KENTSEL TASARIMIN KENT KİMLİĞİNİN İNŞASI ÜZERİNDE ETKİLERİ: KIZILAY VE KIZILIRMAK MAHALLELERİ

Abstract

The main aim of this article is to discuss the effects of urban design on the construction of urban identity. Urban identity is a phenomenon that refers to the unique characteristics of a city. In recent decades, cities have been questioned for the loss of their distinctiveness, resulting in an increasing number of cities that look alike. Consequently, research on place-making and identity development has gained significance. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the effects of urban design on the construction of new city identities. The main hypothesis of the research is that "Urban design affects the construction of urban identity." The hypothesis is tested through two case studies in Ankara: Kızılırmak and Kızılay Neighborhoods. The case study areas are compared by analyzing Ankara development plans, evaluating old photos, texts, and maps, conducting observations and interviews, and performing spatial analysis on both cases. The research defines three main parameters, each consisting of a group of sub-parameters, to extract the effects of urban design on urban identity construction, as discussed theoretically. The research findings demonstrate that the elements of urban identity construction differ between the two cases and point to the significance of urban design on urban identity construction.