The problems of public spaces in contemporary urban context as well as their historical roots are being examined. The author claims that the legacy of the past was pushed aside as well as theoretical alternatives that could change the urban planning and urban design paradigms of the last century. As soon as concept of Camillo Sitte (as alternative to visions of Le Corbusier) was ignored, the functions and role of urban public spaces has been interpreted in a simplified way. Pioneering research done by Christopher Alexander and revised by his close associate Nikos Salingaros focuses on the “pattern language“ and can be useful intellectual tool in rethinking and reconsidering the shape and role of public spaces in larger Lithuanian cities. Some contemporary examples of the formation of urban spaces taken from different locations of the world are discussed in the context of insights of Christopher Alexander and Nikos Salingaros.
Key Words: public spaces, squares, modern planning, tradition, edges of public spaces
