FORMATION OF LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF URBAN MANSIONS IN THE 19TH CENTURY (USING THE EXAMPLE OF THE CITY OF POLTAVA)

Abstract

The issue of the formation of the living environment in the old urban mansions of the 19th century (using the example of Poltava) is considered in the article. It is stated that the spatial structure of the mansion of that time is the result of the influence of economic, functional, constructive, insulation, hygienic, etc. factors. Therefore, already in those days, the need to apply more flexible functional solutions capable of adapting the living space to the requirements of the time came to be understood. The material of previous researchers on this topic is briefly analyzed. This is the work of scientists, local historians, starting from the works of the 19th century. The methods used during this study are presented. The essence of the concept of “mansion” in different countries is outlined. This object of study became the new type of urban residential building, with which the townspeople's idea of their comfortable, independent, multi-room housing in the central part of the city was associated. It was found that the organization of the internal living environment of urban mansions corresponded to the life processes that took place in them. These are the everyday life needs of the owners themselves, the daily household duties of the service personnel, festive events, receptions, etc. On the basis of the identified objects of study in the city of Poltava, the algorithm for forming the living environment in mansions of the 19th century, their features were analyzed. The main emphasis in the article is on the location of the main rooms of the mansion, their formation, “relationships” and functional loads. Studies have shown that life processes in ancient mansions, although they generally proceeded in a stereotypical manner, could lead to the layering of certain functions. This contributed to the fact that some rooms of the mansions were transformed into multifunctional spaces. If necessary, they could undergo transformations to perform certain functions. Often the hall took on the functions of a living room, a playroom for owners’ children, a reception room for festive and religious ceremonies. Such functional flexibility of the hall was further enhanced by furniture and appropriate equipment. The living room (or/and reception room, “salon”, “sofa-room”, “bosquet-room”, etc.) also underwent similar transformations in the mansions. This room played the role of a room for receiving guests, quiet relaxation and card games. It is confirmed that in the 19th century, a special living environment was formed in the structure of the city mansion, associated with the life processes of their owners, an entire generation of middle-class citizens of that period. It is proven that the living environment of the mansions during the studied period underwent changes, transformations associated with its adaptation to new requirements, the wishes of its residents and challenges of the time. Ways of such adaptation were identified with the use of partitions-arcades and curtains, the inclusion of additional furniture and equipment, and their appropriate location in the mansion premises.