Transformation of public space: A case of Konak Square, Izmir

Abstract

Recently public spaces world-wide have regained their significance through image-led regeneration projects under the control of private or public authorities in order to recreate the image of the city. In addition to this, cities start to use these projects en route for taking place in the competition of becoming a .World City.. This thesis tackles with the problem of transformation of public spaces into quasipublic spaces through the impacts of globalization and regeneration projects along with the issue that these spaces are becoming products of image-led projects in spite of community-based projects. The aim of this study is to find out how local authorities of Turkish cities are reshaping public spaces of their cities as well as how these regenerated spaces correspond with the community needs. On the other hand, to discuss in what points Konak Square, the historical town centre of zmir, opposes or matches with the issues in the literature in terms of its degree of publicness whether it is a true-public space or not. In this regard, recently refurbished Konak Square in the centre of zmir, which has experienced various transformations under the control of public authorities, has been evaluated from the perspective of the user and local authorities. For this purpose, an interview has been conducted with the zmir Metropolitan Municipality that oversaw the implementation of the project and Konak Square.s role in construction of zmir.s image has been examined. Besides using postoccupancy evaluation method, systematic evaluation of existing or designed outdoor spaces-buildings, observations and questionnaires have been used as research methods of this study. Later findings of the study have been assessed through the successfulness criteria for public spaces (uses and activities, comfort and image, access and linkage, sociability). Consequently, despite the public space examples from abroad, partnership between public and private as well as public participation do not exist in refurbishment of Konak Square. Konak Square is totally under the control and maintenance of public sector. However, recent project could not entirely accomplish the successfulness criteria for public spaces but it is not a quasi public space either.