TRANSFORMING URBAN SPACES FOR ALTERNATIVE SOCIALIZATION IN THE POST-PANDEMIC ERA

Year 2025, Volume: 3 Issue: 1, 49 - 60, 23.05.2025

Serengül Seçmen , Pınar Şahin , Salih Ceylan

https://doi.org/10.71298/maddergi.1633043

Abstract

This article investigates the post-pandemic transformation of urban spaces, with a particular focus on emerging forms of alternative socialization. It explores how spatial practices and social behaviours have evolved across both physical and digital environments in response to public health regulations, accelerated digitalization, and shifting cultural norms. Employing a qualitative methodology that combines bibliographic analysis, comparative case studies, and thematic synthesis, the study identifies key trends such as the adaptive reuse of public spaces, the emergence of hybrid sociability, and the integration of digital platforms into everyday urban life. Drawing on case studies—namely Istanbul, New York, Vilnius, Oslo, and Dallas—the paper examines context-specific interventions including redesigned parks, expanded sidewalks, outdoor dining parklets, public square adaptations, and green space accessibility. These tactical urban solutions illustrate how cities responded to the need for safe, socially engaging environments during the pandemic. Concurrently, digital platforms such as Zoom, VRChat, Instagram Live, and multiplayer virtual worlds facilitated the continuation of social rituals, fostering a parallel realm of digital interaction and presence. The article also underscores the significance of participatory planning and highlights the increasing demand for adaptable, inclusive, and health-oriented urban design. It further discusses the cultural and behavioural implications of digital socialization, particularly the role of immersive technologies in shaping future modes of interaction. By integrating spatial, technological, and sociocultural dimensions, the study provides insights and policy recommendations for reimagining urban life in a post-pandemic context.

Keywords

Post-pandemic urbanism , digital socialization , participatory design , public space

PANDEMİ SONRASI DÖNEMDE ALTERNATİF SOSYALLEŞME İLE KENTSEL MEKÂNLARIN DÖNÜŞÜMÜ

Abstract

Bu makale, pandemi sonrası kentsel mekânların dönüşümünü ve alternatif sosyalleşme biçimlerinin ortaya çıkışını incelemektedir. Çalışmada, kamusal sağlık düzenlemeleri, hızlanan dijitalleşme ve değişen kültürel normlar doğrultusunda mekânsal pratiklerin hem fiziksel hem de dijital ortamlarda nasıl evrildiği araştırılmaktadır. Bibliyografik analiz, karşılaştırmalı vaka çalışmaları ve tematik sentez yöntemlerini bir arada kullanan nitel bir metodolojiyle yürütülen bu çalışma; kamusal mekânların uyarlanarak yeniden kullanımı, hibrit sosyalleşme biçimlerinin ortaya çıkışı ve dijital platformların günlük kentsel yaşama entegrasyonu gibi temel eğilimleri tespit etmektedir. İstanbul, New York, Vilnius, Oslo ve Dallas kentlerinden seçilen vaka çalışmalarına dayanarak yeniden tasarlanan parklar, genişletilen kaldırımlar, açık hava yeme-içme alanları, kamusal meydan düzenlemeleri ve yeşil alanlara erişim gibi bağlama özgü müdahaleleri ele almaktadır. Bu taktiksel çözümler, pandemi sürecinde güvenli ve sosyal etkileşime olanak tanıyan ortamlar yaratma ihtiyacına karşılık olarak kentlerin geliştirdiği stratejileri ortaya koymaktadır. Aynı zamanda Zoom, VRChat, Instagram Live ve çok oyunculu sanal dünyalar gibi dijital platformlar, sosyal ritüellerin devamlılığını sağlayarak dijital etkileşim ve varlık için paralel bir alan oluşturmuştur. Makale, katılımcı planlama süreçlerinin önemini vurgularken, esnek, kapsayıcı ve sağlık odaklı kentsel tasarım taleplerinin yükseldiğine de dikkat çekmektedir. Mekânsal, teknolojik ve sosyokültürel boyutları ele alan çalışma, pandemi sonrası kentsel yaşamın tasarlanmasına yönelik bulgular sunmaktadır.

Keywords

Pandemi sonrası kentleşme , dijital sosyalleşme , katılımcı tasarım , kamusal mekan

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