Interrogating Vitality in Streets: An Analysis and Survey in Two Cypriot Towns

ABSTRACT: This thesis focuses on the issue of vitality in urban public spaces, streets in particular, as a major indicator of their success. It is widely accepted that the visual-artistic approach of modern architects and designers left the streets as a traffic channel for movement with free standing buildings alongside without serving the people‟s social needs and activities (i.e. Jacobs, 1961; Anderson, 1978; Gehl, 1987; Roberts and Greed 2001; Oktay, 1990; Carmona et al, 2003), and in this context, the relation between the people and physical setting got less concerns, and urban public spaces in general transformed to undesirable areas lacking appropriateness for pedestrian activity such as walking, shopping, socializing, relaxing or entertaining. The author believes that streets have the potential to become the lifeblood of cities rather than mere traffic channels, and they should be seen as “multi-functional urban „patterns‟” in Christopher Alexander‟s terms. On the other hand, from a behavioral point of view, what attracts people most in public spaces is other people, although many urban spaces are being designed as though the opposite were true; people talk of "escape" and "retreat" when asked in questionnaires, however on the street most tend to be drawn to social centers or the most lively areas (Whyte, 1980). In line with these propositions, this study first provides a theoretical framework for understanding the social value and role of urban public spaces on quality of life in cities, second, tries to determine the essential components for vitality in streets, and finally, investigates how the major streets (Ziya Rızkı Street in Kyrenia and Salamis Street in Famagusta) in two important towns of North Cyprus are working. The work is pursued mainly through analyzing the physical environment as a setting for potential social uses, direct observations of people in real-world everyday situations, and applying questionnaires. Partial interviews will also be held in order to thoroughly understand the reasons behind the active use of certain areas. It is expected that the findings of the study can be used as a useful source for future research and in constructing policies of a comprehensive framework for future urban design. Keywords: Urban public spaces, social life, vitality, streets, Cypriot towns. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………