Effects of pedestrianization practices on the vitality of commercial activities: Antalya, Abdi İpekçi–Şarampol streets example

Migration and population growth shaped by the internal dynamics of cities have triggered the growth of cities on the periphery by initiating a rapid change and transformation process in urban areas. Cities that have started to grow in parallel with the increasing population have brought together masses with different lifestyles and cultures, and in cities where different life dynamics come together, travel demands have differentiated and the number of vehicles on the highways has increased. This increase has led to the emergence of many urban problems, especially environmental problems. In order to find solutions to traffic problems, many local governments around the world have started to carry out pedestrianization studies, which play an important role in increasing human mobility and improving the environment. Pedestrianization projects are implemented as an urban revitalization strategy to increase sustainability and livability as well as traffic calming in today's automobile-focused cities. Therefore, pedestrianization projects create significant effects in increasing both spatial vitality and economic mobility in the areas where they are implemented. This study questions the effect of the spatial transformation that occurs after pedestrianization applications on increasing commercial vitality and spatial mobility on the streets where the applications are made. By evaluating the effects of spatial transformation in pedestrianized areas and functional transformation in commercial units on businesses and the liveliness of the area, it is aimed to ensure that future pedestrianization projects are successful and to minimize disruptions in implementation. KEYWORDS: Exhilaration, Functional Transformation, Pedestrianization, Pedestrianization of Commercial Streets, Spatial Quality