Critical Evaluation: An Assessment Tool for Fostering a Creative Environment at Kyrenia Waterfront

Abstract

A vital goal of this article is to examine waterfront development and creative class roles. It also discusses the importance of critical evaluation for sustaining social inclusion on urban waterfronts. Testing took place on the Kyrenia waterfront upgrade for creative classes and other people to determine waterfronts’ physical, functional, social, and cultural suitability. To determine the preferences, needs, and satisfaction levels of urban waterfront users, a survey, along with structured observations, was conducted: cultural and creative places and activities, appropriate rules and regulations, motivated entrepreneurs, continuous fund opportunities, preserving the historical context, cultural heritage, and unique values, physical and functional sufficiency, social well-being, and adequate accessibility, as well as tolerance and open-mindedness. A survey was conducted (sample size = 250), and subsequent systematic observations were conducted to obtain the data. As the survey findings indicate, the Kyrenia Waterfront has physical, functional, cultural, and social barriers that challenge both creatives and prospective creatives, including students and employers. Physically, inadequate infrastructure and accessibility challenges were reported. Functionally, limited amenities and inefficient land use were identified. Culturally, a lack of preservation of historical elements was evident. Socially, a sense of exclusion and inadequate community spaces were noted. These obstacles result in reduced attractiveness, limited community engagement, and hindered economic potential for the Kyrenia Waterfront. While the severity may vary, similar issues likely extend across the city, suggesting a broader urban challenge rather than a unique problem specific to the Kyrenia Waterfront alone. Critical evaluation is an essential component of the design process. Critical evaluation should involve collaboration among design professionals, clients, users, communities, public officials, and relevant experts to ensure a holistic and practical design outcome. Comprehensive policies should address the results of such an evaluation. Hence, it should be considered when determining what is required to create a community inclusive of all creative class segments.