The evaluation of the perceptibility and accessibility: The case of Gaziantep

Abstract

Purpose

The study focuses on accessibility to green spaces. In this context, the study aims to determine the accessibility of green areas in metric and topological terms, and to examine and discuss their social and functional contributions.

Design/Methodology/Approach

The study was designed in 5 stages. In the first phase of the study, a convex area map was formed within the limit of accessibility based on the literature research. In the second phase, the axial map was created. In the third phase, the integration map was used to determine the visual perceptibility of the green areas within the study area. The Depthmap software was used in analysis and creation of the maps. In the fourth phase, all findings obtained are explained and discussed with detailed graphics and maps. In the last phase of the study, some suggestions regarding the study area and general spatial planning approach were developed in the light of scientific principles in order to ensure urban green areas' contribution to the city and residents

Findings

All analysis results were evaluated in a holistic manner and the spatial relationship between residential areas and green areas in the study area was found to be weak and the perception of green areas was moderate.

Research Limitations/Implications

Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the accessibility of several parks of different sizes with other various methods. In the study, accessibility values were obtained with the Space syntax method. These values can be compared to each other with other analysis methods.

Practical Implications

This analysis will enable issues such as park locations in city plans, their size, and intervals to be more professionally handled. Thus, living space conditions and indirectly cities will be improved. As a result, urban life quality will flourish.

Social Implications

Urban green spaces are important components of the city in that they contribute positively to urban residents in terms of environmental, social, economic etc. aspects. For this reason, it is extremely important for people to have easy access to parks for socialization purposes.