Krajobraz miast nadrzecznych

The author discusses the relationship between the river and town-scape in the context of management studies, spatial and urban planning and architecture. The focus is on the town's location and layout in relation to the river. The author points to the existence of the "Great Divide" between the eastern and western European civilisations, located approximately between the drainage basins of the Odra and Vistula rivers, dividing Poland into two basic zones with respect to urban planning. Over the centuries, it has influenced the foundation and layout of towns and remains a factor in their current situation. In the western zone, that is in the Odra basin, the layout of towns reflects the centuries of German influence, with some Austrian, Bohemian and Hungarian flavour. As a rule, the river has been carefully arranged and integrated into the townscape (Wrocław, Opole, Koźle, Kłodzko, Bystrzyca, Lądek). In the east, rivers have been generally neglected but the configuration of land, with towns elevated on high escarpments, contributes the picturesque quality to the panorama (Wawel in Kraków, Sandomierz, Płock). Four basic types of the town-river relationship are discussed: a big city on a big river; a large city on a small river; a small town on a big river, and a small town on a small river. The case study of Janowiec, a small town on the Vistula river, historic but poor, is discussed. Local traditions defining the layout and architecture of towns in the context of their riverside location are an important component of native culture and national identity and are particularly relevant as Poland prepares to join the EU. The author advocates interdisciplinary co-operation between urban planners, architects, engineers, and landscape architects.