Characteristics of social formations and space syntax application to quantify spatial configurations of urban regeneration in Levent, Istanbul

Abstract

In recent years, with the effect of globalization, many domestic and foreign investments have been made in the construction sector in Istanbul. Along with the advantages of these activities, there are also some disadvantages; such as uncontrolled urban growth and certain changes in the urban areas. One such example is the Levent area which contains the most important business center of Istanbul. Today, we can assume the Levent area to be divided into three regions. In the 1950s, after the construction of houses and establishment of industrial facilities in the north side of Istanbul, these three regions were developed as residential, industrial and slum areas. The industrial region became a central business district and its environment was developed independently in the form of market areas. As a result, the functions of the houses of Levent’s residential area were changed as these become the buildings that were used for business activities or which served the subsidiary sectors. These three areas, adjacent to one other, are still undergoing very rapid changes in all physical, cultural and functional senses. Therefore, the urban regeneration of these districts has been investigated in detail along with their historical developments and space syntax methodology has been applied to quantify the spatial configurations in the region. The changes in physical, cultural and functional characteristics in the region have been observed to affect the relationship between the spaces in the urban system.