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Fig. 5: Other vegetation
This study does not undertake space syntax methodologies,
but uses their process of “quantify[ing] a number of
aspects of the built environment” as justification for the
operationalizing of urban open space variables.
The method of observation analysis is loosely based
on William H. Whyte’s methodology of observing open
space usage in New York City. Whyte analyzed behavior
patterns, usage numbers, etc. against variables of various
urban design elements (Whyte 1988, 2001).
Observations are conducted in various open space
typologies. Certain activities and behavior variables are
recorded in each typology. Subsequently, results and
conclusions are derived from the frequency, type, participant
information, etc. of each activity/behavior variable in
each urban space typology.
Six (6) open space typologies were identified in the study
area (See Figures 1-6):
Mosque garden; Main commercial street; All other
streets; Park & playground; Other vegetated areas; and
Steps, stoops, balconies, etc. that are on or near the
edge of the other streets.
These open space typologies were derived from a site
analysis of what open spaces exist in Pinar. While the
mosque garden and park are planned spaces, the others
are the result of squatterization as an emergent process.
The street patterns are organic, reflecting the early userdefined
building patterns. The spaces near the street are
often the result of innovative adaptations implemented
after the buildings were constructed (Ergun 2008) (See
Figure 6).
Fig. 6: Space near street
The activity categories were based on observations of
what people do in the open spaces in Istanbul. Activities
were observed in various open spaces throughout
Istanbul (planned and unplanned settlements) and then
subsequently categorized to form nine (9) activity groups
(see endnote 2).
Random people were observed at sample times at various
open space typologies in Pinar on three days in April
2007. Each day included 2 X 10 minute observations of
each urban space typology. Thus, in total each typology
was observed for six (6) ten-minute sessions, for a total
of 60 minutes of observation. The activities were noted
(see endnote 2).
Results and discussion
The statistical findings for the study can be found in
Figure 7. For other key findings, see endnote 3.
The results show that the streets and the spaces near
the street are the most used open spaces, despite the
presence of a mosque garden, park and other vegetated
areas. The social life of the neighborhood is found on
the streets and the innovative spaces created near the
edge of the streets. These street spaces host informal
economic activities, housework, play, travel, and many
conversations. They also included a mix of ages and
sexes. Neighbors, relatives, friends, and businesses all
meet in these spaces.
In contrast, the mosque garden had no women users.
Women were present in all the other open space typologies.
Based on these observations it appears that open
spaces are inclusionary for women of all ages, except for
the total exclusion of women in the mosque garden.
Fig. 7: Summary Table