The Relationship Between Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Architecture in Small Settlements

It is common to analyze the issue of the relationship between new architecture and architectural heritage with regard to the old town of large cities. However, the issue is no less present in small settlements and villages. It is most apparent, in particular, in those areas where ethnic architecture has remained due to survival and preservation. The settlements of this kind are situated mainly in the national and regional parks. Moreover, these areas have the most spectacular nature landscapes. These areas face the pressure of new hotels, new private villas and other tourism-oriented architecture. Neringa, situated in the Curonian Spit National Park, has been chosen as a research site for analyzing the issue of harmonizing architecture. The aspects of interaction in architectural are as follows: 1) location; 2) volumes and forms; 3) building materials; 4) colours. The article gives both the positive and negative examples from the period of 1960 to 2004. It also stresses that architecture and its character are part of national culture. Culture warrants the preservation of national identity in the current context of Europeanization and globalization. The cultural relicts of the ancient Curonian tribes from the Lithuanian seaside are one of such preserving elements, which represent the ancient marine culture of all the Balts (Lithuanians, Latvians, Prussians)Vytauto Didžiojo universiteta