7–11 Jul 2025
Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul
Europe/Brussels timezone

Transforming urban spaces: The role of play and recreation in creating a thriving Istanbul

Not scheduled
10m
E1-01 (YTU Davutpasa Campus)

E1-01

YTU Davutpasa Campus

Oral SS 14 | Transforming streets for liveability and sustainable mobility through experimentation and participation SS_14 TRANSFORMING STREETS FOR LIVEABILITY AND SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY THROUGH EXPERIMENTATION AND PARTICIPATION

Speakers

Ms Cigdem Akdag (İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality)Ms Merve Akdag (İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality)

Description

PLAY ISTANBUL initiative’s comprehensive approach encompasses a range of strategies and projects, the major one being the establishment of an official department called Play and Recreation Chieftaincy which has been charged with the responsibility of monitoring and implementing the initiative's vision. The overarching vision emphasises the significance of people's well-being and access to play as a fundamental pillar in building a more liveable and flourishing Istanbul. This ambitious undertaking has been brought to life through a concerted effort by a diverse network comprising locals, children, institutions, and NGOs. The initiative has been designed to foster a more liveable urban environment, by applying six major criteria, namely creativity, sustainability, accessibility, safety, innovation and inclusivity in creating and renewing play and recreation infrastructure. The initiative's approach encompasses a range of strategies and projects, including participatory design and production workshops, inclusive play and tactical strategies, open dialogue sessions and pedestrianisation games with stakeholders. The initiative has led to the establishment of numerous pop-up playgrounds and unstructured play services, extending beyond neighbourhoods in Istanbul with limited accessibility to green spaces and recreation services, even in post-disaster contexts following the earthquake. The presentation will provide an overview of the actions taken to achieve inclusive spatial design goals in Istanbul.

Keywords governance; participation; Playistanbul; initiative; recreation

Author

Ms Cigdem Akdag (İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality)

Co-author

Ms Merve Akdag (İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality)

Presentation materials

There are no materials yet.