An investigation of the relationship between elements of urban equipment and architectural building character: The example of the Mersin 50. Yıl Neigborhood

Urban equipment elements must be able to address the demands and needs of users living in cities along with the changing and developing world order. They should be positioned in a way that they form a whole with the urban identity by considering their aesthetic and functional functions during the design phase. Designing urban equipment elements in harmony with the architectural character and environmental context is one of the basic criteria that directly affects user experience and urban aesthetics. Designing design parameters such as shape, color, material, texture and layout of equipment elements in an integrated manner with the architectural identity of the area they are located in increases the perceptual quality of public spaces and strengthens the sense of belonging of users to these areas. In this study, the relationship between urban equipment elements and the surrounding architectural character was evaluated through the example of Çevre Park located in 50. Yıl Neighborhood of Yenişehir district of Mersin province. The main purpose of the research is to reveal the level of visual, functional and formal harmony between the residential areas with different building typologies located around the park and the equipment elements used in the park. In this context, different architectural characters such as villa-type residences, mid-rise detached buildings and high-rise apartment blocks around the park were determined; in relation to these, the seating units, lighting elements, children's play groups, walking paths and other equipment elements in the park area were analyzed in terms of visual integrity, material harmony and design language. In the evaluations made in line with on-site observations, expert/user opinions, it was determined that the existing equipment elements were often insufficient to establish a connection with the architectural environment, aesthetic continuity could not be achieved and they exhibited a fragmented structure in terms of spatial integrity. The fact that the equipment elements did not have a design language integrated with the surrounding architectural structures creates a sense of incompatibility in the user's perception. In this context, various revision suggestions were developed in terms of material selection, color palette, formal arrangement and layout strategies and it was concluded that the park should be reconsidered in a way that would establish an aesthetic and functional integrity with the environmental context. As a result, this study emphasizes that Çevre Park is not only a recreation area but also an urban organism that interacts with the surrounding architectural texture. Redesigning the reinforcement elements with a holistic approach in line with the architectural environment will make significant contributions to both urban aesthetics and user experience and the sense of spatial belonging.