INVESTIGATING USER DEMAND CHARACTERISTICS IN COASTAL AND POCKET PARKS


Çalışkan M., Çağlayan A. Y.

World Urban Parks Symposium 2025, İstanbul, Türkiye, 8 - 10 Ekim 2025, (Yayınlanmadı)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Yayınlanmadı
  • Basıldığı Şehir: İstanbul
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study investigates user demands in two different parks (Mehmet Akif Ersoy Park as a coastal park and Hidayettin Bağı Park as a pocket park located in Sarıyer, Istanbul) by using visitor monitoring methods. The research aims to identify the spatial preferences, behaviors, and expectations of different user groups, including children, youth, adults, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, pet owners, and groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants (testing group) in each park, and both qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the coastal park is mainly used for recreational activities such as walking, resting, and interacting with nature, whereas the pocket park serves short-term rest and social interaction purposes. The most preferred areas in the coastal park were the waterfront and walking trails, while seating and playground areas were more popular in the pocket park. Accessibility, maintenance, and lighting problems were identified as common issues in both parks. The study concludes that the scale, diversity of facilities, and accessibility levels of parks significantly influence user satisfaction and usage density. Ultimately, accessible, user-centered, and multifunctional open space designs are essential tools for enhancing urban life quality and promoting social inclusiveness.