A proposal for approach to privately owned public open space system for Turkey

Privately owned public open spaces (ÖMKAA) are an important element that consolidates public open space network, enhances, enlivens and secures the quality of both individual and social life by the private sector. Despite the increasing pressures on public open spaces from the rate of construction and the number of high-rise buildings, privately owned public open spaces, which have gained great importance worldwide, have not carved a niche itself in our country. Open spaces, defined as plazas within private ownership, have the potential to play an active role in public life and social life. However, plazas that are not involved in any legal process in Turkey, have become privatized only for building users. For this reason, it is aimed to enrich the public open spaces and contribute to social sustainability by ensuring that ÖMKAA is included in the urban planning practice and policy of our country. In this process, the systems of the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea, which are pioneers in ÖMKAA, were examined and it was seen that each system was taken form according to the cultural structure and user preference. A survey based on virtual environment (VE) technology was applied to determine the design criteria suitable for the social structure of the Republic of Turkey, and as a result of the data obtained, the Design, Management and Application Guide for ÖMKAA to be followed by professionals, administrations and the public. This study contributes to the literature in the fields of urban planning, architectural design, social studies and economic valuation.