A study on the development of livable city centres: The case of Famagusta, North Cyprus

The concern about the livability in urban spaces has led to an increasing interest in findings from analyses aiming to quantify livability in particular places such as city centres. As city centres have always been known by their functions, activities and social interactions in traditional cities, today with the effect of fast urbanization and uncontrolled growth of cities toward outwards of cities, also changing types of life style, we lose the meaning and use of the concept of city centre in many cases. In addition, many cities become too dependent on the industry sector, and therefore city centres are left without adequate diversity, which led to the loss of the livability of city centres. This study aims to focus on the characteristics of city centres and the main factors to achieve parameters of livability of the city centre and propose a strategy to achieve a livable city centre in case of Famagusta, North Cyprus. The thesis first presents a brief summary of the research methodology, second, reviews the literature in order to provide a theoretical background for understanding the concept of livable city centres, third, reviews the evolution of city centres, fourth, reviews livable city centre examples from the world, and finally, presents and interprets the results of the user survey carried out by the candidate within the city of Famagusta, in order to provide a clear understanding of people's views about their city and its centre . The study contributes some experiential evidence to investigate the claim benefits and deficiencies in terms of effects of physical, social and economic parameter on the overall perception of livability of the residents in central areas. The research methodology includes literature review, data collection from both qualitative and quantitative analysis, user survey and observations. Keywords: City centre, Livable city centre, User survey, Famagusta