Recommendations for EXPO 2016 Antalya in context of iconic value, green focus and development

In daily life practices transformed due to industrialization, the time period outside the working hours of the individuals is defined as leisure time. During these times, individuals engage in non-obligatory, arbitrary and pleasure-oriented actions such as relaxation, entertainment, and recreational activities. In the urban context, it can be observed that most of these activities take place in the public spaces of the city. In these areas, which are located at various parts of the city, citizens continue their daily life practices, experience the space, perform their active and passive recreations, and transform the space in line with their needs. In many world cities, in addition to natural landscape areas such as parks and forests, Expo areas can also serve as recreational spaces. In this context, according to the report prepared by BIE (Bureau International des Expositions) (International Exhibitions Bureau) on the Expo process and its aftermath, Expo areas not only offer recreational opportunities to the citizens, but also possess potentials such as becoming iconic landmarks, being the green focal points of the city, and contributing to the urban development. Within the scope of this research; iconic structures in the urban scale, areas that serve as the green focus of the city and spaces that are instrumental in the development of the city are examined in the context of daily life, leisure-space-time, recreation and urban spatial relations, Based on the concepts of iconic value, green focus and development, a comparative analysis of Turkey's first Expo, EXPO 2016 Antalya, which is not active currently, was conducted by comparing it with Expo examples designed in different countries and cities, that are still actively used. In the analysis, the state of Expos during the exhibition process and afterward, and their recreational potentials are examined. In line with the statements published by BIE, it is determined that structures in Expos such as towers create iconic values for the city; Expos become the green focal points of the city with their plant design and green spaces; they turn into a point of attraction for tourists, contributing resolution of the city's infrastructure and transportation issues, and acting as agents for the development of the city. The main aim of this study, is to highlight the urban potentials of the EXPO 2016 Antalya area and to develop suggestions for its integration into the city.