Theory of Architectural Symbolism in the Process of Urbanization

Since urbanization represents not only the physical restructuring of spatial form, but also a process of the production and regeneration of cultural signs, this provides grounds for using Yuri M. Lotman’s concept of the “semiosphere”. In this article, architectural structures in the process of urbanization are considered as cultural texts, and the hierarchical structure of their signs is analyzed as an intersection of the boundaries between cultural heritage and contemporary trends. The study shows that the symbolism of buildings constitutes a dialogue of meanings between tradition and modernity; their hierarchical structure corresponds to the symbolic transformation of urban social relations and cultural identity. The creative use of cultural heritage enables the restoration of cultural gaps in the urban cultural environment. This research establishes a theoretical basis for understanding the culturally significant function of contemporary buildings and for addressing the issue of the homogenization of sociocultural space in the process of urbanization.