‘CONSIDER LIVING RATHER THAN HOUSING IN URBAN TRANSFORMATION’
Attention drawn to urban transformation projects, which are offered as salvation to metropolitans with unplanned urbanization that are not earthquake proof, focusing on housing rather than living. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çınar Atay, Head of IUE Department of Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, indicated that urban transformation projects needed to focus on building strong and aesthetic buildings for urban people rather than focusing on building cheap housing.
Atay stated that the projects being stuck between the authorities of Ministry of Environment and City Planning, and metropolitan municipalities created a problem. He said, “There should be urban transformation, but this subject involves too many speculations. It is very significant who will manage transformation and how they would do it.” Prof. Dr. Atay, who pointed out that there were successful examples along with failed projects in Turkey, stated the following:
“If the zones where urban transformation projects will take place are announced as zones to prevent slum housing, and restructuring is made under that disguise, it creates negative impacts. For urban transformation, projects that focus on creating better living for people should be considered. When you look at it that way, you don’t see standard levels. Zones to prevent slum housing are seen as a source for unearned income. Urban transformation becomes successful when increase of intensity, buildings and people is kept at a minimum level.”
Prof. Dr. Atay pointed out that the buildings needed to be constructed based on their functions and city dynamics, and he said building a culture centre on a commercial zone would be a dysfunctional investment. Prof. Dr. Atay also said, “When preparing urban transformation projects, one should not focus on creating green zones only but act as holistic. Other units such as operas, culture centres, and hospitals should also be considered in transformation. Assessments need to be made city wise. Urban transformation can only be successful when it is considered as a whole.
Prof. Dr. Atay, also indicated that focus should not be on building cheap housing, studies need to be conducted in terms of cultural and social aspects. He said nobody focuses on ‘aesthetics and durability” anymore. Prof. Dr. Çınar Atay said, “The cost is the most important factor. When we say aesthetics and durability, we don’t only mean the nature of the concrete. The same aesthetics and durability should be provided from its doors to windows.”
