Evaluation of the socio- economic segregations in urban space through gated communities: Bursa Biaport residences

Spatial segregation is not a very new phenomenon and exists naturally in cities, which are the focal point with their heterogeneity and diversity. Gated communities, which have become widespread in cities in recent years, deepen the segregation in urban space with their exclusionary spatial constructs that isolate themselves from the rest of the city on the grounds of offering a safe environment away from crime and crowds in the cities, as well as the privileged, comfortable, and prestigious lives they promise. Today, even not living in such sites can be enough for separation. Although the safety factor comes first in the preference of these living spaces, which users buy by paying large sums, many studies reveal what is purchased is status and prestige. With this study on gated communities selected from Bursa Osmangazi and Nilüfer districts, socio-economic segregation in urban space was evaluated within the framework of the findings. A closed-ended survey was conducted with a total of 120 participants, 60 of whom were from two different sites built by the same contractor company and 60 from their immediate surroundings, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with the contractors and architects.