Speakers
Description
Üsküdar, a strategically located district on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, is one of the city's most densely populated areas, with a population of approximately 600,000 residents. Known for its robust educational infrastructure, featuring over 200 schools and kindergartens, it has become a highly sought-after area for families seeking to raise and educate their children. In 2024, the district’s new administration embarked on a transformative vision aimed at creating a child- and play-friendly environment. The Üsküdar Municipality adopted a strategic framework underpinned by principles such as inclusivity, safety, accessibility, play value, and sustainability, with these principles serving as the foundation for a child-friendly urban transformation.
A key initiative under this vision is the "Safe School Streets" project, which seeks to enhance accessibility and promote independent mobility for children. This innovative initiative aims to design safer, more accessible, and livable school environments by incorporating child- and pedestrian-friendly urban design solutions. Through this project, the municipality strives to empower children to experience urban life independently while ensuring their safety and enjoyment as they travel to and from school. The initiative reflects broader principles of creating liveable cities, focusing on making urban spaces more inclusive and accessible for young residents.
The project began with a comprehensive study of school zones across Üsküdar, identifying 10 priority areas for transformation based on environmental conditions, student density, and other key parameters. The first three pilot projects were selected through a SWOT analysis and implemented across three different neighborhoods, showcasing various design typologies. These pilot projects serve as valuable case studies, and the lessons learned from their implementation will inform the design and decision-making processes for future transformations. The upcoming projects will adhere to these design typologies, while allowing for flexibility to adjust based on the unique characteristics of each neighborhood.
The insights gained from the 10 pilot implementations will culminate in the development of a holistic planning and design framework that will guide the transformation of school streets across the Üsküdar district. This framework will be further detailed in a "Safe School Streets Guide," which will provide a comprehensive directive for the management of the Üsküdar Municipality. This guide will ensure that the principles of safety, inclusivity, and accessibility continue to shape the urban landscape, fostering an environment where children can move freely and safely throughout their neighborhood. Ultimately, the Safe School Streets project represents a critical step toward transforming Üsküdar into a model district for child-friendly urban development, promoting healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable communities.
