Speaker
Description
Topography is one of the most crucial elements of the natural environment that directs and affects the formation process of urban form. However, the guiding and/or limiting effect of topography in today's cities and settlements is often neglected in urban design and planning. This situation becomes a critical challenge in the era of the climate change crisis. Therefore, it is inevitable to reconsider the relationship between topography and settlement in designing more resilient and sustainable built environments. In this framework, this study examines the Keçiören district of Ankara, characterized by steep slopes, problematic soil conditions, and significant accessibility challenges. These topography-based factors have contributed to the tendency of inefficient settlement patterns, structural vulnerabilities, and the mismanagement of urban growth , making Keçiören a critical case for exploring the interaction between topography, urban form, and disaster risk.
The research introduces form-based quality indicators such as permeability, accessibility, block configurations, and slope adaptation strategies to evaluate urban areas' spatial and functional qualities to adopt a more resilient-responsive approach. The study focuses on urban block components like terraces, retaining walls, street-level ramps, and stairways, which mediate topographical constraints and enhance connectivity. The study also analyzes block orientations and typologies and their implications for urban functionality and resilience.
Using GIS-based multi-scale mapping techniques and an in-depth historical review, the study investigates existing urban block typologies. It unfolds the challenges of their resilient-responsive adaptation to topographical constraints. This research also aims to offer a scientific framework for how urban morphology and design can be an effective tool for designing resilient-responsive built environments and contribute to topography, urban form, and resilience.
| Keywords | Topography, Urban Morphology, Urban Form, Resilience, Adaptation, Keçiören |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | No |
