The model of integrated 24-hour centers for Istanbul: The night time economy approach

Night Time Economy (NTE) emerged by lighting and railway technology development in the 19th century in Europe. By street lighting, inaccessible and dangerous places became accessible at night and made a beginning to new economy type named Night Time Economy. Additionally, railway developments and train arrival-departure schedules made some night facilities essential. NTE is important for planners and economists because of its consumption based economy nature. Nowadays, NTE is generally an alcohol based leisure activity time by ignoring possibility of other economic activities. However, activities which could reduce the difference of night and day activities are expected to improve the welfare and life quality of citizen, as well as, economic benefits of any urban area. The aim of the thesis is to suggest a model of connected centers which are active 24-hours. 24-hour centers are assumed to increase accessibility to different parts of city during the night by public transportation; as well as, decrease crime rates by providing mix use and diversity. Reducing day and night land use differences invites more people from different groups and this mixture of people brings vitality to urban spaces. By this way, any urban area might become a place that everyone can get advantages of facilities at anytime and anywhere. The shortage or lack of these 24-hour centers might bring some difficulties forward such as insufficiency of urban facilities for working people and inability of enjoying day time urban spaces, inaccessibility to most of public transportation systems of city after midnight, and unsafe and dangerous streets after 10 PM due to mainly drinking based night economy. For working people who have long journeys from work to home, providing facilities to meet the daily demands such as supermarkets is another advantage of 24-hour cities. More job opportunities and more income sources for investors are the economic benefits of 24-hour cities. The study is focused on Istanbul's potential urban centers for developing 24-hour model. Studies show that Istanbul, economically and socially, has a potential for night economy. Long working hours and early closing hours of supplemental function are the most highlighted problems through nigh economy. The method used for recognition of potential 24-hour centers in Istanbul is based on check-in numbers made by people at night through Twitter. Tweetmap is a database platform for accessing the check-in places for the last six hours. Data collecting is done by tracking check-in numbers based on different places in Istanbul during the nights of random week-nights in November 2016 by using the Tweetmap platform. These centers are mapped for each night of week for every one hour from 12 PM to 5AM. Total numbers of check-ins show the most popular districts at night according to frequency of check-ins. Each district has the different neighborhoods which has different features. These centers are sorted according to their accessibility by public transportation, function and affordability. Thereby, the current functions and economic structure of these centers are studied in order to develop 24-hour centers model. Night centers in Istanbul are compatible with old and contemporary business and historical centers of the city. New development areas of western side of the city have less potential rather than the central parts. Also, the Asian side of the city experiences a poor night life according to its resident and office texture. Accessibility and mix use are the main keys for planning process. The centers are classified according to their main functions. Three central area, new development area and transfer hub regions are defined. Each area has some sub centers. Central area is defined as entertainment, shopping and cultural activity center, second area consists of two new development areas for both residents and offices which are suggested to provide only day-time facilities and the last area has the Airport and Bus Terminal inside, which is suggested to give service only for passengers. All centers would be connected by public transportation network. Thereby, Metro and Metrobus lines would work once an hour after midnight until 6 AM.