban heritage and contemporary planning practices both in Lithuania and other countries who face many urban dilemmas.

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