Urban design projects and the planning process: The Kadıköy Old Market Area Revitalization Project and the Kartal Industrial Area Regeneration Project

The main objective of this study is to discuss the role of urban design projects in relation to the urban planning process. Since they have not been defined in the urban development legislation of Turkey, urban design projects can be used in different manners and for divergent purposes. This paper discusses the relationship between the nature of urban design and urban planning, followed by an analysis of the Turkish planning system and legislation as implemented in Istanbul. Using two urban design case studies from the districts of Kadıköy and Kartal, this research demonstrates that these projects are quite unique in terms of their context, production and planning processes. Both cases demonstrate that urban design projects have the potential to be used as tools for subverting the planning process.

► Urban design projects are important means of urban redevelopment and regeneration.
► Case studies show that urban design projects should be in line with planning process.
► Encouraging participation is important to achieve success in urban design projects.