The effects of public space characteristics on social life activities - the case of Karşıyaka, Bostanlı

Urban space that consists of buildings, streets and open spaces has important impacts on the development of social relations and experiences in urban life, also it helps the residents to express themselves and participate in social life. Public spaces are the places where social relations are produced and communication develops among people from different groups that lead to the formation of place identity, meaning and social development. Today, cities are constantly changing and new settlements are being developed. It is important to discuss the qualities of the public places, which enable individuals to establish social relations, enable passive contacts and enable individuals to develop their sense of belonging while avoiding the sense of loneliness. In many researches about successful public place implementations, it is concluded that some of the characteristics of public spaces and the physical design of urban fabric surrounding public spaces affect social activities in public spaces. Within the scope of the thesis study, this relationship will be examined on the basis of a sample field research. The sample urban area studied under this thesis is located in Bostanlı District of Karşıyaka, Izmir province, where urban development has gained momentum in 1960's by the organization of Emlak Bank that led the development of high rise and low rise collective housing. Additionally, another type of housing developed at the same area that led to the development of urban tissues with three different morphological characteristics. In this thesis, by using morphological, social life activities and space syntax methods, relationship and interaction between public space characteristics and the development of social life activities discussed.