An experience of consensus building and collaboration in implementation of planning decisions: the story of Izmir Kemeraltı street rehabilitation studies

Abstract

Kemeralti Bazaar is the historic center of Izmir, Turkey's third largest city, and has long been under significant development pressure; over time, it has undergone major transformations. Owing to shifts in perspective regarding the future of the historic center, which have had a great impact upon the entire city, the problems of Kemeralti have been placed firmly on the urban agenda. Following agreement on the need to improve conditions in the district, local governments have initiated concomitant activities directed toward planning and implementation. With the intention of avoiding conflict with the artisans over projects that would require the demolishment of illegal constructions, the authorities made efforts to enable a properly collaborative planning process. In this paper, the collaborative problem-solving model of the projects is examined via in-depth interviews held with the relevant actors and adopting a holistic perspective.