City Planning Project II-II
Deepens understanding of settlement-scale design through the analysis and synthesis of two-dimensional urban plans and the consideration of topographical effects on three-dimensional urban forms.
Two-Dimensional Planning and the Impact of Topography
Building on foundational principles, this lecture advances the study of urban planning by delving deeper into the design principles at the settlement scale. The course emphasizes diagnosing design and planning problems and articulating their solutions through precise and specialized language. A significant component of the course is dedicated to the analysis, synthesis, and creation of two-dimensional settlement plans that account for the complexities introduced by sloped terrains.
Students will learn to interpret how these two-dimensional plans influence three-dimensional urban forms, developing the ability to foresee and integrate spatial effects within the broader city context. This course fosters an integrated understanding of urban design that is both technically rigorous and contextually sensitive.
For a clearer understanding, I will elaborate on my project work for the second semester of my second year as an undergraduate in the following section:
1 / 1000 Settlement Plan
The aim of the project is to reorganize a neighborhood within the Inciralti Tourism Center, taking into account the physical constraints of the area and the existing building typologies, while considering its socio-economic structure. Through detailed population projections and infrastructure evaluations, the proposal ensures a balanced, sustainable development tailored to future demands. Below, each thematic analysis is supported by visual diagrams and maps that illustrate the design decisions taken during the planning phase.
Function Diagram
The function diagram outlines the spatial distribution of key land uses and facilities, reflecting the functional logic behind the proposed urban structure. Different zones—including residential, commercial, and recreational areas—are organized to ensure accessibility, mixed-use diversity, and efficient land utilization across the neighborhood. It emphasizes the accessibility of pedestrian pathways and bicycle networks, creating a more walkable and connected urban fabric.
Public Green Space Analysis
Green spaces have been carefully analyzed and redesigned to address current deficiencies while enhancing ecological and social value. This section showcases the improved distribution and accessibility of parks, recreational areas, and landscape corridors within the plan. In determining the amount of green space, the standard green space requirement per capita was carefully considered to ensure adequate provision for future residents.
Building Height Analysis
The building height analysis illustrates the vertical dimension of the urban form, considering contextual harmony, view corridors, and climatic responsiveness. Heights vary across the area to create a dynamic skyline while preserving human scale in sensitive zones.
Built-Void Ratio Analysis
The balance between built structures and open spaces is crucial for urban quality. This analysis reveals how the proposed layout maintains a healthy built-void ratio, ensuring permeability, ventilation, and access to light throughout the neighborhood.
In the design, pedestrian circulation is given priority through a network of uninterrupted and well-connected pathways. These routes are carefully planned to guide users directly toward the primary green spaces, ensuring ease of access from various parts of the neighborhood. By facilitating seamless movement and visual continuity, the design encourages frequent and active use of public open spaces.
Transportation Diagram
This diagram presents the proposed transportation hierarchy, integrating existing routes with new connections to improve overall circulation. While creating the transportation plan, an effort was made to create a seamless connection from the side roads to the main road without disrupting the hierarchy. In addition, uninterrupted and direct access to the designated social and commercial areas was aimed.
Population Density Analysis
This analysis presents the spatial distribution of the population based on 30-year population projections. It examines the proposed population distribution based on its alignment with infrastructure capacity and livability goals. The density model supports a balanced urban environment, avoiding over-concentration while maintaining sufficient population to support public services and amenities.
Climatic Elements
Climatic factors such as sunlight, wind direction, and shading potential were integrated into the design to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. This section highlights how orientation and spatial arrangements respond to the local microclimate.
Building Materials
Material selection plays a significant role in sustainability, identity, and resilience. This section explores the proposed palette of building materials, chosen for their environmental performance, local availability, and aesthetic integration into the urban context.
1 / 500 Partial Settlement Plan
Following the 1/1,000 settlement plan, a more detailed 1/500 partial settlement plan was developed for the western part of the area. This larger-scale plan focuses on a key focal point of the site—the commercial zone—and the surrounding context, which includes a residential complex inspired by traditional Izmir houses that reinforces the area's natural character. The 1/500 plan also encompasses zones with residential clusters, educational facilities, and green spaces. It provides detailed information such as building and parcel elevations, parking areas, stairs, and ramps.
Section A - A¹
The section drawing -its location was shown in the previous map- illustrates the relationship between buildings, green spaces, and pedestrian pathways. It shows a balanced approach to building heights and open areas, emphasizing walkability, visual harmony, and environmental comfort.
Cut-and-Fill Map
The Cut-and-Fill Map displays the terrain adjustments necessary to achieve the proposed design. Overall, the map indicates a balanced approach to earthworks, though the cut areas slightly exceed the fill areas. This suggests that a portion of the site will require excavation to create the desired topography. The balance between cut and fill ensures minimal disruption to the natural landscape while facilitating proper drainage, structural stability, and site leveling for the proposed buildings and infrastructure. This earthwork strategy also supports the integration of green spaces and pedestrian pathways by providing suitable elevation changes and visual cohesion across the site.
The proposed residential buildings showcase a mix of small traditional 2-storey houses and modern apartment complexes. The design respects the local architectural heritage, incorporating elements such as pitched roofs and natural materials, while also meeting the needs of the growing population with well-designed, functional living spaces.
1 / 200 Partial Settlement Plan
The 1/200 partial settlement plan further refines the design of a residential complex within the project area. This detailed plan addresses several key elements, including the types and precise locations of green features, which contribute to the overall landscape design. Additionally, it specifies the locations of building entrances and includes the floor plans for the interiors of the buildings. The plan also outlines comprehensive landscaping solutions for both the site and park areas, focusing on the integration of natural elements. Furthermore, parking provisions are carefully arranged, with detailed layouts for both standard and accessible parking spaces, ensuring convenience and accessibility for all users.
Section B - B¹
The section illustrates how the slope has been resolved, as well as the visual relationship between the buildings, the green areas, and the pedestrian pathways.
These images provide a comprehensive view of the entire project area, highlighting the integration between the traditional 2-storey residential buildings and the modern residential complex. The design carefully blends these two architectural styles, ensuring a harmonious transition between them. The layout emphasizes the importance of green infrastructure, with green spaces strategically placed to enhance the overall environment. This arrangement not only promotes aesthetic cohesion but also fosters a sustainable and functional urban landscape that prioritizes both livability and ecological balance.