Investigation of social sustainability and place attachment interaction at the neighborhood scale; in terms of quality of life, access to public facilities, and urban transformation: Bahçelievler Merkez Neighborhood

This study aims to explore the concepts related to social sustainability at the neighborhood scale and develop measurement parameters by examining the discovered concepts in a more general context. Focusing on the social sustainability concept that has a strong relationship with the place attachment identified through a literature review, the study is further deepened by associating it with quality of life, neighborhood public spaces and amenities, and accessibility parameters. Bahçelievler Merkez neighborhood, which was established during the rapid urbanization process of Istanbul in the 1960s and intensive urban transformation in recent years, was selected for field research. The field research consists of two parts. The first part used a methodology focused on social sustainability as well as related concepts such as social interaction, satisfaction and accessibility to amenities to explore the place attachment of people living in the neighborhood. This research was supported by questionnaires and in-depth interviews.The issue of urban transformation is investigated both in survey questions and in-depth interviews. In the second part of the research, new mappings were prepared to assess quality of life and evaluate accessibility and walkability. Transportation circles were drawn around public spaces, and the extent to which these circles cover the neighborhood fabric was investigated. In the second part of the research, new maps were created to assess quality of life, accessibility, and walkability. Public spaces were the focal point, and accessibility circles were drawn to determine the extent to which these circles covered the neighborhood fabric. This method was combined with integration maps, which tested the density of urban transportation networks, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the accessibility of public spaces and quality of life in the neighborhood. Observations were conducted in fifteen parks within the neighborhood to obtain behavioral maps. The results of the thesis show that there is a high demand for urban transformation projects in the Bahçelievler Merkez neighborhood. Therefore, promoting in situ transformation is essential to strengthen social sustainability. The long-term residence of neighborhood residents increases their attachment to the neighborhood. In addition, accessibility of the neighborhood affects place attachment and place satisfaction. Surveys, in-depth interviews, and observations indicate a positive relationship between park use and sense of belonging - attachment in the neighborhood. The design of parks and urban furniture used is important for increasing social interaction.