The potential of disaster assembly areas as urban voids: Bağcılar, Istanbul

Cities are multi-layered socio-ecological systems. In Istanbul, rapid urbanization renders this system fragile, turning potential disasters into compound crises. This thesis investigates the potential of urban voids in Istanbul, particularly those intersecting with disaster assembly areas and often characterized as undefined, unused, or overlooked "in-between spaces", to contribute to urban life and enhance resilience. Rather than viewing urban voids as mere "absence" or "dysfunction," this study frames them as living, productive, and self-transforming environments that foster social interaction, ecological continuity, and adaptability in the face of crises. It develops strategic proposals for integrating such spaces into resilience policies. The main objective is to reconceptualize these voids not merely as passive gathering spaces activated during emergencies, but as dynamic areas embedded in daily life, spaces that promote solidarity, support ecological continuity, and offer alternative living environments for residents. A comprehensive dataset was compiled through quantitative and qualitative methods, including fieldwork in Bağcılar, one of Istanbul's most vulnerable districts. Post-disaster assessments after the April 23, 2025 Silivri Earthquake highlighted the necessity of using these spaces effectively in daily life, not just in emergencies. This approach proposes an integrated framework that contributes to climate action on a micro scale while strengthening social ties and enabling safe evacuation during disasters.