Re-Evaluating Public Spaces Through Ecological and Holistic Landscape Approaches: The Case of Rize Tea Bazaar

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 5, 676 - 685, 30.09.2025

Gülcay Ercan Oğuztürk , Ebrar Ağlar

https://doi.org/10.35229/jaes.1749394

Abstract

Rapid urbanization necessitates the re-evaluation of public spaces in line with ecological values and user needs. In this study, the Rize Tea Bazaar, located in the city center of Rize, is assessed within the framework of ecological and holistic landscape criteria such as sustainability, accessibility, landscape identity, and local plant diversity. The current state of the area has been analyzed in terms of impermeable surfaces, limited plant variety, wayfinding issues, and lack of inclusive design. Accordingly, improvement strategies have been developed, focusing on increasing the use of native plant species, reducing impermeable surfaces, and implementing nature-based water management solutions. In addition, the integration of smart infrastructure applications such as solar-powered lighting and digital wayfinding panels has been proposed. Furthermore, the evaluation process was carried out based on on-site observations and the direct identification of user needs concerning the physical characteristics of the area. The results indicate that the Rize Tea Bazaar can be restructured not only as a touristic attraction but also as a multifunctional public space that preserves cultural heritage and harmonizes with nature. This model presents a significant example of how small scale public spaces can be transformed through sustainable and holistic planning approaches.

Keywords

Rize Tea Bazaar , Public space , Ecological landscape , Sustainability , Permeable surface , Native plant species

Rize Çay Çarşısı Örneğinde Ekolojik ve Bütüncül Peyzaj Yaklaşımlarıyla Kamusal Alanların Yeniden Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

Hızla artan kentleşme, kamusal alanların ekolojik değerler ve kullanıcı ihtiyaçları doğrultusunda yeniden ele alınmasını zorunlu kılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Rize kent merkezinde yer alan Rize Çay Çarşısı alanı; sürdürülebilirlik, erişilebilirlik, peyzaj kimliği ve yerel bitki çeşitliliği gibi ekolojik ve bütüncül peyzaj kriterleri kapsamında değerlendirilmiştir. Alanın mevcut durumu; geçirgen yüzey eksikliği, sınırlı bitkisel çeşitlilik, yönlendirme sorunları ve kapsayıcı tasarım eksiklikleri bakımından analiz edilmiştir. Bu bağlamda, yerel bitki türlerinin kullanımını artırmaya, geçirimsiz yüzeyleri azaltmaya ve doğa temelli su yönetimi çözümlerine odaklanan iyileştirme stratejileri geliştirilmiştir. Ayrıca, güneş enerjili aydınlatmalar ve dijital yönlendirme panoları gibi akıllı altyapı uygulamalarının entegrasyonu önerilmiştir. Bununla birlikte, değerlendirme süreci, alanın fiziksel özelliklerine ilişkin yerinde gözlemler ve kullanıcı ihtiyaçlarının doğrudan tespitine dayalı olarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Sonuçlar, Rize Çay Çarşısı’nın yalnızca turistik değil, aynı zamanda kültürel mirası yaşatan, doğayla uyumlu ve çok işlevli bir kamusal alan olarak yeniden yapılandırılabileceğini göstermektedir. Bu model, küçük ölçekli kamusal alanların sürdürülebilir ve bütüncül yaklaşımlarla dönüştürülmesinde önemli bir örnek teşkil etmektedir.

Keywords

Rize Çay Çarşısı , Kamusal alan , Ekolojik peyzaj , Sürdürülebilirlik , Geçirgen yüzey , Yerli bitki türleri

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