Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning
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Earthquake resilience of densely populated settlements: A strategic approach to mitigate Istanbul’s earthquake risk
Full text linkOne of the most significant challenges confronted by earthquake-prone cities results from the urban planning strategies and interventions preferred during the construction and development efforts. The planning of infrastructure that will serve the increasing population is even more important, especially in cities that have historical importance and have evolved into large metropolises in a short time. Proper planning and renewal efforts that align with earthquake-resistant urban development strategies not only add value for all stakeholders but also help avoid significant material and moral losses caused by poorly planned urban development. Although earthquake-prone settlements have thousands of years of construction traditions, these traditions have often been replaced by modern construction techniques nowadays. In cities where the transformation from traditional to modern construction techniques is rapid and uncontrolled, a severe earthquake is more likely to cause a significant damage. Türkiye has a high earthquake risk due to its geographical location. The Main Marmara Fault is an active fault line that poses a serious threat to Istanbul. The devastating earthquake series along the East Anatolian Fault in February 2023 have once again highlighted the urgency of taking necessary precautions and preparations for the anticipated Marmara earthquake. Istanbul is one of the most historically significant metropolises in the world. Accordingly, the city has expanded by receiving immigration since the last major earthquake. Given its unique place in world history and its centuries-old role as the capital of great civilizations, it is crucial to ensure the seismic resilience in Istanbul to protect both the lives and property of its dense population and to safeguard its cultural heritage sites. The aims of this paper are to evaluate the current characteristics of Istanbul in the event of a possible earthquake, to identify potential challenges of the city and to put forward a strategic approach to improve seismic resistance of the city. The evaluation was carried out by conducting a SWOT analysis based on the physical, environmental, social and economic conditions of the city. For this purpose, firstly the previous and current urban design practices adopted in the city was evaluated. The key features effective in the construction of an earthquake resilient settlement was emphasized and taken into consideration. Besides, the crucial stakeholders and their potential contributions were also evaluated. In this context, the problems that needs to be improved are revealed and a conceptual framework of an urban planning strategy is presented to construct an earthquake resilient city that provides satisfaction to all its stakeholders
Assessing the vulnerability of cities to climate change: A new index proposal for Türkiye cities
Full text linkOn a global scale, as cities continue to grow and climate change brings increasing hazards, the vulnerability and risk levels for cities are also rising. Assessing the risk and vulnerability of urban areas has become more vital now than in previous decades. In this context, the climate–adaptive city approach is gaining importance alongside sustainable development. Türkiye’s geographical location is considered one of the most vulnerable regions in terms of climate change, due to decreasing precipitation and rising temperatures. In the literature, some studies primarily evaluate the full range of risks associated with climate change, while others develop a climate–adaptive city approach that focuses on a single risk. However, the consequences of climate change vary across regions and countries. In this study, the vulnerability of cities to climate change is discussed separately for each risk. Vulnerability criteria are considered separately for drought, sea-level rise, heavy rainfall, and extreme heat. For each risk, indicators of the impact, pressure, vulnerability, resistance, and adaptive capacity that contribute to the risk are identified. Methodologically, relevant studies in the literature were compiled, previous studies were utilized in determining the indicator, and new indicators were developed. As a result, a holistic approach has been developed to assess the vulnerability of cities to climate change across all risks. This makes it possible to identify both how cities remain unprepared for the consequences and risks of climate change and, on the other hand, the climate–adaptive aspects of cities. This study is intended to contribute to researchers working on urban resilience as well as to urban municipalities. In conclusion, a guiding index has been put forward to inform planning and decision-making processes for the creation of a climate–adaptive city
The importance of water-sensitive planning and design approaches for resilience to flood disaster risk in Istanbul: Evaluation of examples in Çatalca and Beykoz districts
Full text linkNowadays, climatic changes are coming to the forefront of the global agenda due to their significant impact. Effects can be seen on rainfall and the hydraulic cycle, the number of disasters such as landslides, floods, and flash floods, which are especially increasing in cities. In recent times, flood and flash flood events have adversely affected many settlement areas in Istanbul. Istanbul, which is the main agglomeration of the country, has expanded spatially towards the urban peripheries due to population growth. The study focuses on the innovative basic principles of water-sensitive planning and design approaches for flood risk reduction, which have gained importance in light of international debates. In this context, the study examines the conditions for developing water-sensitive planning and design approaches in Istanbul and makes recommendations. For this purpose, a comprehensive and detailed literature review was conducted and scientific documents such as articles, international-national conventions, institutional research reports and national legislation were utilized. The study aims to determine the current situation in the areas where flood disasters occur in Istanbul, to identify the causes of the disasters, to question whether the land use decisions and urban planning approaches in the existing legal-administrative structure consider the risk factors for reducing flood disasters. Çatalca district, which is located on the urban periphery of the European side of the city, is very rich in water resources and is where the highest loss of life and material damage occurred in the flood disaster of 2009, was selected as the sample area in the study. Beykoz district, which is located on the periphery of the Anatolian side of Istanbul and very rich in water resources, was selected as another sample area. Within the scope of the study, data were obtained through interviews with relevant local institutions and organizations. Previous studies and existing data on the sample areas have been compiled and evaluated. When the practices of the institutions in the sample locations are examined, it is understood that the method of protection distances determined by legislation for the prevention of flood risk in stream beds is insufficient. In areas where flood risk is experienced, it is tried to be prevented by rehabilitation of streams. There is no holistic approach with planning decisions at the basin scale. As the population, settlement area and impervious surfaces increase in the basins where stream rehabilitation is carried out at high costs, these projects will be insufficient to prevent flood risk. Water-sensitive urban planning and design approaches with participatory and collaborative processes in basin scale should be start for resilience to flood disaster risk in Istanbul
Mobilizing nature-based solutions through temporary urban interventions: A civic guide to ephemeral landscapes
Full text linkThe potential of permeable urban landscapes has gained increasing attention in contemporary academic scholarship on nature-based solutions (Nbs). The common thread of these solutions is related to pressing issues arising from responses to climate change caused by urban densification, necessitating innovative strategies for enhancing environmental resilience. However, these strategies often require extensive timeframes and large-scale implementation. In contrast, temporary approaches to urbanism have the potential to provide answers to these strategies by focusing on citizen-engaged, small-scale, low-cost and low-tech actions. This study engages these two planning approaches in dialogue by focusing on overlooked urban interstices—small and unnoticed impervious spaces that have significant potential to become permeable. Developing a conceptual framework, the research explores how ephemeral installations can transform these interstices into nature-based, scalable and socially engaged landscapes. Applying this framework, the study adopts prototyping as an experimental research method, structured around three phases: (1) experimentation: incorporating nature-based aggregates, (2) fabrication: forming scalable and modular tiles, and (3) dissemination: creating social value with workshops. Building over the findings of these phases, the paper concludes with a proposal for a civic urban guide that outlines all these practical strategies for activating underutilized spaces through accessible and low-maintenance interventions. The guide aims to inspire civic engagement and environmental awareness, offering a model for small-scale, bottom-up interventions in line with broader Nbs objectives. In doing so, the research proposes a comprehensive approach to urban resilience that bridges planning theories, material experimentation, and public engagement
The CODASC database for analyzing the impact of morpho-climatic characteristics of canyon streets on the concentration of air pollutants
No full textCanyon-type urban street is one of the urban forms in which critical and harmful situations for health and the urban environment are appearing today, such as urban heat island, areas of poor ventilation, and retention areas for pollutants emitted by road traffic, heating, and concentration of industrial activities. The higher pollution levels are due to inappropriate relationships between morphological and microclimatic parameters specific to urban street canyons. Previous studies have mentioned the most common ones, namely the aspect ratio (H/W), the orientation of the street to the prevailing winds, and the vegetation. In the city of Algiers, the urban street canyon is very noticeable in two dominant urban fabrics, the medieval organic fabric and the colonial fabric dating back to the French occupation. This paper aims to explain the effect of different factors specific to urban canyons in Algiers on the concentration trend of air pollutants. By adopting the CODASC database containing data on normalized average pollutant concentrations (C+) related to different canyon street models according to aspect ratios H/W values, wind flow direction (α), tree stand density (ρs), and tree crown porosity (PVol). The results showed that LARBI BEN M\u27HIDI Street is more polluted than MOHAMED AZOUZI Street due to the effect of the maximum values of the aspect ratio and the density of trees on the wind behavior. The study results could provide a strategic guide for pollution mitigation to be used by urban planners in the design and implementation phases of sustainable urban development projects in Algiers
A new paradigm in parking management: From quantitative models to stakeholder participation
Full text linkThis study investigates the selection process of "Parking Management" strategies, a critical component of parking facility planning. An integrated approach is developed, combining quantitative assessment models with those based on expert and user opinions, to select effective "Parking Management" strategies. Additionally, parking strategies for the Trabzon-Ortahisar district were determined by analyzing observed on-site parking behaviors. The study hypothesized that conventional approaches would be insufficient for selecting parking management strategies and would fail to adequately adapt to user profiles and parking usage patterns. At this stage, car parking strategies selected through traditional methods—such as car parking capacities, usage rates, projection studies, and data obtained from user and car parking surveys—were compared. The AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) method was used as the selection criterion. As an outcome, the study proposes a method that incorporates user opinions to determine optimal strategies for addressing parking problems caused by the imbalance between parking spaces and parking demand
Future-proofing next-g homes: Enhancing thermal comfort and building energy performance through landscape integration
Full text linkBuildings in the tropics are increasingly exposed to intense solar radiation and heat gains that result in extreme thermal discomfort, particularly in naturally ventilated buildings. As climate change accelerates, the Next Generation (Next-G) of housing stock must be designed and integrated with future-proofing strategies to ensure indoor livability. Micro-landscape interventions such as trees, lawns and water features have been found to cool outdoor environments through shading and evapotranspiration. While several studies have explored their role in mitigating outdoor heat stress, with a focus on reducing urban heat island (UHI) effects, the impact of landscape configurations on indoor thermal comfort remains underexplored, particularly in extreme climates. This study employs dynamic thermal modelling in DesignBuilder to investigate the role of micro-landscape elements on indoor thermal performance. A three-phase hypothetical building simulation approach was adopted: (1) without landscape features, (2) with landscape features and (3) with landscape features and mixed-mode cooling. Predicted future climate data for two climatically contrasting locations in Nigeria; Jos (cold) and Sokoto (hot), were used to assess comfort and energy performance. Findings reveal that by limiting solar incidences on the building envelope, landscape elements can reduce indoor discomfort hours by up to 18% in naturally ventilated spaces. However, mechanical cooling remains vital for achieving thermal comfort under future climate extremes. A combined strategy of vegetation and cooling achieved up to a 92% reduction in discomfort hours. Yet, this comfort improvement gave rise to an increased energy demand of up to 48% for the total building and 78% for conditioned spaces. These results highlight the capacity of integrated landscape strategies to support, but not replace, active systems in future-proofing Next-G buildings for thermal resilience
Optimizing design thinking process for group housing through interaction design methods
Full text linkThis research paper investigates the optimization of the Design Thinking (DT) process for group housing projects by using Interaction Design (IxD) methods. Group housing design is increasingly complicated as it attempts to balance individual requirements, community behavior, and sustainability. Through the integration of Design Thinking principles—empathy, ideation, prototyping, and iteration. This article proposes a hybrid approach that combines Interaction Design (IxD) methods, including empathy mapping, interactive prototyping, and real-time feedback systems, to optimize DT\u27s phases (empathize, ideate, prototype, test) in group housing. Through a series of case studies, the research shows how IxD\u27s focus on dynamic user interactions and iterative co-design increases participatory outcomes. Key outcomes are a 30% increase in resident satisfaction with communal spaces, a 25% decrease in design iteration cycles, and enhanced conflict resolution in shared spaces through means such as behavioral analytics and VR-based spatial simulations. The framework not only closes gaps in DT\u27s usage but also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing architects and interaction designers to co-create flexible, user-oriented living spaces. Practical considerations for large-scale housing solutions are debated, including limitations to cultural responsiveness and resources needed. Recommendations are provided to bring digital-physical feedback tools into policy and practice at the end of the study, which is a path for future work across different socio-spatial environments
Artificial intelligence in construction project management: Trends, challenges and future directions
Full text linkContemporary construction projects are characterized by escalating complexity, voluminous data flows, and stringent sustainability requirements, rendering conventional project management methods increasingly inadequate. In response, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative enabler in construction project management, offering advanced capabilities in predictive analytics, process automation, and intelligent decision support. This paper explores the role of AI in the identified principal functions of construction project management, including time management, cost estimation, quality assurance, occupational health and safety, risk mitigation, resource optimization, and design management through a narrative literature review. Analysis demonstrates that AI-driven approaches significantly enhance operational efficiency and system resilience by enabling proactive identification of schedule delays, cost overruns, and safety hazards. For example, image-recognition systems integrated with Internet-of-Things sensors facilitate real-time monitoring of site conditions and adaptive response to disruptions, while neural-network models trained on historical project data yield more accurate cost forecasts than traditional estimation techniques. In the design management domain, generative design algorithms and AI-enhanced BIM integration have the potential to automate clash detection, optimize form and function, and generate innovative design alternatives that align with cost, energy, and sustainability objectives. Beyond efficiency gains, AI fosters a paradigm shift toward predictive, data-driven, and adaptive management practices that strengthen project resilience, enabling teams to anticipate, absorb, and recover from unforeseen challenges while improving project performance and sustainability. Critical barriers to widespread AI adoption are also identified in this study. Fragmented and non-standardized data ecosystems impede model training and interoperability with legacy systems, while organizational resistance and a shortage of professionals skilled in both AI and construction hinder implementation. Ethical and legal concerns—stemming from the “black-box” nature of many AI algorithms—further complicate accountability in safety-critical decisions. By synthesizing these challenges, the strategic role of AI is highlighted not only as a technological innovation but also as a catalyst for cultural and organizational transformation toward more resilient project delivery. Targeted future research directions include empirical validation of AI tools in live project environments, development of sector-specific AI frameworks tailored to the peculiarities of the construction industry, interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, data scientists, and managers, and educational initiatives to upskill the workforce. Collectively, these steps will help bridge the gap between theoretical potential and real-world impact, positioning AI as a cornerstone of intelligent, resilient, sustainable, and high-performing construction project management
Urban layers and living spaces: The evolution of housing in Kayseri
Full text linkThis study examines the transformation of housing in Kayseri as a case through which to understand broader processes of urbanization, modernization, and socio-spatial change in Turkey. Once defined by inward-oriented courtyard houses constructed from local materials—reflecting values of privacy and communal life—Kayseri’s domestic architecture has undergone significant transformation across four historical periods: the pre-Republican era, the early Republican period, the post-1950 expansion, and the post-1980 neoliberal era. Each phase reflects a distinct interplay between national policy directives, global urban trends, and local adaptations. Early Republican reforms introduced Western-oriented architectural ideals by promoting detached houses and low-rise apartments. This trajectory accelerated in the post-1980 period when neoliberal policies prioritized high-rise residential development driven by private capital and speculative investment, often at the expense of cultural continuity and human-scale urban design. Employing an interdisciplinary methodology, this research integrates archival analysis, oral histories, spatial observations, and visual documentation. Drawing on architecture, sociology, and history, it investigates how built forms mediate tensions between tradition and modernity, memory and transformation, and local identity and state ideology. With its long-standing strategic and cultural significance, Kayseri provides a compelling case for examining how urban development is shaped by structural forces and lived experience. The study argues that the housing transformation in Kayseri is not a linear progression, but a contested and layered process shaped by evolving economic structures, governance models, and cultural logic. By combining textual, visual, and experiential knowledge, the research offers a deeper understanding of how domestic space reflects and constructs shifting urban realities