An evaluation of urban-nature encounters in landscapes of Istanbul

Changing world conditions lead human beings' relationship with the nature, and thus, the landscape architecture approaches to continuously adjust to changes and to be updated. In the historical process, cultural landscape features have become dominant in the city, and there have been problems in establishing a connection between man and nature, where there is no trace of nature. The inadequacy and reality of green spaces in our cities has emerged. If the balance of nature cannot be ensured and ecosystems cannot be protected, the continuity of biodiversity and landscapes will not be ensured. A new design approach has become a necessity now. The thesis evaluates the potentials, obstacles and suggestions regarding the city-nature relationship in Istanbul. It aims to place the landscape approaches that need to be updated in the changing world conditions on a common philosophical landscape base. First of all, a literature review was made on the need and perception between human and nature. Examples of landscape architecture productions in historical processes have been researched. The perception of the city and nature, its relationship has been examined. The issues of urban biodiversity and climate change have been researched. The potentials, values and types of urban vacant spaces in the city were investigated. Four Natures Approach, which is one of the current approaches, has been examined. In the projects exemplified in various scales, the contributions of the restoration or protection of nature in the city have been examined. The second part of the methodology includes personal interviews with the experts. One expert was chosen from the representatives of different institutions who can take joint decisions and direct them on Istanbul. In order to create a healthy environment where long-term economic, social, cultural, biodiversity and ecosystem services can be met, it is necessary to start from a point. The process is a management job. It requires holistic behavior. It is possible to meet with nature again in the city with a positive attitude as a result of taking action with policies supported by. Keywords: Vacant Spaces, Ecosystem services, Four Natures Approach, Biodiversity, Climate Change