Movement Activity and Strategic Design Study for Istanbul's ...

568 A. S. Kubat, Ö. Ertekin, E. Eyüboglu, Ö. Özer.
4. Methodology
The movement patterns of the historical Galata region of Istanbul, which has been shaped
under various cultures, and which is still the commercial core of Istanbul, will be defined
through the method of “space syntax”, which analyses the global forms of the settlements
by mathematical interpretations.
Space Syntax is a technique that can be used for morphological analyses of buildings,
architectural plans, urban areas and urban plans. Space syntax is also one of the few
theories which allow us to understand how culture and society are embedded in the specific
relational patterns constituting architecture, urban design and urban planning.
The Space Syntax study of Galata’s historic core has generated a multi-level, electronic
database of urban form and function, containing: axial maps, spatial integration and
movement pattern.
5. Analysis
5.1. Spatial Maps
Besides historical documents, the traditional surveys for analyzing the project area are
prepared. These surveys have been complemented by preparing “a spatial model” of Galata
explaining the existing structure. These syntactic maps can give some idea on the accessibility
of pedestrian linkages through the area. This work on syntactic analyses has shown
that; Voyvoda and Kemeralti streets are the most spatially integrated lines in historical
Galata, and Hendek Street is the next most integrated street.
When Taksim square is included in the analyses; Istiklal Street, which is the busiest
street, is defined as the most spatially integrated lines. The effects of pedestrian movements
in Persembe Pazari, on Bankalar Street and on the Karakoy port are not defined as
integrated spaces on this map.
The streets and spaces, which are close to the Karakoy, Eminonu ports and the Galata
Bridge, are explained as the focus of the activity areas, which define the actual situation
of the site. The spine of Beyoglu-Pera district, Istiklal Street, which is a pedestrian strip,
is defined as the next most integrated lines.
5.2. Pedestrian Movement Analyses
The first stage of the study is concentrated on the observations of how people and vehicles
are flowing through the Galata area at present. This has been done by counting flow rates
at numerous locations in and around Galata; ’tracking’ pedestrian routes across the area
and recording local land use patterns. A survey of pedestrian activity has been carried
out both in weekday and weekends for five different categories of people (adult men, adult
women, elderly, teenagers, and children). Pedestrian movement levels were recorded at 263
locations on eight different regions due to the functions. The observations were carried
out on 29 May 2003 and on 31 May 2003. Each location was observed from 08:00 to 20:00.
Some significant findings are:
1. The study area is a man-dominant area (about half of the overall movement is
generated by men). This becomes more evident on weekday.
2. There are more than 1.500.000 people in the area during the day (weekday). The
number is about 1.100.000 on weekend.