Research Information System
Polat S. (Executive)
Municipality, 2011 - 2012
To constitute and to express identity is a phenomenon directly related with spatiality.
Similar to people, spaces have also identities which consist of abstract and concrete
qualities and which distinguish them from others. This concept which is called
architectural identity can be summarized as the values of a society expressed in
architecture. Public open spaces which are defined as empty spaces that are open and
accessible to all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age or socio-economic level have
also architectural identities. However, architectural identity can change according to
users and conditions similar to personal identity.
Public open spaces which play an important role in sustaining urban life for centuries,
have recently come up with discussions such as privatization, disappearence and
obsolesence. However, to create and sustain a civic consciousness and culture, people
need freedom and social reconciliation promoted by public open spaces.
In this context, the aim of this study is to explain the dimensions of architectural
identity in public open spaces, to determine the factors and their relations affecting these
dimensions and to constitute a universal and inter-disciplinary method of analysis to
evaluate the architectural identity in public open spaces.
The method developed with this purpose, has been tested on the sample of Bursa-
Cumhuriyet Square and near surroundings (Heykel.nü district), and the way that the
architectural identity of the district changed from past to present has been revealed. It
has been discussed that different dimensions come up in various periods and the
architectural identity of the district has been defined for each period through conceptual
schemes.
The underlying belief in this study is that it could be a starting point for the phase of
developing objectives and making analyses which is the first step of design process and
guide related institutions and professionals in the formation of future-oriented decions
related with public open spaces.
Key words: Public open space, architectural