FUNCTIONAL DEGRADATION OF URBAN GREENERY AS A FACTOR IN THE DETERIORATION OF ARCHITECTURAL AND URBAN ENVIRONMENT QUALITY UNDER BUILDING DENSIFICATION

Abstract

The article considers the problem of functional degradation of urban greenery under conditions of building densification. Urban greenery is interpreted not only as a decorative element of improvement, but as a component of the architectural and urban environment that influences pedestrian comfort, thermal safety, recreational use, visual perception and the everyday quality of public and residential spaces. The relevance of the topic is related to the gradual replacement of mature trees and coherent green structures with fragmented or formal landscaping elements that do not provide an equivalent spatial and microclimatic effect. The analysis of recent publications shows that urban green spaces are studied in relation to densification, heat island mitigation, public health, green infrastructure and ecosystem services. However, the problem of functional non-equivalence between mature greenery and compensatory decorative planting remains insufficiently articulated in the architectural and urban-planning context. The aim of the article is to substantiate the problem of functional degradation of urban greenery and to clarify its impact on the quality of the architectural and urban environment. The main material discusses the loss of mature trees, reduction of canopy cover, excessive pruning, sealing of tree pits and soil surfaces, fragmentation of green elements and the weakness of systematic monitoring. Particular attention is paid to the distinction between functional and formal greenery. The article emphasizes that assessment of greenery should include not only quantitative indicators, but also canopy cover, shading, tree age and vitality, permeability, spatial connectivity, pedestrian comfort, public health effects and long-term viability. The conclusions underline the need to preserve mature trees, improve monitoring and evaluate greenery as a real urban-planning resource rather than a formal indicator of landscaping.