Research Article

REINTERPRETING URBAN PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A VISUAL EXPLORATION OF THREE ISTANBUL SQUARES

Volume: 5 Number: 1 June 30, 2026
TR EN

REINTERPRETING URBAN PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A VISUAL EXPLORATION OF THREE ISTANBUL SQUARES

Abstract

This study examines the capacities and limitations of artificial intelligence in the reinterpretation of urban public spaces through three Istanbul squares—Taksim, Bakırköy, and Beşiktaş. Using current photographs and map imagery, alternative design scenarios were generated via AI for each site; the outputs were comparatively analyzed against criteria of spatial organization, urban continuity, user experience, material/landscape language, and socio-cultural representations. Findings indicate that AI establishes context-specific priorities: in Taksim, order and symmetry prevail while social memory becomes neutralized; in Bakırköy, local belonging and livability are strengthened; in Beşiktaş, flow and multidirectional movement dominate, though focal points weaken. The method offers a repeatable evaluation framework grounded in the integrated use of visual and contextual data. Nevertheless, algorithmic aesthetic preferences and data scope may introduce representational biases. Future research should incorporate participant feedback, multi-temporal scenarios, and quantitative validation with environmental and accessibility metrics. AI is positioned not as a designer, but as a critical collaborator.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with academic research ethics and integrity principles. No procedures requiring ethical approval were included, and no human participants or personal data were involved. Throughout the research process— including data collection, analysis, and presentation—no ethical violations were committed.

References

  1. Abd El-Maksoud, N. M., & Ahmed, E. A. (2024). Artificial intelligence applications in green architecture. Journal of Fayoum University Faculty of Engineering, 7(2), 317–337. https://doi.org/10.21608/fuje.2024.345049
  2. Adetayo, A. J. (2024). Reimagining learning through AI art: The promise of DALL-E and MidJourney for education and libraries. Library Hi Tech News, 41(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-01-2024-0005
  3. Almaz, A. F., El-Agouz, E. A. E., Abdelfatah, M. T., & Mohamed, I. R. (2024). The future role of artificial intelligence (AI) design's integration into architectural and interior design education is to improve efficiency, sustainability, and creativity. Department of Architecture Engineering, Horus University; Tanta University; Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport.
  4. Aslan, T., & Aydın, K. (2023). The use of artificial intelligence and prompt literacy in architectural education. Archnet-IJAR, 17(2), 100–110.
  5. Avinç, G. M. (2024). The use of text-to-image generation artificial intelligence tools for the production of biophilic design in architecture. Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science, 7(3), 641–650. https://doi.org/10.34248/bsengineering.1470411
  6. Buldaç, M. (2024). Use of artificial intelligence tools in the experimental design process: Outcomes of a course model in interior design education. Sanat ve Tasarım Dergisi, 14(2), 69–91. https://doi.org/10.20488/sanattasarim.1602366
  7. Cao, Y., Gao, X., Yin, H., Yu, K., & Zhou, D. (2024). Reimagining tradition: A comparative study of artificial intelligence and virtual reality in sustainable architecture education. Sustainability, 16(24), 11135. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411135
  8. Castro Pena, M. L., Carballal, A., Rodríguez-Fernández, N., Santos, I., & Romero, J. (2021). Artificial intelligence applied to conceptual design: A review of its use in architecture. Automation in Construction, 124, 103550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103550

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Architectural Computing and Visualisation Methods, Architectural Science and Technology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 30, 2026

Submission Date

November 7, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 24, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 5 Number: 1

APA
Kurtuluş, M. (2026). REINTERPRETING URBAN PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A VISUAL EXPLORATION OF THREE ISTANBUL SQUARES. Karesi Journal of Architecture, 5(1). https://izlik.org/JA49JP95FD
AMA
1.Kurtuluş M. REINTERPRETING URBAN PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A VISUAL EXPLORATION OF THREE ISTANBUL SQUARES. KJA. 2026;5(1). https://izlik.org/JA49JP95FD
Chicago
Kurtuluş, Minel. 2026. “REINTERPRETING URBAN PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A VISUAL EXPLORATION OF THREE ISTANBUL SQUARES”. Karesi Journal of Architecture 5 (1). https://izlik.org/JA49JP95FD.
EndNote
Kurtuluş M (June 1, 2026) REINTERPRETING URBAN PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A VISUAL EXPLORATION OF THREE ISTANBUL SQUARES. Karesi Journal of Architecture 5 1
IEEE
[1]M. Kurtuluş, “REINTERPRETING URBAN PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A VISUAL EXPLORATION OF THREE ISTANBUL SQUARES”, KJA, vol. 5, no. 1, June 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA49JP95FD
ISNAD
Kurtuluş, Minel. “REINTERPRETING URBAN PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A VISUAL EXPLORATION OF THREE ISTANBUL SQUARES”. Karesi Journal of Architecture 5/1 (June 1, 2026). https://izlik.org/JA49JP95FD.
JAMA
1.Kurtuluş M. REINTERPRETING URBAN PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A VISUAL EXPLORATION OF THREE ISTANBUL SQUARES. KJA. 2026;5. Available at https://izlik.org/JA49JP95FD.
MLA
Kurtuluş, Minel. “REINTERPRETING URBAN PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A VISUAL EXPLORATION OF THREE ISTANBUL SQUARES”. Karesi Journal of Architecture, vol. 5, no. 1, June 2026, https://izlik.org/JA49JP95FD.
Vancouver
1.Minel Kurtuluş. REINTERPRETING URBAN PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A VISUAL EXPLORATION OF THREE ISTANBUL SQUARES. KJA [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 1;5(1). Available from: https://izlik.org/JA49JP95FD

Creative Commons Lisansı
The papers published in KJA are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.