IMPACT OF SPATIAL CONFIGURATION TO SPATIAL QUALITY: VENICE AND ISTANBUL

İmran Gümüş,Ebru Erdönmez

doi:10.3846/jau.2021.14306

İmran Gümüş, Ebru Erdönmez

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3846/jau.2021.14306

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between spatial configuration and spatial quality, and how they affect each other. Spatial quality is a sophisticated concept and encompasses physical, social, economic, cultural and environmental components. Urban squares reflect these parameters and also play a decisive role in urban identity as areas of apparent urban culture and collective memory. Spatial configuration also determines the character of the squares as a result of morphological feature of cities. In the study, qualitative and quantitative methods are used together. Initially, the case study was conducted on two pier squares, San Marco Square (Venice) and Beşiktaş Square (Istanbul) according to fifty public space quality parameters. Secondly, morphological analysis was performed through space syntax method. It has been investigated whether there is a connection between spatial configuration and the factors determining the quality of space or not. As a result, it has been revealed that the spatial configuration is one of the determining factors being assessed the quality of the space, however, it does not provide sufficient data alone. The importance of this article is that it proposes an analytical approach that includes both quantitative and qualitative components of spatial quality.

Highlights

Public spaces, which are the production area of social interactions constitute the source of communication between individuals with their meanings (Erdönmez & Akı, 2005)
This is because it is close to the human scale, it is related to natural elements, it is for children, it is for different ages and groups of people in society, it has sub-areas for many different activities, such as sitting, walking, playing, watching
In line with the aforementioned, this study emphasized that urban space quality depends on different experiential and urban scale parameters such as social life, physical quality, location, urban or place identity, spatial comfort, inclusive design principles, and managerial vision in addition to spatial configuration

Summary

Introduction

Public spaces, which are the production area of social interactions constitute the source of communication between individuals with their meanings (Erdönmez & Akı, 2005). Parks and squares are the variation of public spaces and they have potential to bring people together. These spaces have economic, political, social and cultural codes of the society (Baytin, 2006) and have political and commercial meanings (Gökgür, 2006) such as mobility, use (festival, concert, sports, commercial use), socialization and identity. Squares as places that bring people together, increase the quality of life and create a sense of belonging (Walzer, 1986; Mazumdar, 2007) are common spaces where local culture, lifestyle and collective memory are kept alive, social relations are shaped, and daily life activities and rituals are held (Zengel, 2007; Terzi et al, 2019)

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