PUBLIC SPACE USAGE DIVERSITY; RELATED WITH THE PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

Comparative Study Analysis in the Selected Public Spaces of Istanbul and Barcelona

Master en Teoria y Practica del Proyecto de Arquitectura ETSAB-UPC, Barcelona 2010

Image 1: Birds eye view of Istanbul and Barcelona

Author: zlem Tuba Yenimazman Tutor: Eduard Bru Bistuer

ABSTRACT
The study searches for the public space usage diversity analyzing the social and physical environments of the Mediterranean cities of Istanbul and Barcelona in which the citizens have different cultural habits. The paper analyses selected public spaces on the historical centers of Istanbul: Eminn District and Barcelona: Gothic Quarter, identifying each aspect which contributes to cultural identity and the usage style in the appropriation of public spaces. Analyze will be studied under four subjects: 1) Linear Public Spaces; 2) Barriers; 3) Spaces in Transition; 4) Public Commercial Spaces which define a matrix for the evaluation of the public spaces indicated due to the public space requisite criteria.The research hypothesis is that, public space usage differentiates in different cultures with the different social and physical environments of Barcelona and Istanbul. The paper presents the selected case studies, evaluating each aspect of cultural identity and public space usage approach, as a method to test the defined criteria and their representativeness.

CONTENTS
1. Introduction 2. Public Space 2.1 Factors Indicating the Requirements of the Public Spaces 2.2 Public Space Usage and Culture 3. CASE STUDY: Analysis and classification of the public spaces due to their physical and social environmental properties 3.1 Istanbul: Eminn District 3.2 Barcelona: Gothic Quarter 3.a Linear Public Spaces 3.a.a Galata Bridge 3.a.b La Rambla 3.b Barriers 3.b.a Highway at the end of Galata Bridge 3.b.b The Semaphore and Sculpture of Christopher Columbus 3.c Spaces in Transition 3.c.a Eminn Square 3.c.b La Rambla del Mar 3.d Public Commercial Spaces 3.d.a Spice Bazaar 3.d.b Maremagnum 4. Case Study: Valuation of the Public Spaces due to the Public Space Requisite Criteria 5. Public Space Projects 5.1 Las Ramblas de Barcelona 5.2 Intervention to Byk Valide Han, Eminn 6. Conclusions 7. References 19 27 27 29 31 33 14 12 10 3 4 4 5 6

7 7 8

1. INTRODUCTION
A public space is the space of social interaction and cultural integration, through high-qualified urban design and equipment of the spaces. And also public space is a phenomenon which reflects the local culture and history. People from different cultural backgrounds, have different needs and desires with respect to urban open spaces. It is an evidence of cultural difference that reflects to the daily habits of the people from the different cultures. The appropriation levels of public spaces of different populations is the reference to evaluate the success of the public spaces, allowing to identify which factor is causing the unsuccess or, on the contrary, which factors are key factors for the high level of appropriation by different groups of the population. Moreover, it is necessary to identify which factors define a complete public space and which one is missing, results in an incomplete public space. The study aims to search the physical and social behavior of the public spaces which results in having different types of public usages in the areas. The study is focusing on the public spaces in Istanbul: Eminn District, and Barcelona: Gothic Quarter where the people have different cultures. The investigation will search the physical and the social similarities and differences between the public spaces in the selected areas of the both cities by classifying them according to their functions in the city to understand the factors involves the requierements and the expectations from public spaces. The results from the analyzes of those public spaces could help architects and town planners in the both cities to evaluate public space usage differences and the similarities due to the cultural identities of both cities, identifying its causes and defining processes of intervention to supply the deficiencies of the public spaces in different cities.

2.1 PUBLIC SPACE

Definition: A public space is an area or place that is open and accessible to all citizens, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age or socio-economic level. Public space has also become something of a touchstone for critical theory in relation to philosophy, geography, visual art, cultural studies, social studies and urban design.

2.1 FACTORS INDICATING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PUBLIC SPACES

Along the development of the urbanism, the consideration of cultural difference on the usage of public areas is resulted in having distant public spaces with the different combinations of the urban, social, and cultural factors according to the social integration. It is a necessity to identify the public spaces, conforming to the expectations from the public spaces, which contribute to cultural identity or to spatial segregation in the appropriation of public spaces. As the main factors of the requirements of the public spaces, the six criteria are proposed, which can define a matrix for the evaluation of cultural habits, and identity in the appropriation of public spaces. This classification could define criteria for town planning to evaluate cultural identity in the public spaces, identifying its causes and defining processes of intervention. Location and Accessibility (L&A) It considers the location of the public space, its level of centrality in relation to the city centre, sub-centers and nodes of accessibilities, and; the accessibility of the public space. The valuation will be done according to the accessibility continuity like having the criteria of: Relation with the central neighbours; Relation with the Public Transportation system: Metro; Tram; Bus; Boat; Civil transportation: Car; Motorcycle, Bike, Pedestrian. Neutral Valuation Relationship (NVR) It considers the integration of the natural environment and the public space. The valuation will be done according to the relationship with water like having the criteria of: Distance to the water; Water usage as public space; Scene usage. Urban Functions and Multifunctionality (UF&M) It considers the relevance of urban functions which confine to the public spaces and are responsible for the generation of urban live in those spaces. The valuation will be done according to the activity density per square meter like having the facilities of: Restaurant and Caf; Transportation; Trading Facilities; Other Activities. Social Environment and Usage Profile (SE&UP) It is related with security in the space, human appropriation, and human lively and ethnic minorities integration. The valuation will be done according to the security and usage frequency changing with the different hours like analyzing the usages of: Pedestrian usage: Stable Pedestrians, instable pedestrians; Vehicle usage: Tram, Bus, Car, Bicycle, and Motorcycle.

Urban, Architectural and Cultural Value of the Area (UACV) Urban, architectural and cultural value of the neighborhood is the fact where the public space is integrated; includes its cultural identity and its eventual historical heritage. The valuation will be done by analyzing the physical characteristics of the public spaces, and their usage difference according to the different cultures of: Limits; Closed Public Spaces; Public spaces to stay. Public Space Quality (PSQ) The criteria analyzes the public space in terms of creation of order, unity, proportion, scale, detailed design, infrastructure; it also considers the existence of high quality urban furniture, trees, and others urban facilities, resulting on a comfortable space with an aesthetical quality.

2.2 PUBLIC SPACE USAGE AND CULTURE

Today public spaces are accepted as the space of social interaction and cultural integration, through high-qualified urban design and equipment of those spaces. In the modern community, public spaces are accepted as the spaces for social interaction and cultural integration; a qualified and integrated public space allows for human activities and permanence, meaning a capacity: to support social integration, and; to integrate its population on a harmonious society. However, a segregated public space is an urban space of social unintegration and physical segregation, which has the lack of the factors of integration, missing the qualities which contemporary urban society requires (Cultural Identity and Spatial Segregation in the Public Spaces of Lisbon, 1994, p. 2). Those differences of the integration factor in the public spaces show the reflection of the cultural diversity on public spaces usage in the different ethnic groups.

3. CASE STUDY: Analysis and Classification of the public spaces due to their physical and
social environmental properties
The case study is the object of evaluation through the application of the argument of the usage of the public spaces differentiates when they are used by different ethnic groups. According to the fact that, those two different Mediterranean cities; Barcelona and Istanbul are selected in order to having different cultural activities. Two significant areas are selected in the historical areas of both cities, which have continuity, one to another: Istanbul: Eminn District: Galata Bridge, Eminn Square, and Spice Bazaar Barcelona: Gothic Quarter: La Rambla, La Rambla del Mar, and Maremagnum The analysis will be executed in four subjects: Linear Public Spaces Barriers Spaces in Transition Public Commercial Spaces

Image 2 : stanbul: Eminn District and Barcelona: Gothic Quarter

3.1 Istanbul: Eminn District

The aim of the selection of Eminn1 District is having a strong cultural identity due to site characteristics, urbanity, architecture and social aspects. In the last decades Eminn experienced an intense transformation which had an aspect of a territorially action, through: the intervention on existing urban areas, renovating urban fabric and public spaces, assuming a cultural modernity, developing integration with the transportation system.

3.2. Barcelona: Gothic Quarter

Gothic Quarter2 is one of the oldest and important central districts of the Barcelona. The objective of selection of El Gotico is to have rich cultural heritage, good relation with the neutrality: sea, and green area, and being central. Also by being a touristic and ancient area, the cultural integration and the segregation have notable level.

Image 3: Map showing Eminns location within Istanbul (The Politics of Urban Waterfront Regeneration, 2009, p.821)

Image 4: Map showing Gothic Quarters location within Barcelona (ACE 11, 2009, p.63, 67)

Eminn is a former district of Istanbul in Turkey, which is in the walled city of Constantine. The district has a history bearing the architectural, cultural and religious traces of Genovese, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. Eminn covers the point on which the Byzantine capital was built. The Galata Bridge crosses the Golden Horn into Eminn and the mouth of the Bosphorus opens into the Marmara Sea. And up on the hill stands Topkap Palace, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) and Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya). Thus Eminn is the main tourist destination in Istanbul. It was a part of the Fatih district until 1928, which covered the whole peninsular area of old Istanbul within the medieval city walls, that area which was formerly the Byzantine capital Constantinople. The nature of the place was changed by the industrial age; the Galata Bridge was built across the Golden Horn; steamships arrived, then electricity, then the railway and the Istanbul terminal of the Orient Express was naturally sited at Sirkeci Station. The sea walls still surrounded the city, and the sea gates of the port of Eminn were the point of entry for goods, and for people. Eminn was a part of the Fatih district until 1928. She became district of stanbul in 1928. In the wake of the huge railway station, other grand stone buildings were also built in the late Ottoman period. Among these were some commercial buildings and the central post office. In the early days of the Republic of Turkey, Eminn was renovated extensively; the big square was opened up in front of Yeni Cami by clearing out the tollbooths at the end of the Galata Bridge; the Spice bazaar was restored; the fish market was cleared off the shore of the Golden Horn and a road opened up to the new bridge at Unkapan.

'Gothic Quarter is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. It stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to Ronda de Sant Pere. Despite several changes undergone in the 19th and early 20th century, many of the buildings date from Medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona. Remains of the squared Roman Wall can be seen around Tapineria and Sots-Tinent Navarro to the north, Avinguda de la Catedral and Plaa Nova to the west and Carrer de la Palla to the south. El Call, the medieval Jewish quarter, is located within this area too. The Barri Gtic retains a labyrinthine street plan, with many small streets opening out into squares. Most of the quarter is closed to regular traffic although open to service vehicles and taxis.

3.a Linear Public Spaces

Linear public spaces have perceived a space along, which the people projects in their mind to go the place where they will reach. Linear ways guide and directs the people leading by the way, which do not need to be continuous. The way may start and stop, also can be partially enclosed, sometimes can change and welcomes people with the surprises. The study analyses two special linear public spaces which contain all the potentials indicated above.

Image 5: Map showing the linearity of Galata Bridge(on the left), and La Rambla(on the right) Scale 1/15000

3.a.a Galata Bridge The objective of the selection of Galata Bridge3 is being a very rich linear public space, and having a strong cultural heritage which is accepted as the public centrum of the city.

3.a.b La Rambla The aim of the selection of La Rambla4 is a being very special passage which is formed by various streets, goes to the neutrality of sea. For not lying straight having a rich cultural heritage it give to the pedestrians a great perception.

The Galata Bridge is a bridge that spans the Golden Horn in Istanbul, Turkey. The Galata Bridge was a symbolic link between the traditional city of Istanbul proper, site of the imperial palace and principal religious and secular institutions of the empire, and the districts of Galata, Beyolu, ili and Harbiye where a large proportion of the inhabitants were non-Muslims and where foreign merchants and diplomats lived and worked. It connects the Muslim, Armenian, Christian, Syrian, Chaldean, Jewish, Arabic, French, Gypsy, Serbian, Greek communities that have different doctrines and religious distinctions and creates a rich religious and linguistic mosaic from Galata and Beyolu to the Peninsula.

La Rambla is a street in central Barcelona, popular with both tourists and locals alike. A 1.2 kilometer-long tree-lined pedestrian mall between Barri Gtic and El Raval, it connects Plaa Catalunya in the center with the Christopher Columbus monument at Port Vell.

CRITIC 1: Physical Analysis and Comparison of Galata Bridge and La Rambla Street

Image 6: The plan of La Rambla showing its environs, Scale: 1/7000

Image 7: The plan of Galata Bridge, Scale: 1/7000

Apart from their connectivity of two important areas in their district, physical shape of the both public spaces have remarkable difference as shown in Image 5; Galata Bridge is

lying straight and La Rambla is lying serpentine. To talk about the length and width, La Rambla is three times longer than Galata Bridge. In addition the width of Galata Bridge in some parts two times, in the other parts three times greater than La Rambla. Also La Rambla is formed by various streets, but Galata Bridge has only one piece. La Rambla is partly continuous street but the bridge is totally continuous public space.

CRITIC 2: Social Usage Analysis and Comparison of Galata Bridge and La Rambla
Comparing the two sections of the public spaces according to the usage diversity; the section chart of Galata Bridge and La Rambla, passing from Plaza Real in La Rambla, and Karaky side in Galata Bridge, shows the public usage similarities with variety of spaces.

Image 8: Sections (B-B) of Galata Bridge (above) and La Rambla showing the public space usage, Scale: 1/750

In Galata Bridge there is a hidden activity place, which is commonly being used for trading facilities, and above the bridge again usage of the pedestrians and the vehicles continues as in La Rambla. In Plaza Real, a hidden square, which

has an entrance from la Rambla have the same activities with the ground floor of Galata Bridge. For that reason according to the chart of public space usage in both cities, we can say that: La Rambla + Plaza real = Galata Bridge.

Image 9: Photos showing the similarity between the public space usages of Galata Bridge (left) and La rambla & Plaza real

3.b Barriers
Barriers are the elements which belong to the city life, where the continuity of the public spaces is broken. La Rambla and Galata Bridge have similar situation as having break points in their continuous line.

Image 10: Map showing the break points of Galata Bridge(on the left), and La Rambla(on the right) Scale 1/15000

3.b.a Highway at the end of Galata Bridge From Galata Bridge which is constructed in the axis of Egyptian Bazaar, it is not possible to pass directly to Eminn square and to the Bazaar. In that area the circulation continuity is being broken by the highway which is located in the Eminn side of the bridge.

3.b.b The Semaphore and Sculpture of Christopher Columbus At the end of the street where is no connectivity with La Rambla del Mar which is constructed to maintain the extension of La Rambla. In the direction there is lateral deviation which is broken by the semaphore and the sculpture of Christopher Columbus.

Image 11: Photo showing the break point of Galata Bridge (right) and La Rambla

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Image 12: Graph showing the both breaking and pausing points of Galata Bridge (right) and La Rambla

Although Las Ramblas seems continuous, by being formed by various streets, there are so many pausing points collocated with the breaking points that affect the continuity of the public space. In contrast, Galata Bridge as consisting of one piece is a continuous public space which has breaking points only at its beginning and the ending points.

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3.c Spaces in Transition

Space of transition and interaction; is a place that both philosophically and programmatically intends to enhance the life of the towns population by promoting social and civic togetherness. In this case we are finding two physically different transition places which are: a square in Istanbul, a runway in Barcelona.

Image 13: Map showing the transition points of Galata Bridge(on the left), and La Rambla(on the right) Scale 1/15000

3.c.a Eminn Square

In Istanbul public space usage in activity having places are greater than the public squares. Generally people are using squares just to pass to another place. Eminn square, which is located in strategically important point, has instable crowd. In that case we can state Eminn Square as a place in transition.

3.c.b La Rambla del Mar

In the selected line of Barcelona, we are finding La Rambla del Mari as a space in transition which connects Moll de Espanya with the shopping mall: Maremagnum. In contrast of Eminn Square there are two types of users: stable users, and instable users.

Image 14 : Photos showing the transitional activity of Eminn square (right) and La Rambla del Mar

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To conclude, in the intersection of usage of Eminn Square and La Rambla del Mar the common action is being occurred: to transit.

Image 15: Graphic showing the pedestrian movement of both areas (Scale 1/15000)

The transition area -dispersal point- is where the people are coming to pass to the other areas. According to the image 15, the dispersal areas (Eminn Square on the left, La Rambla del Mar on the right) have a great pedestrian movement, and the people are using those spaces to spread and to reach to other places.

Image 16: Image showing the function of being gate (dispersal points) of the both transition areas

According to the analysis of the pedestrian flows, those two public spaces have more instable pedestrian users that mean people are using those public spaces to transit rather than staying in. As a result the significant points of those public spaces shown in the image 16 are determined as the gates of their areas leading people to pass to transit the other places.

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3.d Public Commercial Spaces

Market places are the areas where people meet or gather and where the news is exchanged. In that subject the commercial centers: Egyptian Bazaar (an antique market), and Maremagnum (a new modern shopping mall) is being analyzed according to their public usage style.

3.d.a Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar

The Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar5 is the main market building, located in the historical center of Istanbul.

3.d.b Maremagnum
Maremagnum6, a leisure commercial centre, located in the port, at the end of La Rambla del Mar.

Image 17: Map showing the public commercial spaces of Spice Bazaar (on the left), and Maremagnum, Scale 1/15000

The Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar is one of the oldest bazaars in the city of Istanbul, Located in Eminn district, is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. The Bazaar is a complex building adjacent to New Mosque, and rents from the shops within was intended to help pay for the upkeep of the mosque. The structure was designed by the chief court architect Koca Kasm Aa, but completed by architect Mustafa in 1660. The Spice Bazaar is an L-shaped building, consisting of 88 vaulted rooms, almost all of which are now divided into an upper and lower story. Monumental gateways are at the ends of both halls, with chambers above each entranceway. The main entrance is in the southwest corner, facing the New Mosque.
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Centre Comercial Maremagnum is a new contemporary building presents people's movement through its large curved mirror roof. The reflection is viewed in every different ways by different angles, positions, and point of view. Apart from restaurants and cafs, and a huge variety of discos and bars, the centre contains a large number of fashion boutiques,that has recently become more specialised in the world of fashion.

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CRITIC 1: Physical Analysis and Comparison of Spice Bazaar and Maremagnum

Locations of the both public commercial spaces are having different relationships with their environs. To talk about their location; Spice Bazaar is located in the Eminn edge of Galata Bridge, is in the one of the most important market area of old city of Istanbul. Therefore, Maremagnum is located at the end of the La Rambla del Mar in the new part of Moll de Espaa- gives an impression that the building has a special importance as being builded in the ending point of the La Rambla. Also both of them are located near the sea, but Maremagnum have a greater relation with neutrality than Spice Bazaar with respect to the sea proximity. The physical shape of both of the buildings are different, Spice Bazaar have la L shaped plan, leads people to circulate linearly. In contrast Maremagnum has a rectangular shape, which leads the people to pass circularly o freely. Thus, Egyptian Bazaar is a very dense design, being used all the areas efficiently; Maremagnum is a big scaled building having so many non-used circulation areas.

Image 18: Plans of Spice Bazzar (on the right and Maremagnum, Scale 1/3500

CRITIC 2: Social Usage Analysis and Comparison of Spice Bazaar and Maremagnum
Despite having totally different sections, the usage of Maremagnum and Spice Bazar is very similar in the cases indicated below. Maremagnum is a semi-open commercial space having activities in its interior and exterior. Although Spice Bazaar is a closed public space building, it has exterior restaurants like Marmagnum.

Image 19: Pictures showing the outer activities of Spice Bazaar and Maremagnum

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As we see in Image 20 Spice Bazaar is a compact and dense design comparing to Maremagnum which has more circulation areas and open spaces than the shops. Apart from restaurants and cafs, and a huge variety of discos and bars, Maremagnum contains a large number of fashion boutiques that has recently become more specialised in the world of fashion and in contrast Spice Bazaar contains spice selling shops, so usage profiles of the both spaces are totally different.

Image 20: Sections of Spice Bazaar and Maremagnum showing the public space usage and the density of the areas

Public Spaces to Stay

Most streets and bridges including the pavements are considered public space, as are town squares or parks where the people stay and pass time. Finally from those analyses of the classifications, a new subject occurred: Public Spaces to Stay. According to the table in Barcelona; Maremagnum is accepted as a place to stay like La Rambla as having the trading facilities and restaurants, but at the same time people are using La Rambla del Mar as a public space to stay which doesnt have any activities for the people. For that reason in Barcelona, public space phenomenon doesnt have the activity facilities. In Istanbul; Galata Bridge and Spice Bazaar are considered as public spaces to stay instead of Eminn square. In Turkey the people are staying in the places where they can find an activity.
La Rambla La Rambla del Mar Maremagnum Spice Bazaar Galata Bridge

Image 21: Photos Showing the Public Spaces with stable and instable users

Public Spaces and the Limits

Public space is created to share commonly for open usage throughout the community. According to its psychological affect on the people when a public space has the limits, it makes people feel more secure than in the unlimited public spaces, and generally the public spaces within the limits are greater. Also the size of the public spaces is so important that give people different feelings, its effect on public space usage variates according to the cultural diversity in the different cities. As in the chart of the size comparisons of Eminn Square, Plaza Catalunya, and Plaza real, having different sizes with the different physical existence, those squares is being perceived differently by the people.

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Image 22: Image shows the comparison of the square sizes in the same scale according to their areas.

The study searches the difference between public space usages in the different types of areas in both cities according to their physical diversity. As we see in Image 24 there are two different public space types which are within the limits and without the limits. In Barcelona both of them are being used, but the places within the limits are being used more to stay, but the other is being used only to cross for passing to the other public spaces in which people can stay. Istanbul has both of them as in Barcelona; there is a usage similarity between Eminn Square and Plaza Catalunya which are square, and at the same time transition points. There is the same usage relation between Plaza Real and Galata Bridge which are within the limits, as not having any closed square in Istanbul; the citizens are using the downstairs of Galata Bridge as a limited square in Barcelona. PUBLIC SPACES Open Public Spaces without the Limits BARCELONA
Plaza Catalunya

STANBUL
Eminn Square

Plaza Catalunya is a totally open public spaces having two-sided crossings.

Eminn Square is a semi open public spaces having some broken limits and many alters to pass to various areas. On the seaside there is a two-sided crossing as in the Plaza Catalunya.

Open Public Spaces within the Limits

Plaza Real

Galata Bridge

Plaza Real has a big node at the entrance from La Rambla, and the 3 little alters going to the city in its limits.

Galata bridge only has two alters in its limit.

Image 23: Showing the limited and unlimited open public spaces of both areas

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4. CASE STUDY: Valuation of the Public Spaces due to the Public Space Requisite Criteria
It is today an important issue to understand the factors involved in the qualification of the public spaces, locking far from a single physical design analysis. The evaluation of those criteria in a public space can be defined in a graphic matrix as presented in Chart 1, corresponding to the number of areas to the classification of the criteria on the 0 to 5 scale.
Public Space Quality (PSQ) 5 4 Urban, Architectural and Location and Accessibility 3 Cultural Value of the Area (L&A) 2 (UACV) 1 0 Neutral Valuation Relationship (NVR) Urban Functions and Multifunctionality (UF&M) Social Environment and Usage profile (SE&UP)

Chart 1: Graphic matrix of the public spaces.

Eminn District

Gotic Quarter

Image 24: Map of Investigation area showing the public space activity places. (Scale: 1/15000)

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Galata Bridge: 4.08 / 5.00

Back in history, between 1453 and 1994 five Galata bridgesii were built in Istanbul. Valuation of Galata Bridge is done according to main factors for the usage of public spaces, using Image 24;

La Rambla: 4.16/ 5.00

La Rambla is a very historical, unique public space. Valuation of La Rambla Street is done according to main factors for the usage of public spaces, using Image 24;

Image 25: Image shows the location of Galata Bridge and La Rambla, within the historical area

L&A: 4.5 Galata Bridge has a very strong relation with the central neighbors as being located between Eminn and Beyolu districts, integrated with the transportation network like being connected directly with tram and bus. It is also near to boat piers, and to the train station. Also the Bridge has civil the transport opportunities like permitting cars, motorcycles, bikes, and having pedestrian transportation. In contrast, is pretty far away from the nearest metro station.

L&A: 4 La Rambla is a very central and ancient pedestrian public space, which has a very strong relationship with its central neighbors, and it has a good accessibility like having metro, bus stations. It is also near to the port. Also La Rambla gives all the civil transportation opportunities like permitting cars, motorcycles, bikes, and having pedestrian transportation. On the other hand, is far away from the nearest train station.

Image 26: View showing the daily usage frequency and relationship with neurality of Galata Bridge.

Image 27: View of La Rambla showing its relationship with neurality.

NVR: 4 Galata Bridge have a direct connection with the neutrality like being located on the sea, permitting to the fisherman to use the sea as a public space, and in the first floor it has a great scene. However it is distant to the green areas.

NVR: 3.5 Although being near to the sea, La Rambla does not have a direct connection with the sea. However, as being close to the Park Citadella, and having trees on the passage, it has a good relation with green areas.
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UF&M: 4 Although the Bridge does not have shopping facilities, is a multifunctional public space having the facilities of transportation, fishing, having cafe & restaurants.

UF&M: 4.5 Most of the time, there are many more tourists than locals occupying the La Rambla, which has changed the shopping selection, as well as the character of the street in general.

Image 28: Bosphorus side of Galata Bridge showing its connectivity

Image 29: The east front elevation of the facade of La Rambla showing its continuity

Image 30: The west front elevation of the facade of La Rambla showing its continuity

Y-intensity of activities X-Daily Schedule

Chart 2: Graph shows the activity intensities by time based on personal experience of Las Ramblas (Rehabilitacin de la calle 3 oriente del Centro Histrico de Puebla, 2004)

SE&UP: 3.5 Galata Bridge has notable social environment which is accepted also pedestrian use zone. The users -tourists and locals- are the users of the cafes, restaurants, and the fishermen as stable users; and the people are using the bridge to reach from a part to another part as instable pedestrians. Also it gives the opportunity of transport including to the tram, bus, car, motorcycle and bicycle. But in the night the both usages are lessening which causes a decreasing security level comparing with the morning security values.

SE&UP: 4 Las Ramblasiii is a pedestrian passage formed by various streets. It is crowded, especially during the tourist season. Most of the time, there are more tourists than locals occupying the passage. Also there are caf restaurants, street sellers. As well it gives the opportunity of transport of metro, bus, car, motorcycle and bicycle. In the night as closing cafes, restaurants, shops, also metro; the usage of La Rambla decreases affecting the security level negatively.

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Image 31: Graph Showing the security level change according to the hours in Las Ramblas avenue (Mapping Las Ramblas, 2007)

Image 32: Graph Showing usage profile and population Las Ramblas avenue according to different hours (Mapping Las Ramblas, 2007)

UACV: 4.5 Galata Bridge is integrated to an ancient neighborhood which has a rich cultural identity by having ancient buildings as historical market places, religious buildings and the dwellings. It has different architectural views in its each side. Galata Bridge is a semi-open public space in which people are staying by having defined activities in a limited way according to its traditional characteristic.

UACV: 4.5 La Rambla is located in an ancient area as it is antique on its own which has a good architectural value, having continuity with the facades of the old buildings. The area has a deep cultural identity as having churches, ancient buildings, and old market places as Boqueria Market. La Rambla is an open public space in which people are using the passage with various activities.

Image 33: Sections (A-A) of Galata Bridge (on the left) and La Rambla showing their usage areas, Scale: 1/750

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Image 34: Image showing the usage areas in Las Ramblas per m2

PSQ: 4 Galata Bridge is a detailed and dense public space connecting two significant parts of the Istanbul, which gives the variety of the activity opportunities to the people (Image 33). Also it has an aesthetical quality, shows the richness of the bridge. Respect to its vertical proportion, it is a dense design in its own. However, to talk about the absent factors of a public space, it does not have enough urban furniture, as having only lighting elements. Due to proportions of the area it is a big scaled design.
Public Space Quality (PSQ) Location and Accessibility (L&A)

PSQ: 4.5 La Rambla is a narrow and long pedestrian street which has an aesthetical quality as having a great perspective. To talk about its section transversal, the design proportion is extremely dense as having many activities in a very small area (image 33). To talk about its longitudinal situation, it is a big scaled design, and all of the parts in the street are being used efficiently which increases its public space quality. Also, It has sitting places, threes, and lighting elements as urban furniture.

5 4 3 2 1 0

Public Space Quality (PSQ) Urban, Architectural and Cultural Location and Accessibility (L&A)

5 4 3 2 1 0

Urban, Architectural and Cultural

Neutral Valuation Relationship Urban Functions and Multifunctio

Social Environment and Usage

Neutral Valuation Relationship Urban Functions and Multifunctio

Social Environment and Usage

Chart 3: Valuation graphs of Galata Bridge (on the right) and La Ramba according to the public space criteria

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Eminn Square 3.33/5.00 Eminn Square is a significant public space in the historical center of Istanbul which is located in a very strategically important point within the market area. Valuation of Eminn Square is done due to the main factors for the usage of public spaces using the information on the Image 24;

La Rambla Del Mar 3.12/5.00 La Rambla del Mar is the extension of Las Ramblas connecting to the shopping Mall of Maremagnum. Valuation of the bridge is realized due to the main factors for the usage of public spaces, using the information on the Image 24;

Image 35: Image shows the location of Eminn Square, and La Rambla del Mar within the historical area

L&A: 4 Eminn square is a pedestrian square, has strong relation with the central neighbors by being located between Galata Bridge, New Mosque, and Spice Bazaar. Also it is a central area as being so close to main bus terminal, tram stop, boat piers, and to the main train station. On the other hand, it is a bit far away from the nearest metro station. NVR: 2 Despite being located in the coastal line of the Golden Horn, the square is not being connected directly with the sea, so people cannot fell the water when they are spending time in the area. Besides, people cannot use the water as a public space, and it is a bit far away from the green areas. UF&M: 3 The Square is not being considered totally as a multi-use public space as having the opportunities to shop and to transit. There are trading facilities including street vendors, and the shops of Egyptian Bazaar which is open to the square. SE&UP: 3.5 Eminn square has notable social environment which is accepted as pedestrian use zone. The workers in the shops and street

L&A: 3.75 As being located near to historical center, it is a central public space which has a good accessibility as being located in the port, near to metro, and to bus stations. As a pedestrian passage it has only the pedestrian transportation opportunity. Also, it is a little far away from the nearest train station.

NVR: 3.5 As being a sea bridge, it has direct connection with the sea, but it is far away from the green areas.

UF&M: 1 La Rambla del Mar is not being considered as a multi-use public space as having only the opportunity to transit.

SE&UP: 2.5 La Rambla del Mar is pedestrian use area which has a semi-social environment. The people who are staying in the public space with
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vendors of Spice Bazaar are accepted as stable crowd, the shoppers and the people are using the square to reach from a part to another part is accepted as instable pedestrians. But in the night the both usages are falling which causes a decreasing security level comparing with the morning security values. UACV: 4.5 The Square is integrated to an ancient neighborhood which has rich cultural identity by having ancient buildings as historical market places, religious buildings and the dwellings.

individual activities and street vendors are accepted as stable crowd, and the people are using the bridge to reach from a part to another part is accepted as instable pedestrians. But in the night, the both usage frequencies are decreasing which causes a diminishing security level comparing with the morning values. UACV: 4 Although La Rambla del Mar is designed to be the extension of La Rambla, it has a weak relationship with the street by having an indirect connection. Its environment has the same cultural identity with La Rambla.

Image 36: Image showing the proportion of the area

Image 37: The connection with the neutral environment

PSQ: 3 Eminn square is a huge open uncontrolled, and scattered public space, which has a big scale according to its environment. Also it has architectural value as having a unique floor tile, and having stairs. The square has some urban furniture which only has trees and sitting places.
Public Space Quality (PSQ) Location and Accessibility (L&A)

PSQ: 4 La Rambla del Mar is a wellproportioned open public space; It has a unique design with its unique curvy shaped floor and lighting elements. It has also urban furniture as having sitting places, glass lighting elements.

5 4 3 2 1 0

Public Space Quality (PSQ) Urban, Architectural and Cultural Location and Accessibility (L&A)

5 4 3 2 1 0

Urban, Architectural and Cultural

Neutral Valuation Relationship Urban Functions and Multifunctio

Social Environment and Usage

Neutral Valuation Relationship Urban Functions and Multifunctio

Social Environment and Usage

Chart 4: Valuation graphs of Eminn Square (on the right) According to the public space criteria

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Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar 3.25/5.00 Valuation of Spice Bazaar is realized according to main factors for the usage of public spaces, using Image 24;

Maremagnum 3.80/5.00 Valuation of Maremagnum is done according to main factors of public space requisite criteria using the Image 24;

Image 38: Image shows the location of Spice Bazaar(left) and Maremagnum within their area

L&A: 4 The Bazaar has the same location and accessibility characteristics with Eminn square. NVR: 2 The Bazaar has the same relationship with neutrality with Eminn square.

L&A: 3.75 The shopping mall has the same location and accessibility properties with La Rambla del Mar. NVR: 3.5 Maremagnum has the same Neutral Valuation Relationship properties with E La Rambla del Mar. UF&M: 4 Maremagnum can be considered as multi-use public space like having trading facilities, pedestrian transportation in its open areas, and having caf and restaurant facilities. SE&UP: 4 Maremagnum is a notable social environment which has highly usage level. Interior vendors and public space users are accepted as stable crowd, the shoppers as instable crowd. In the night as it is being closed both usage levels are decreasing and in the exterior places security level is reducing.

UF&M: 1 Spice Bazaar cannot be considered totally as a multi-use public space as having only trading facilities.

SE&UP: 3.5 Spice Bazaar is the main social environment which is a highly used commercial zone. Interior and exterior vendors are accepted as stable crowd, the customers as instable crowd. In the night as it is being closed, both usage levels are decreasing and in the exterior places security level is lessening.

Image 39: Photo showing the interior usage frequency of Spice Bazaar

Image 40: Photo showing the interior usage frequency of Maremagnum

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UACV: 4.5 The ancient bazaar building is integrated to an ancient neighborhood which has extremely rich cultural identity by having ancient buildings like historical market places, religious buildings and the dwellings. PSQ: 4.5 Spice Bazaar is a closed and limited L shaped building, which has a dense design with its interior and exterior shops. It has a unique design with its arched roof and ancient materials.

UACV: 4 Maremagnum has the same architectural and cultural identities with La Rambla del Mar as being integrated to the same neighborhood.

PSQ: 3.5 The shopping mall is a bigproportioned open public space which has a unique architectural and urban design with its reflecting entrance curve facade and having a unique curved terrain in its exterior. The building has also urban furniture as having sitting places and threes in its open areas.

Public Space Quality (PSQ) Location and Accessibility (L&A)

5 4 3 2 1 0

Public Space Quality (PSQ) Urban, Architectural and Cultural Location and Accessibility (L&A)

5 4 3 2 1 0

Urban, Architectural and Cultural

Neutral Valuation Relationship Urban Functions and Multifunctio

Social Environment and Usage

Neutral Valuation Relationship Urban Functions and Multifunctio

Social Environment and Usage

Chart 5: Valuation graph of Spice Bazaar(on the left) and Maremagnum according to the public space criteria

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5. Public Space Projects

All of those analyses are so significant to make designs according to the data which are being observed from the investigation. In following subject, here is being explained two projects which are designed according to the pedestrian flow and to the environmental factors. The first project is a pavement design competition project of Las Ramblas which is designed with respect to the pedestrian stays and crossings in the day. The second project is a proposal of a temporary open market project which is formed according to the left null spaces from the environment buildings, directing people to the open public spaces of the Eminn district.

5.1 LAS RAMBLAS DE BARCELONA

Local: Barcelona, ES, 2007 Type: Contest Contributors: Ivan Alvarez Len, Julia Plichet, Juliette Chourrou, Anna Stoppari, Ioulietta Zindrou, Gonzalo Cantos, Sofi Steffenoni The proposal searches to find different combinations of the distinct patterns of synthesis associated with group movements, spacing, concentration, expansion, contraction, expansion of presence and absence of full and void, figure and background. The pavement is designed with respect to close relation to spontaneous events and uses that occur along the various stretches of the Las Ramblas.

Image 41: Showing the design principles of the project

Image 42: Showing the pavement design in the daily usage of La Rambla

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Image 43: Image showing the pavement design in Rambla de Les Flors

Image 44: Image showing the pavement design in Rambla dels Estudis

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5.2 INTERVENTION TO BYK VALDE HAN, EMNN

Local: stanbul, Tr, 2009 Type: Urban Design Project Proffesor: Belks Uluolu, Istanbul Technical University Contributer: Onur Kemal Kseda The project aims to create awareness for the missing staff, in fact, awareness of the need for transformation. The urban intervention proposal consists of the temporary structures which joins to the market in some days, in the other days, is being kept in the Valide Han's room. The objective is to create a market which participates in the Eminn pedestrian flow. The structure material consists of the materials of aluminum with red textile made with red fabrics. The structures will be located on the environment buildings and the some parts of the roads to create a route for the pedestrians. The parts of the project includes pavilions at the both beginning and the ending points, information points, exhibition areas. The intervention begins from Valide Han building with the anticipation of spreading to the other neighbors.

Image 45: Map showing the density

Image 46: Map showing the roads with the Hans

Image 47: Image showing the design steps of the structure

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Image 48: Image showing the locations and the pedestrian movement of the project

Image 49: Plans showing the route in the area

Image 50: Images showing the location of the structure in the significant points of the area

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6. CONCLUSIONS
The research; comparative analysis of the public spaces in the selected areas of Barcelona and Istanbul is a representation of recent interventions in towns, which created various public spaces in the historical centers of the cities and in areas where renewal operations took place. From the analysis of the presented first Case Study; Analysis and classification of the public spaces due to their physical and social environmental properties; the public space activity areas in Gothic Quarter, Barcelona and Eminn District, Istanbul have physically and socially different environmental circumstances by having different node types. As we see on the Image 52 the selected area in Barcelona is a limited region with its surroundings which has an exact beginning and an ending point. In contrast, according to the Image 53 unlike Las Ramblas, there is no starting or ending node in Eminn and also all activities occur along the selected line continuously.

Image 51: Image shows the activity beginning and ending nodes of the selected area of Gothic Quarter, Barcelona

Image 52: Image shows the nodes of the selected area of Eminn District, stanbul

In the second Case Study; Valuation of the Public Spaces due to the Public Space Requisite Criteria, paradoxically, both areas are central as having good accessibility, being well connected to public transport network, having a good relation with the neutrality, and also can be considered as the shopping centre. As a result, as shown in the Chart 6, as being located in different countries with the different cultures, both selected areas in Barcelona and Istanbul has a similar public space quality value.
5 4 3 2 1 0 Galata Bridge Las Ramblas Eminn Square La Rambla del Mar Spice Bazaar Maremagnum Istanbul Barcelona

Chart 6: Graph showing the brief of the valuation of all public spaces

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According to the projects of Las Ramblas de Barcelona and Intervention to Byk Valide Han, Eminn although being located in totally different areas, the two projects are designed according to the pedestrian flow analysis, participating in the market area in the both cities. Combinating the significant parts of those two projects which leads the pedestrians both by the pattern change and the activity pavilions can create more multifunctional and efficient public spaces that can serve more facilities to the people as it is shown in the Image 56.

Image 53: Pattern of the Las Ramblas Project

Image 54 : Activity pavilions in Eminn project

Image 55: Images showing the feedback of the combination of projects of Eminn (on the right) and Las Ramblas

To conclude, after all of the comparisons of the public spaces in Gothic Quarter, Barcelona and Eminn District, Istanbul; as having different cultural heritages, resulted in having physically and socially environmental differences and similarities. Respect to the all case studies and the analyzes indicated in the previous chapters, public spaces in Barcelona and Istanbul can get feedback in their future urban design projects by making up their urban design deficits to have high quality public areas.

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7. REFERENCES
ACE: Architecture, City and Environment = Arquitectura, Ciudad y Entorno *en lnea+. 2009, Ao IV, nm. 11 Junio. 59-86 pp, ISSN: 1886-4805 ASAMI, Yasushi, OKADA, Eriko. ARI, The Bulletin of the stanbul Technical University, A Pedestrian Route Choice Model to Evaluate Alternative Plans for Regeneration of Galata Region, vol. 55, no1. pp.25, Istanbul. BEZMEZ, Dikmen. The Politics of Urban Waterfront Regeneration: The Case of Hali (the Golden Horn), Istanbul, International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 2009. AGDAS, Glen; and BERKZ, Lale. Dynamic Behavior of the City Center in Istanbul. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 5, 1996, vol. 20, no. 3. pp. 153-164. ISSN 0198-9715. FIELL, Charlotte; and FIELL, Peter. Spazi ed edifici pubblici sul Moll d'Espanya, Barcellona = Public spaces and buildings on Moll d'Espanya, Barcelona. Domus: 1996 July-Aug., n.784, p.26-35. Garca Figueroa, Mnica, Rehabilitacin de la calle 3 oriente del Centro Histrico de Puebla, 2004, Mexico. KOCABA, Arzu. Urban Conservation in Istanbul: Evaluation and Re-Conceptualisation. Habitat International, 3, 2006, vol. 30, no. 1. pp. 107-126. ISSN 0197-3975. KORONIDI, Ismini, Mapping of Las Ramblas, Projects of Iaac, 2007, Barcelona. KOSEDAG, Onur Kemal, Intervention to Byk Valide Han, Eminn, stanbul, TR, 2009. Available at < http://buyukvalidehan.yildiz.edu.tr/images/student/onur_k%20_kosedag.pdf> KUBAT, A.S., KAYA, H.S., SARI, F., GLER, G., and ZER, . 2007. The effects of proposed bridges on urban macroform of Istanbul: a syntactic evaluation: proceedings, 6th International Space Syntax Symposium, Istanbul, June, 12-15. NUNES Da Silva, Fernando, SERDOURA, Francisco M., COSTA, Joo Pedro: Cultural Identity And Spatial Segregation In The Public Spaces Of Lisbon, Criteria For The Evaluation Of Public Spaces, Lisbon, 1994. Tokatli, N., Boyaci, Y. The changing morphology of commercial activity in Istanbul (1999) Cities, 16 (3). The Limits Of Public Space, East At Bermondsey Square N55, Blueprint The Leading Magazine Of Architecture And Design, August 2009,Copenhagen. Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. WOOLLEY, Helen. Urban Open Spaces. London etc.: Spon Press, 2003. ISBN 0419256903.

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ENDNOTES
i

The Rambla de Mar is a splendid walkway and bridge over the harbour waters, running from Portal de la Pau to the Spain Dock, or Moll dEspanya. Opened in 1994, this promenade was designed by the architects Helio Pin and Albert Viaplana. It leads to Maremagnum. This Rambla of the Sea, which also forms a natural continuation of the Rambla de Barcelona urban promenade, is now perhaps the best-known symbol of the Port Vell. The undulating shape and integration into the landscape of this singular promenade, used by nearly 75% of all visitors to the Port Vell, is a popular attraction amongst locals and visitors alike, and is also regularly used for shooting films and advertising. The Rambla de Mar swing bridge opens once every hour, on the hour, to let boats through, and also, by request, for longer periods.
ii

The first recorded bridge over the Golden Horn in Istanbul was built during the reign of Justinian the Great in the 6th century. In 1453, during the Fall of Constantinople, the Ottomans assembled a mobile bridge by placing their ships to move their toops to the other side. In the years 15021503 Sultan Bayezid II solicited a design from Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Da Vinci created a design which has an unprecedented single span 240 m long and 24 m wide bridge for the Golden Horn, which would have become the longest bridge in the world of that time if it had been approved by the Sultan. Then, Michelangelo rejected the proposal, and the idea of building a bridge across the Golden Horn was shelved until the 19th century. The bridge building project of Leonardo da Vinci on the Golden Horn was implemented in Norway in 2000s. The first bridge: The first Galata Bridge at the mouth of the waterway was constructed in 1845 by Valide Sultan, the mother of Sultan Abdlmecid (1839-1861) and used for 18 years. It was known as the Cisr-i Cedid or New Bridge to distinguish it from the earlier bridge further up the Golden Horn, which became known as the Cisr-i Atik or Old Bridge. The second bridge: This bridge was replaced by a second wooden bridge in 1863, built by Ethem Pertev Paa on the orders of Sultan Abdlaziz (1861-1876) during the infrastructure improvement works prior to the visit of Napoleon III to Istanbul. The third bridge: The agreement was signed with a private French company in 1870, but the outbreak of war between France and Germany delayed the project, and project was given to a British firm in 1872. This bridge, completed in 1875, was 480 m long and 14 m wide and rested on 24 pontoons. This was used until 1912, when it was pulled upstream to replace the now genuinely old Cisr-i Atik Bridge. The fourth bridge: The fourth Galata Bridge was built in 1912 by the German firm MAN AG. This floating bridge was 466 m long and 25 m wide. It is the bridge still familiar to many people today that was badly damaged in a fire in 1992 and towed up the Golden Horn to make way for the modern bridge now in use. The Actual Galata Bridge: The fifth Galata bridge was built by the Turkish construction company STFA a few meters away from the previous bridge, between Karaky and Eminn, and completed in 1994. It was designed and supervised by GAMB Company. It is a bascule bridge, which is 490 m long with a main span of 80 m. The deck of the bridge is 42 m wide and has three vehicular lanes and one walkway in each direction. It has also recently had tram tracks re-added to it, allowing the Istanbul Tram to run from Zeytinburnu in the suburbs near Atatrk International Airport to Kabata, a few blocks before Dolmabahe Palace. This bridge along with Trowse Bridge in Norwich and a number of railway bridges in the United States may be the only movable bridges in the world that also carry electrified rail tracks.The rest of the bridge including the market area in the first floor opened to common use in 2003.
iii

La Rambla can be considered a series of shorter streets, each differently named, hence the plural forms Las Ramblas. From the Plaa de Catalunya toward the harbor, the street is successively the Rambla de Canaletes, the Rambla dels Estudis, the Rambla de Sant Josep, the Rambla dels Caputxins, and the Rambla de Santa Monica. Construction of the Maremgnum in the early 1990s resulted in a continuation of La Rambla on a wooden walkway into the harbor, the Rambla de Mar.

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