Dipole city – Vilnius + Kaunas. Case study of urban agglomeration development between two major cities in Lithuania

Abstract: Our thesis are focused on analyzing urban development of two major cities in Lithuania Vilnius and Kaunas. We analyse evolution and development of the cities focusing on the last 20 year period in the country, based on the urban agglomeration development models and evolution theory, planning experience around the world. By looking at the urban development indicators like built up area density, population, people mobility and change of different statistical data over time we try to understand development of these cities. Our main goal is based on these data to make a vision for future urban development of the Vilnius and Kaunas. During our work we found that over past 20 Vilnius has experienced fast change which have elements of uncontrolled expansion. Furthermore, planning problems in Vilnius are similar to cities of fast metropolitan development, but with unique historically shaped features. Based on analysis strategic planning, regional development, urban development of these two cities, we conclude that urban and strategic planning measures in Vilnius and Kaunas should be focused to bringing these similar sized cities together. In our vision of the region we suggest to aim at creating one structure of these two cites by linking them and incorporating smaller towns in between them into the functional region of growing metropolis.