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An Assessment of Spatial Quality in Public Space: A Case Study

Article · April 2023

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 Online Journal of Art and Design
volume 11, issue 2, April 2023

An Assessment of Spatial Quality in Public Space: A Case Study

Asst. Prof. Dr. Gökhan UŞMA

Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Department of
Architecture
[email protected]

Özlem Yarımay
PhD student at Yıldız Technical University, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture
[email protected]

Abstract
Public spaces play an essential role in the formation of cities, and they combine all kinds
of social classes and cultural groups and individuals with different features. In these public
domains, individuals have the chance to go out of their own internal worlds and perceive
the presence of different and new thoughts than theirs. From this perspective, the
importance of spatial quality in public domain come along. The basic purpose of this study
is to examine the social and physical structures of cities and to evaluate whether they fulfil
the spatial quality criteria so that urban spaces can be formed and whether the users are
in interaction with the space. The study field is the Beyazıt Square, İstanbul University and
its surrounding. This space was probably the biggest area of the city during the Byzantium
period and a palace area during the Ottoman period while it is one of the elements that
constitute the image of the city. The area was perceptually evaluated with the observations
and surveys conducted in the study field and it was observed that the urban design works
around the Beyazıt Square and İstanbul University haven’t given any result so far that
would sufficiently satisfy the users.
Keywords: public space, spatial quality, Beyazıt Square, Istanbul University, urban space
quality

INTRODUCTION
Public spaces are one of the most important elements of cities. They meet the basic
requirements of the urban people in their daily lives. At the same time, they are the spaces
where people of every age and segment living in the city come together and meet, express
themselves and socialize. They respond to the social, cultural, religious and political
requirements of the urban people. Public spaces are organized in accordance with the
demands of the users, offer different perspectives to the users with their historical and
cultural factors while they both form the city and are formed by the city.

Public spaces should be vivid, dynamic and sustainable. Within this scope, the study aims
to evaluate whether these spaces fulfil certain spatial quality criteria and whether the user
is in interaction with the space so that these spaces became to be living and used spaces.
For this purpose, the study field selected from Beyazıt Square and surrounding of the
Istanbul University was examined with regards to public space criteria and social structure
relations.

Method of the Study

Within the scope of the study, fact finding of the study field was conducted so that the
Beyazıt Square and surrounding of the İstanbul University can be examined with regards
to spatial quality criteria. Old maps and air photography were used at first to address to
the change and developments from the past to present. The historical development of the
field was examined. Literature was scanned and related documents were accessed to reach
the data on the study field.

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Analyses were made under the topics of Lynch's definition of the city and also made on the
basis of the criteria of Project for Public Spaces (PPS) that carries out works for the creation
and sustainability of public spaces that build societies. For these analyses, two-part
investigations were conducted. For the first part, on-site inspections of the spaces were
done by visual techniques like photographing and mapping, and analysis visuals were
prepared. For the second part, a survey was conducted to carry out the user-oriented
evaluation of the elements forming the public spaces of the study field (square, streets)
with regards to spatial quality criteria and some recommendations were made. The
questionnaire consists of five chapters. In the first part of the questionnaire, there are
questions to determine the demographic characteristics of the participants. In the other
sections, there are questions to determine the spatial perception levels of the participants.
Likert scale was used in the questionnaire. Each of the 7 statements found in the
questionnaire prepared for the study were respectively that the five-point Likert scale
including 1- Strongly Disagree, 2-Disagree 3-Unstable 4-Agree and 5-Strongly Agree.
There are also multiple choice and open-ended questions. The survey was conducted in
Beyazıt square and surrounding of the Istanbul University.

The Concept of Public Space

The root of the word “public” dates back to the period of Ancient Rome. The word “public”
was derived from the Latin word “populous”. It means public, general and belonging to the
people and it got different meanings in different cultures and societies (Geuss, 2007).
Habermas says that “public space is a concept that is used in the modern society theories
to refer to the common social activity area where thoughts, discourses and actions for
determining and realizing common benefit of a society are produced and developed” and
defines an area that is independent from the pressure and orders of the state authority,
from the rule of capital and from all forms of interests (Habermas, 2010; Barrionuevo et
al., 2019).

Professor Uğur Tanyeli states that one of the reasons why public space cannot be fully
defined even today is the fact that the definition of space during the Ottomans included
only a little private, private, very private and very very private. He reminds before defining
the public space that these spaces used to be expressed by the word “public” in the West
while it was introduced in the Ottoman literature of the 19th century in a different way.
Tanyeli (2013), states that the public space is generally associated to the state and that it
is the space related to the state rather than belonging to “state” (Güney, 2007). State
comes to mind first when we talk about public. It reminds of state administration, bodies,
organizations, officials or activities and an official area belonging to state or controlled by
state (Lutt, 2017; Gehl, 2011). However, as stated by Habermas, public space is first the
area where public opinion forms in our social life. The concept of “public space” has an
important place in the field of architecture. All areas other than the private areas, where
people can gather and meet like squares, streets, parks and cafes are defined to be
“public”.

Definition of City Square

City squares are the are most efficiently used elements of urban open spaces. City square
is one of the important public spaces that are used by the users for social, cultural, political
and commercial purposes, i.e. a space where urban living takes place. In the historical
process, squares were places where people flee from the chaos of the city and have a
breath, find chance to relax and rest, watch each other and share what is taking place in
the city. In short, they were places for multipurpose uses. Today, following the
improvements in technology and communication, public spaces are occupied by heavy
traffic of vehicles like in all cities of the world. They somehow lost their purposes and
meanings of use in the past. Moughtin (2003) states that a square’s (piazza) current plan
is formed as a result of the “solutions to the existing topographic features and problems
emerging with the buildings, monuments, road construction works that have high
importance and that require protection and permanence”.

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Schulz (1971) referred to square to be “the most remarkable and distinct element of urban
structure”. In addition, he added that “since it is a space with clear borders, it is the easier
to imagine and think in mind referring to a target to reach to”. Krier (1979) argues that a
square, agora, forum, monastery court, mosque court and similar religious places were
adapted from this indicator and such symbolic examples may constitute a model for the
future developments in squares. In general, a square is shaped by the contrast of the
dimensions that are the peak point of the visual experience of the city. It mainly contributes
to the image of some topographic qualities (property texture, continuity of road or
enclosure of the square). Sitte; Carr (1889), Alexander (1977) and Paul Zucker (1959)
defined square to be “a psychological parking space in the public terrain” Generally,
squares are classified in two main groups: per function and per shape (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Examples of square types according to their shapes stated by Zucker in his
study on squares (Carmona et al., 2003)

SPATIAL QUALITY CRITERIA

Lynch is one of the first references to refer to with respect to public space and city.
According to Lynch (1960), there are some structural and natural criteria that are effective
in the definition of cities. These are, borders (edges), roads, regions, nodes/focal points
and urban images with historical and social meaning. Urban image elements are usually in
interaction with each other. Visual structure needs to be distinct and all said criteria need
to be arranged individually and collectively within the framework of certain principles in
order to emphasize the city image.
• Edges: They serve as a border between two regions and divide the continuity
linearly. Coasts, railways, development zone borders and walls are examples of
edge elements.
• Roads: Roads, pedestrian roads, mass transportation roads, channels and railways.
• Regions: They are perceived to be two dimensional spaces. Observer feels
psychologically that he/she is “inside” these spaces.
• Node/Focal Points: These are the strategic and heavy focal points used by an
observer when moving from one point to another and allowing entrance of the
observer to the city. They the junctions in the transportation system.
• Urban images: They are physical formations that can be easily defined such as a
building, a marking plate, a shop or a mountain. They can be in the city or at a
certain distance (Lynch, 1960; Erdönmez & Akpınar, 2016).

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There are various organizations working with regards to spatial quality in public spaces.
Projects for Public Space (PPS) is one of them. Projects for Public Space (PPS) is a New
York based nongovernmental organization and works for the creation of public spaces
building societies and for their sustainability. The keystone of the works of PPS, found in
1975, is planning and design. PPS is a non-profit organization and consists of people with
education in environment design, urban planning, city geography, environment
psychology, landscape architecture, art and information management. The team also
cooperates with companies in architecture, landscape architecture, engineering and
graphical design as well as transportation specialists, commercial planners and social
organizations.

The objective of PPS is to create city squares full of people who greet each other, who
make shopping and who share their ideas. Its vision is, as the centre of the movement to
create global space, to combine people with ideas, expertise and partners with the passion
to create living spaces. PPS works to help to turn public spaces of people to living spaces
through user friendly arrangements, usages and programs that create local value and
respond to social needs in 26 countries since 1975 (Mimdap, 2008).

PPS noticed through its worldwide research that successful public spaces have always four
qualities in equal periods and took these common features as the basic quality of the spaces
they create: ability to socialize, usage and activities, ease of access and connections and
image. The diagram of space quality created by PPS (Figure 2) was developed to assist in
the evaluation of public spaces created by societies. Internal circle represents the key
qualities of a place, middle circle represents abstract qualities and external circle represent
measurable data. The internal circle created by PPS includes four topics: access and
connections, comfort and image, usage and activities and socialness (Project for Public
Space, 2016). PPS listed four important qualities while measuring the quality of public
space.
(1) It is accessible and has good connection to significant points.
(2) It has ease of use and a good appearance.
(3) It has attractive activities.
(4) It is a social environment that people always want to meet and visit (PPS, 2016).

Figure 2. Space diagram of PPS (Project for Public Space, 2016)

Access and Linkages

It is necessary to analyse the connections to the environment including the visual
connections to examine the accessibility of a place. Reaching, entering and visiting a public
space should be easy. It should be possible to see a public space from a distance as well
as seeing outside from inside. The connection of the space with the structure around should

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be taken into consideration. The building around it should not be surrounded by elements
like empty walls, buildings without windows and carparks that would prevent people to
enter here. The residents of the buildings adjacent to the field should be allowed to use
here. People should be able to easily walk and the access to the space should not be
impaired by heavy traffic or lack of security of the surrounding roads. Pavements should
be continuous. The space should be accessible for disabled people and people with special
needs. Roads in the space should lead to the route where people want to reach. People
should be able to use various transportation options including bus, train, car and bicycle to
reach to the space.

Comfort and Image

Comfort and attractiveness of the public space is one of the indicators that the space is
successful. Minimum comfort is related to security, cleanness and availability of sitting
places. Lack of sitting units happens to be a factor that reduces the use of spaces that are
known to be good. Hence people would prefer places with sitting options to others. Sitting
units should be placed in a way both under sun and in shadow. Having a good first
impression of the space and having equal number of male and female users are important.
There should be elements to encourage people to take photos. In addition, the field should
let people feel safe and there should be staff providing security in the space. Vehicles
should not prevent the users of the field.

Uses and Activities

Activities in public spaces are the keystones of a good space. Spaces including activities to
do give people a reason to visit this place. Lack of activities to do causes non-usage of the
space and become empty. We can argue that this is the best criteria to show the space is
not good. Properly selected activities help attract various people to this space at the
different times of the day. For example, a playground will attract small children throughout
the day, basketball fields will attract bigger children after school and concerts will cause
everyone to visit the space in the evenings. In addition, the use of the space by people at
the same time period for multiple and different activities including walking, eating, doing
sports, relaxing or reading books is an indicator that the space is a good one. In addition,
it should be possible to use every field of the public space.

Sociability
This topic is the most important and most difficult criteria that a public space can obtain.
This public space will be a good space when people meet their friends, greet their
neighbours and feel comfortable in interaction with foreigners (Project for Public Space,
2016). Together with the above-mentioned criteria, there should be observations to
understand the needs and requests of the society, questions should posed to the society
and necessary arrangements should be made in public spaces by taking the responses into
consideration.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF BEYAZIT SQUARE

The Beyazıt Square is defined in Dünden Bugüne İstanbul Ansiklopedisi (İstanbul
Encyclopaedia from Past to Present) to be “a square in the centre of the historical peninsula,
at the core of the main transportation axes of the city and the quarter around it (Kuban,
1993).

Beyazıt Square was probably the biggest area of the city during the Byzantium period and
a palace area during the Ottoman period while it is one of the elements that constitute the
image of the city. The Beyazıt Square includes the Bayezid Mosque and square while its
borders consist of Çarşıkapı and Kapalıçarşı in the direction of Divanyolu; Soğanağa
Quarter in the south; Vezneciler in the west consisting of the borders by Hasan Paşa
Complex, also called as Koska, Seyyid Hasan Paşa Complex, İstanbul University Faculty of
Science and Literature and Kuyucu Murad Pasha Madrasah; beginning points of the Rıza
Paşa and Mercan Yokuşu in the north including the Old Palace, i.e. the university (Kuban,
1993). The Beyazıt Square is positioned on one of the highest points of the Historical

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Peninsula.

Looking at the history of the square, it was called as Forum Tauri during the Byzantium
period and as “Forum Theodosius” during the reign of Emperor Theodosius (Figure 3). The
Beyazıt Square in the middle age was destroyed from time to time due to earthquakes and
fires. After the conquest of İstanbul, the square became a palace square with the
establishment of the Old Palace by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1454 (Hasol, 2014).

Figure 3. Forum Theodosius in the end of the 4th century (Kuban, 1993)

Beyazıt Square was named after the complex built by Beyazıt II including a mosque, a
madrasah, a poorhouse and bath. Following the establishment of the present municipality
organization in 1855, design works were conducted in the Beyazıt Square including the
other squares (Figure 4). In 1866, the Old Palace buildings limiting the north of the square
that were used as the Seraskerat Department were destroyed and replaced by the building
of the War Ministry that were subsequently handed over to the İstanbul University. The
building changed the architectural characteristics of the square. The shops that are
currently present were built under the garden wall facing the Bakırcılar Street (Hasol,
2014).

Figure 4. Historical development of the Beyazıt square and its surrounding, Yegân Kâhya
- Doğan Kuban (Kuban, 1993)

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After that, in 1902, it is known that Joseph Anotine Bouvard, the French architect, had a
design recommendation for the Beyazıt Square among his planning works done for
İstanbul. Bouvard expanded the existing square and designed a new one in European style,
that didn’t exist in the Ottoman tradition. According to Bouvard’s design, it was planned to
build a municipality palace with a high tower just opposite to the Ministry of War. The
Beyazıt Madrasah, on the edge of the square, would be destroyed and replaced by two
buildings with a court in the middle, planned to be the Museum of Industry and Agriculture
and State Library. The middle of the square was envisaged to be decorated by green beds
and pools with fountains. However, Bouvard’s project for the Beyazıt Square was not
realized (Hasol, 2014).

Beyazıt Square was re-addressed by Haydar Bey between 1923-1924 and architect Asım
Kömürcüoğlu was asked to make some arrangements. The designed square became a
space with a tramway, an elliptical pool with double fountains and flower beds around the
pool (Hasol, 2014).

Beyazıt Square was also affected by the destruction and expansion works in 1950s called
as “Development Movements” initiated by Adnan Menderes, then the Prime Minister. First,
the square facing facades and northern sections of the historical Simkeşhane and Hasan
Paşa Han in order to expand the Ordu Street in 1956-57. After that, the project including
the square was asked to be prepared by Sedad H. Eldem but it was implemented in 1957
with modifications of the Municipality which removed the square with a pool.

The constructed was left halfway due to the coup d'etat in 27 May 1960. Among the three
projects for the re-design of the square, Cansever’s project was selected to be
implemented. However, this started a huge discussion in the architecture circles of
İstanbul. It was argued that the master plan of İstanbul needs to be drafted and the Beyazıt
Square cannot be designed without that plan. Cansever’s project was ended just after the
replacement of military administration by civil administration and the Beyazıt Square was
left uncompleted (Hasol, 2014).

It is an area with various changes throughout the history as Forum Tauri, Forum
Theodosius and Beyazıt Square. The square is located on the Eminönü-Hagia Sophia-
Beyazıt-Aksaray axis which forms the historical rib of the city including very important
underground archaeological data. Being in the centre of the commercial, cultural, touristic
activities of the city, the square is one of the most important historical places of Istanbul.
Despite numerous changes, the square contains an early period monumental complex like
Bayezid Complex and a late period Roman structure like the Arch of Theodosius, structures
of the 18th and 19th centuries and continuous to be a trade and education centre (Kuban,
1993).

Important Buildings in the Field of Study

İstanbul University Beyazıt Campus, İstanbul University Historical Gate, Beyazıt Mosque,
Beyazıt State Library, Turkish Bath Culture Museum, Charity Calligraphy Arts Museum,
İstanbul University Central Library, İstanbul University Faculty of Literature, İstanbul
University Faculty of Pharmacy, İstanbul University Open and Distant Education Faculty,
İstanbul University Faculty of Economics, İstanbul University Faculty of Medicine Hospital
of Tradesmen are the important and historic buildings in the field of study (Figure 5).

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Figure 5. Map of the significant buildings in the field of study

SPATIAL QUALITY AND PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT OF BEYAZIT SQUARE

AND THE SURROUNDING OF ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY
A user-oriented evaluation was conducted in the field of study through evaluation and
surveys based on physical environment examination and spatial quality criteria.

On-site Investigations: Physical Environment Examination

The field of study was first examined on the basis of physical environment. Firstly, analyses
were made under the topics of edges, roads, regions, node/focal points and urban images
used by Lynch in the definition of the city.
• Edges (Borders): Upon examination of the elements bordering the field of study,
we notice that the borders (edges) are artificial borders. Artificial edges consist of
roads and buildings (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Borders (edges) and figure-ground analysis

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• Roads: The field of study is limited by roads (Figure 7). There is heavy traffic of
vehicles and pedestrians in the Ordu Street in the southern border, in the Büyük
Reşit Paşa Street in the western border and in the Süleymaniye Street in the
northwestern border. Heavy vehicle traffic was determined in the Darülfünun Street
which goes underground in most of the area. There is heavy pedestrian density in
the pedestrianize region on the road. The roads inside the area have quieter vehicle
traffic than the roads making the border. Pedestrian density is higher.
• Regions: Majority of the area consists of education zones since the İstanbul
University is located there (Figure 7). The region including the Beyazıt Square can
be classified as a recreation zone, the one with the Beyazıt Mosque as a religious
zone, the region with the shops in the Bakırcılar Street as a commercial zone, the
one with the madrasah and museums as a cultural zone.

Figure 7. Analysis of roads and regions

• Urban images: The main urban images of the field of study are the Beyazıt Mosque,
İstanbul University Campus, its main gate in particular, Beyazıt State Library,
Faculty of Literature in the southwest of the field and the square.
• Node/Focal Points: There are 5 important node points in the region (Figure 8). Three
of them are points mainly with vehicle traffic. The other two are mainly pedestrian
based: A point that links the Beyazıt Square to the university, transportation means,
Beyazıt Mosque and other points of interest in the region and a distribution base for
the mass transportation vehicles. There are nodes at the junction points of the
faculties within the field of study.

Figure 8. Analysis of nodes/focal points and urban images

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• Vehicle Density: It was seen that the vehicle density of the roads determining the
border of the area is higher. The streets with the highest density are the Ordu,
Süleymaniye and Darülfünun Streets (Figure 9).
• Pedestrian Density: The Beyazıt Square has the highest pedestrian density as it is
used as a transit area and for various reasons including meeting, activities and
touristic visits. Süleymaniye Street and Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Street leading to the
Süleymaniye Mosque and the Çadırcılar Street including the entrance of the Sahaflar
Market and Grand Bazaar are the other density areas (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Vehicle and pedestrian density analyses

• Green area: There is a density of green areas in the main campus of the İstanbul
University and around the Beyazıt Mosque in the South of the Beyazıt Square
(Figure 10).
• Transportation: Transportation to the field of study is provided by mass
transportation and private cars. There are metro stations, tramway and bus stop
around the area (Figure 10).

Figure 10. Green area and transportation analyses

On-site investigations: Examination Within the Context of Spatial Quality

Analyses were made on the basis of the criteria of Project for Public Spaces (PPS) that
carries out works for the creation and sustainability of public spaces that build societies.

Access and Linkages

Upon examination of the study area, it is observed that people can use various

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transportation options to reach the area. They can reach the square by using bus, private
car, metro and tramway or on foot. When we look at the Beyazıt Square, pedestrian
transportation to the field is provided through the stairs from the Ordu Street. This is not
suitable for disable people and for other people with other special needs. Through the large
opening in the square, people don’t have any difficulty in seeing each other. When we look
at the square from the elevation of the main road, the view is impaired due to the
differences in elevation.

Looking at the public spaces and semi-public spaces in and around the university, we have
observed that the pavements in the main streets, i.e. Ordu Street and Büyük Reşit Paşa
Street are sufficient for pedestrians (Figure 11). However, pedestrian passage is blocked
as the urban equipment elements or shop sales units at some points. Pedestrian pavements
in the Süleyman Street and Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Street are insufficient and traffic density
is too much (Figure 12). In the side streets of the area, pavements are observed to be
insufficient (Figure 13).

Figure 11. Ordu street, Büyük Reşit Paşa street

Figure 12. Süleymaniye Street, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Street

Figure 13. Side streets in the area, Besim Ömer Paşa street

Comfort and Image

When we look at the Beyazıt Square, first we notice the lack of sitting units and shady
areas. Therefore, there are few numbers of people spending time in the area. However,
people prefer this place for taking photos due to the own history of the square and the

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historical structure and works located there. The image of the place is negatively affected
by the parking area of the square that is used adjacently to the Ordu Street.

When we look at the other streets located in the field of the study, people usually use the
streets as a passage area. There are sitting benches in the Vezneciler stop which is a metro
exit. There are benches, pergolas and shady areas for the students to spend time in the
gardens of the university buildings which are semi-public areas.

Uses and Activities

Beyazıt Square is used for walking around and spending time, visiting and seeing grandiose
buildings. The historical structures surrounding the square are the historical İstanbul
University gate, Beyazıt Square and Charity Calligraphy Arts Museum. The bagel, chestnut
and corn sellers sell to the users of the square. In addition, there are also sellers selling
bird food to be given away to the birds in the square. The commercial shops in the Bakırcılar
Street extending from the square are used by the visitors of the square. The square is used
for shows and protests. There are poem performances, sema performances and traditional
performance arts and book fair in the square during the month of Ramadan (Figure 14).

Since a majority of the field of the study is an education area, the garden and surrounding
of the faculty buildings are used mainly by students during weekdays. Beyazıt State Library
and Turkish Bath Culture Museum in the area are open to public and attract users at every
age.

Figure 14. Book fair in the square, use of the square for performances (Yeni Şafak,
2014; Yeni Şafak, 2017).

Sociability
The square has a historical texture and attracts tourists while the users cannot spend too
much time there due to the lack of sitting and shading areas. The use by groups of friends
is more common than single uses. However, the groups are observed to have no interaction
with the other groups.

When we look at the university area and the surroundings, there are single, and group
uses by students. Groups are in interaction with each other. There are no such uses by the
other users in the side streets.

Evaluation of the Survey Results

Surveys have been applied to 50 people in total by using a random method to support the
analyses within the scope of the study. The survey consists of 22 questions. Questions
were given to the participants to measure their demographic conditions particularly
including their sex, age and occupation. A question was asked to find out where they live
to establish a link between the user and the city. Other questions are grouped under four
topics including socialness, accessibility and connections, usage and activities, comfort and
image.

User Profile
• Age: 76% of the participants of the survey consists of group members in the age
group of 15 to 25, %10 are 26-40, %8 are 41-55 and %6 are above 55.
• Sex: 54% of the participants are women and 46% are men.

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• Occupation: It was revealed that 78% of the participants are students, 8% are
retired people and 8% are tradesmen and %6 are other occupation groups (The
result was expected as the study was conducted around the İstanbul University).
• Place of residence: It was found that the 20% of the participants of the survey live
in Fatih, 8% live in Eyüp, 8% in Bahçelievler, 6% in Beyazıt and 6% in Maltepe.

Sociability
According to the questions under the topic of socialness, 52% of the participants stated
that they felt comfortable in the field. To the question regarding the social activities for
which the area is used, 40% of the participants said that they used the area for eating and
drinking and 40% used it for meeting. To the question regarding the features that describe
the area, 72% of the participants said they could describe the area as crowded (Figure 15).

Figure 15. Field of Study – Graphic for Socialness Analysis

Accessibility and Connections

According to the questions under the topic of Accessibility and Connections, 56% of the
participants stated that they use tramway and 30% stated that they use bus. In addition,
60% stated they didn’t have any problem for transportation. 70% of the participants stated
that the mass transportation is sufficient to meet their needs. The question “do the vehicle
parking lots and traffic arrangements affect your movements?” ended up with a result of
3,7 out of 5 (Figure 16, Figure 17).

Figure 16. Survey graphic for the analysis of the accessibility and connections in the
field of study

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Figure 17. Survey graphic for the analysis of the accessibility and connections in the
field of study

Usage and Activities

According to the question under the topic of Usage and Activities, 80% of the participants
stated that they use the area for education purposes. 50% of the participants stated that
they use the area every day and 46% stated that they use it several times a week. The
most frequent responses to the question regarding the elements that are disliked/found to
be missing in the area include the followings: crowded, vehicle traffic in narrow side streets,
foreign people (particularly from Syria), security problem, and lack of green area, sitting
area and illumination element. The most frequent responses to the question regarding the
elements/structures that are liked include the followings: historical texture, historical
structures, İstanbul University, Beyazıt Mosque, touristic area, birds and street vendors
(bagels and corns) (Figure 18).

Figure 18. Survey graphic for the analysis of the usage and activities in the field of
study

Comfort and Image

According to the questions under the topic of comfort and image, the question “do you feel
that you belong here?” had a result of 3,54 out of 5. The question “do you feel safe here
during daytime?” had a result of 3,62 out of five while the same question for the night use
had a result of 1,94 out of 5. The question “do you think the area is clean?” had a result
of 2,72 out of 5. The question “do you think the area is noisy?” had a result of 4,04 out of
5 while the question “do you think the illumination equipment is sufficient?” had a result
of 3,14 out of 5. The question on the sufficiency of green area had a result of 1,8 out of 5.
Answers to the question including the first three elements about the area were as follows:
square, mosque and university (Table 1).

Table 1. Result of the Comfort and Image Analysis

Sense of belonging

Feeling of safety during daytime

Feeling of safety at nights

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Cleanliness of the area

Noisiness of the area

Sufficiency of illumination equipment

Sufficiency of green area

RESULT
The spatial features of public spaces and the spatial quality in public space have a great
and decisive effect on the lives of the individuals. Visual and functional varieties provided
to the urban people in urban areas are a fact that individual psychologically needs. The
difference in this situation causes some public areas to become a transit region that is only
walked through while turning others to a special area where users come to spent time.
Public spaces should be areas that combine different groups and individuals and make
them interact. On the other hand, individuals’ feeling of safety in public space, meeting the
comfort requirement and feeling comfortable are related to a quality physical environment
of the public space. A public space that doesn’t offer different activities to the user cannot
be expected to have an effect that may positively affect the lives of individuals. As it can
be grasped from here, social relations and physical environment should co-exist in public
space.

The urban design works in Beyazıt Square and in the surroundings of the İstanbul
University which is the field of study revealed that there was not any result so far that
would satisfy the users. With the observations and surveys conducted in the field of study,
the area was perceptually evaluated, and it was seen that the area was not only used by
those who live in the Beyazıt Square but also by the individuals who come from several
squares of İstanbul. Due to the university located within the field of the study, it is seen
that the majority of the users of the area are young people and students, and the area is
usually used for the purposes of education, work and transportation. On the other hand,
there are also users who use the square and the surroundings for recreational and touristic
purposes. According to the data obtained from the individuals who use the area, it was
determined that the field of study is insufficient in terms of security. There were also no
satisfying results with regards to comfort and image (green area, urban furniture,
illumination, noise, cleanness). In light of the results that were obtained, it was concluded
that the field of the study was insufficient with regards to both social relations and physical
environment.

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