Re-coding The Characteristics of Public Spaces: The Case of İstanbul

Abstract

This study proposes a quantitative assessment method to ascertainurban square potential at 12 gates of the historic city wall wheredifferent typologies, characteristics and periodic features are observedin Fatih district of Istanbul. The quantitative assessment method is basedupon a series of indexes including 7 factors in total consisting of 35indicators. The proposed method developed an “urban square potentialindex”, making use of “transport and accessibility”, “convex size”, “builtupenvironment”, “purpose of use and density”, “morphology”,“landscaping character” and “identity” factors. This index enablesassessment of a square according to a) historical-cultural heritagerichness and identity, b) functional diversity, c) accessibility, and d)vitality and spatial quality. This paper presents a base for “decisionsupportsystem” for decision-makers in determination of the mostsuitable square with a limited budget, time, labor and equipment duringurban square development, design and improvement activities.Furthermore, it allows determination and implementation of thenecessary interventions/improvements in order for the availableundefined urban spaces to gain urban square functions.