Unfolding the Life of a Townhouse. Exploring 18th - 19th Century Townhouses in Aizpute City

Abstract

Every city possesses its own spatial appearance, a history that has influenced and shaped it, and the people who inhabit it. Various changes are inevitable, continuously occurring, with some being more noticeable than others. This research includes three historic townhouses located in the city of Aizpute, which were left behind but have fortunately been acquired in recent years. By analyzing the historical plans of all three buildings over different time periods and other available evidence, such as photographs, façade drawings, research materials, and the current layout, common characteristics of city Aizpute are revealed. The author found it particularly interesting to identify possible corelations between different time periods and how they influenced both the functional zoning and the overall appearance of the townhouses. Equally compelling was the characterization of current spatial needs and the present situation of the city. Notably, each of these buildings has a different future, each reflecting the diverse needs of the contemporary world.