Liveability in urban spaces: The case of Orhangazi urban square

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Tezin Türü: Yüksek Lisans

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Mimarlık Fakültesi, Şehir ve Bölge Planlama Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2013

Öğrenci: HÜLYA YORULMAZ

Danışman: SERAP KAYASÜ

Özet:

Urban space has transformed as a result of changing dynamics in 21th century. It has started to be considered as a consumer-focused by physical interventions. At this point, the concept of liveability has become significant since it approaches urban space in a holistic approach. This thesis discusses livability of urban square as it is one of the best places where liveability of urban space can be examined. In this study, Orhangazi Urban Square is chosen as a case study area. The aim of this study is to reveal „what makes an urban square liveable‟ by an analysis. Additionally, the criteria obtained from the analysis can be used as a guideline for further urban design studies in the square. Urban design studies are discussed to extract liveability criteria in urban space and John Montgomery‟s approach is adopted among them. These criteria are listed under three main headings, i.e. form, activity and image. The square is analyzed according to the liveability criteria by site observation, users‟ perceptions and decision makers‟ approaches. Last proposed projects and the last urban design competition are elaborated with their dynamics to evaluate the local authority‟s approach comprehensively. It is indicated that the main reason for all these attempts is to make the square a better place to live. Research findings reveal that the square is already liveable. In this sense, this study reaches significance as it represents the contradiction between the local authority‟s approach and the rationale of last attempts.