Exploring the public space potential of leftover spaces in traditional urban tissues: Bursa Hisar case

A rapid urban change and transformation is observed in cities that experience the effect of industrial revolution. Inadequacy of planning and historical and cultural heritage preservation policy and strategies acts as a catalyser fort his change, which has left deep traces in cities. As a result of all this, cities were created without adequate infrastructure and with the lack of an identity. Thus it has become difficult to meet the physical, sociocultural and psychological needs of the citizens, and the life quality of people is decreased. This rapid change has irreversible consequences especially in urban areas containing a significant amount of cultural heritage sites. As these problems are becoming acknowledged, the importance of sustainability in the context of the urban environment is emerging. Historic urban spaces with a significance of being a cultural heritage, should be protected and passed on to the future generations, while being maintained in todays terms. This study aims to discover the potential of utban leftover space, which is also a cultural heritage site, to ensure its sustainability during the rapid urbanization process. At this point, the Hisar Region within the borders of Osmangazi district of Bursa province was chosen for the field study of the thesis, which is a historical area and hosts a vibrant daily life. Within the scope of the thesis, the types of leftover spaces in the Hisar Region were determined and the types of public open space usage were proposed for these areas in order to ensure the sustainability of the region. In line with the purpose of the study, a participatory environment was provided by holding a focus group meeting with the local people. The urban usage alternatives for the leftover spaces, answering the needs of the citizens were determined in this meeting. The aim is to use these alternative ways in protecting the urban heritage and creating an example for similar upcoming studies in this field.