Enhancing environmental quality of cities using landscape transformation projects

Abstract

Cities are the most important residential spaces where comfortable living facilities and extensive employment opportunities are provided for inhabitants. Due to these characteristics, preference of urban spaces leads to immigration and urban sprawl. Today, urban transformation projects have become prominent in rehabilitation and restoration of these urban spaces. Urban transformation projects in Turkey were usually conducted in slum areas, historical quarters and quiescent urban spaces for conservation, improvement and development purposes since the 1950s. In the present study, the effects of the urban transformation project implemented in Zağnos Valley in Trabzon Province, Turkey, on landscape quality were determined with a survey study. Study findings demonstrate that the rate of green spaces increased after the transformation project by enhancing environmental quality and recreational opportunities. As a result, it was proved that the study area became more attractive than it was before, based on quantitative user preferences.