Defining Design Principles in Urban Transformation
The relationships between prioritized areas and the forms of intervention are structured at an upper scale—at provincial and district levels—and overall design decisions are made in line with the design principles listed below. The design decisions to be implemented in the transformation area, considering the characteristics of the settlement, are specified through appropriately scaled maps, visual documents, and drawings to be determined by the relevant authorities.
a) Low-Rise (Horizontal)
Architecture In Urban Transformation Areas, low-rise development is encouraged by adopting horizontal architecture and taking into account the characteristics of the region. In urban transformation, neighborhood, family, and community culture, as well as social values, are taken into account to preserve and enhance the city’s identity and unique spatial fabric. Within this scope, designs that support neighborhood culture are developed and low-rise projects are implemented.
b) Accessible Living In urban transformation practices, design and planning works are carried out to create barrier-free living areas by eliminating physical obstacles and considering the social and cultural needs of disadvantaged groups.
c) Social Facilities and Technical Infrastructure Areas Social facilities and public spaces are created to meet the needs of all segments of society and the requirements of the region. Accessibility and adequacy analyses are conducted for social facility areas and public spaces, covering the designated urban transformation area and its zones of influence. In addition, main transportation corridors, parking areas, transit stops, green corridors, and bicycle routes are designed.
d) Protection of Environmental Values
In urban transformation practices, environmental damage is prevented through a holistic approach, and projects aimed at protecting and improving the environment are implemented. By adopting a sustainable urban transformation model, design decisions are made in compliance with relevant legislation concerning protected areas such as forests, natural protected sites, wetlands, and agricultural lands.
e) Sustainability
In urban transformation, decisions aligned with climate change strategies are made by supporting waste management, energy and water efficiency, and the use of sustainable materials produced with innovative technologies.
f) Preservation of Historical and Cultural Heritage
Preserving cultural heritage is taken as a fundamental principle in transformation practices. Transformation is carried out in accordance with conservation-oriented zoning plan decisions, in order to protect and pass on the city’s historical and cultural values to the future, to convert the area as a whole into a healthy and safe settlement away from disaster risks, and to increase tourism activity within the area.
