Speaker
Description
Street experiments are a crucial tool in enhancing the efficiency of urban planning processes, contributing to the creation of livable and functional cities through participatory approaches. Often known as tactical urbanism, experimental urbanism, or do-it-yourself urbanism, these efforts allow for real-time testing of ideas and concepts to assess their impact on urban environments. Maltepe Municipality in Istanbul has embraced these approaches with notable success, particularly through two key projects: the Zümrütevler Tactical Urbanization Project and the Yalı Neighborhood Tactical Play Street Project. Both initiatives included temporary design interventions, followed by permanent transformations based on user feedback and analysis.
Zümrütevler project marked the first tactical urbanism initiative in Maltepe, targeting a neighborhood with a high population density and a lack of accessible urban public spaces. The project successfully created a safe and healthy public space that caters to the most disadvantaged groups in the community, transforming the area into a place where people can gather, relax, and engage with one another.
Similarly, the Yalı Neighborhood, which was primarily used by children and their caregivers, underwent a transformation into a child- and pedestrian-friendly play street. Despite its proximity to public transportation, the area had limited safe spaces for children to play. After the success of the temporary intervention and with minor adjustments, the design was made permanent, creating a space where children and families can safely enjoy their surroundings. Both projects exemplify the power of tactical urbanism to address immediate urban challenges and enhance the quality of life for residents, making cities more inclusive and accessible for all.
| Keywords | Street Experiments; Tactical Urbanism; Participation; Inclusion; Temporary Design |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
