Comparative analysis of traditional, modern, and renovated streets in physical, visual, and life aspects; A case study on Buca district - Izmir (Turkey)

Abstract

Located within the borders of a conservation development plan, a traditional street structure, a renovated street structure which holds traditionalism and modernism together and a modern street structure constructed within the present settlement have been studied comparatively to determine the degree to which the existing urban structure meets the expectations of today's people. After an initial search of the literature, including development plans for the study area, the concept of 'the street' was examined in detail and the place of streets as the lowest spatial unit in social life evaluated. During the data collection phase expert and student groups, including landscape architects, investigated the area by public survey and direct observation to produce information for consideration by the researchers and an expert panel. Physical structure and life-style analyses were carried out through on the spot observation together with a public survey using face-to-face interviews and a computer-based visual analysis. During the last phase of the study, all the data obtained were evaluated by the research group and recommendations to direct future activity in planning, designing and primary conservation were developed on the basis of the selected street samples.