Thesis Defense - Senanur Kevser Göksoy (MSCAR)

Senanur Kevser Göksoy – M.Sc. City and Architecture

Prof. Dr. Orhan Hacıhasanoğlu– Advisor

Date:  22 May 2023

Time: 13.30

Location: AB4 / B213

“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”

Prof. Dr. Orhan Hacıhasanoğlu, Advisor, Özyeğin University

Asst. Prof. Dr. Güliz Özorhon, Özyeğin University

Prof. Dr. Ahsen Özsoy, Işık University

Abstract:

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 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 experienced intensive urban transformation, was selected for field research. The field research consists of two parts. The first part uses a social sustainability-focused methodology supported by surveys and in-depth interviews to investigate the place attachment and related concepts among people living in neighborhoods. The issue of urban transformation is investigated both through survey questions and in-depth interviews. The second part of the study involves observing behaviors in parks in the neighborhood to obtain behavior maps. These maps are used to assess quality of life and accessibility-walkability by measuring the accessibility of public amenities. Circles are drawn for walking distance based on public spaces, and the percentage of housing units covered by these circles is investigated. This method, combined with integration maps tested for the density of urban transportation networks, provides a comprehensive analysis of the accessibility and quality of life of public spaces in the neighborhood. 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 strengthening social sustainability. The long-term residence of neighborhood residents increases their attachment to the neighborhood. In addition, the accessibility of the neighborhood affects place attachment and place satisfaction. Surveys, in-depth interviews, and observations indicate a positive relationship between park use and a sense of belonging - attachment in the neighborhood. Zübeyde Hanım Park is the most preferred park by neighborhood residents and the one with the highest socialization. The design of parks and urban furniture used is important for increasing social interaction.

Bio:

Senanur Kevser Göksoy completed her undergraduate degree in Architecture at Özyeğin University in 2019 and commenced her postgraduate studies in City and Architecture at the Graduate School of Sciences at Özyeğin University in 2021.