City Planning Project III-II

Focuses on the revision of existing master plans and the development of detailed implementation plans, teaching the technical and professional processes needed for effective urban redevelopment.

Master Plan Revision and Implementation

This lecture focuses on the revision and operationalization of master plans within a designated study area. Students will be guided through the technical and professional processes necessary to revise an existing master plan and subsequently develop detailed application plans and settlement plans. The course covers every step—from understanding the foundational principles of master planning to employing the practical tools and techniques required for implementation.

Through case studies and applied exercises, students will learn how to translate high-level planning concepts into actionable, detailed plans that serve as the blueprint for sustainable urban development. The aim is to build competence in both the analytical and practical aspects of urban plan execution.

For a clearer understanding, I will elaborate on my project work for the second semester of my third year as an undergraduate in the following section:

1 / 1000 Implementary Development Plan

During the preparation of the Implementary Development Plan, the upper-scale decisions from the Master Development Plan completed in the previous project were strictly followed.

The overarching planning decisions remain valid, and the additional planning details are presented below. The primary objective was to preserve the existing urban fabric while enhancing living conditions.

The per capita provision of public facilities and amenities was brought as close as possible to the minimum standards specified in current legislation. In cases where full compliance was not feasible, the target was to exceed the existing levels of provision.

The boundary of the plan covers the entire Limanreis neighborhood and its surroundings (approximately 93 hectares) within the Narlıdere district, as well as a portion of the Çatalkaya neighborhood (approximately 48 hectares). The total planning area amounts to nearly 142 hectares.

Population Review

The population distribution in the Implementary Development Plan was aligned with that of the Master Plan. The estimated population figures, derived from the proposed development parameters, fall within the population ranges established in the Master Plan.

Public Facility Areas Review

Within the defined Land Readjustment Share (DOP) limits, it was ensured that public facility areas did not fall below 40% and private development areas did not exceed 60% of the total area. As a result of the planning arrangements, it has been observed that the DOP does not exceed 40% in the coastal-parallel zones designed to function cohesively.

Slope Review

The slope analysis revealed that the area generally has a low gradient, with slopes exceeding 15% being relatively rare. The overall topography supports efficient infrastructure layout, walkability, and accessibility, while the limited steep zones can be addressed through targeted design strategies such as terracing or specialized building typologies.

Green Area Review

The green axis and commercial corridor within the site were designed to provide the most direct access to the designated sub-center. Additionally, the green corridors located in the densely residential central parts of the neighborhood serve not only as ventilation channels but also as connectors facilitating access to public amenities.

1 / 1000 Settlement Plan

In the preparation of the 1/1000 scale implementation plan, separate settlement scenarios were developed for the near and distant future. This distinction was necessary due to the presence of existing buildings that are not expected to be demolished or replaced in the short term. The short-term plan reflects a transitional phase in which these structures remain integrated into the urban fabric, while the long-term plan envisions a comprehensive reorganization of the area, presenting the final form of the settlement once full redevelopment becomes feasible.

1 / 1000 Short-Term Settlement Plan

1 / 1000 Long-Term Settlement Plan

In preparing the settlement strategies for the project area, a comprehensive and multi-scalar planning approach was adopted. The decisions were grounded in an assessment of the existing urban structure, population projections, socio-economic dynamics, and the physical and environmental characteristics of the region.

Key considerations included:

Topographical and Environmental Suitability: Areas with steep slopes, erosion risk, or high ecological value were excluded from potential development. Instead, these areas were preserved as natural conservation zones, afforestation areas, or passive green spaces to ensure environmental sustainability.
Transportation and Accessibility: Planned developments were oriented along major transportation corridors to ensure accessibility and promote public transportation use. The proposed road hierarchy was key in shaping the urban form and supporting transit-oriented development.
Balanced Land Use Distribution: The plan emphasized a functional mix of land uses, allocating sufficient space for residential, commercial, industrial, educational, recreational, and administrative functions. Special attention was given to maintaining proximity between housing areas and social infrastructure, minimizing travel distances and promoting walkability.
Urban Growth Management: The short-term plans focused on completing and densifying areas within the existing urban footprint, whereas long-term plans guided urban expansion in a controlled manner. This was done by defining development boundaries and staging urbanization to prevent sprawl and ensure efficient infrastructure provision.
Sociocultural Context: Existing settlement patterns, community structures, and cultural assets were taken into account to ensure that future development would respect and enhance local identity.

These principles were operationalized through both spatial strategies and regulatory frameworks that align with upper-scale planning decisions, enabling the sustainable transformation of the region over time.

Building Height Review

In defining the building regulations for residential areas, the primary objective was to accommodate the additional population without disrupting the existing urban fabric.

Transportation Review

Built-Void Ratio Review

Along the coastal strip of Limanreis neighborhood, the existing two-story buildings were preserved. In contrast, luxury gated housing complexes with eight-story buildings were planned around the neighborhood’s sub-center. The area between these two zones was designated as a transitional zone, where building heights of 3, 4, and 5 stories were proposed, taking property rights into careful consideration.

In order to mitigate traffic-related issues in the area, careful attention was given to road hierarchy. In compliance with regulatory requirements, existing roads narrower than 10 meters were widened as necessary. Once vehicular access to all parcels was ensured, pedestrianization was prioritized wherever possible. Additionally, meaningful pedestrian pathways were designed to establish coherent connections between public facilities.

This map illustrates the spatial distribution and relationship between built-up (solid) and unbuilt (void) areas within the planning site. It provides insight into urban density, open space availability, and the overall spatial rhythm of the built environment. By identifying areas with high building coverage versus open or undeveloped land, the analysis helps guide future land use decisions, public space design, and urban infill strategies.

Building Typology Review

A building typology study was conducted to evaluate the variety and spatial distribution of residential unit types proposed within the project area. The analysis included different building configurations offering one, two, three, or four dwelling units per floor, with unit sizes ranging from 90 m² to 145 m². In the southern part of the project area, the residential typology with larger 145 m² single-unit flats was predominantly

applied, responding to spatial characteristics and possibly aiming to attract higher-income residents and maintain low-density development in that zone.

Download

To explore the planning decisions in greater depth, the complete project report (Turkish) is available for download here.