Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
ONLINE JOURNAL OF ART AND DESIGN, cilt.10, sa.1, ss.262-279, 2022 (Hakemli Dergi)
The COVID-19 pandemic-induced social distancing restrictions imposed in many cities of
the world redefine common spatial behavior and everyday life. In this context, some of the
current debate topics focus on the need for hybrid spaces in the urban fabric, while some
concentrate on the necessity of the fragmentation of urban space. The motivation of this
paper is to emphasize the potential of outdoor spaces as effective components of this
duality. This study aims to reconceptualize the change of outdoor spaces by investigating
their role and meaning during the pandemic. Depending on the conceptual framework
developed by the criteria defining the relationship among outdoor spaces and social
interaction, this paper clarifies how these spaces are perceived, evaluated and used by
people. The new spatial behavior that has changed within the pandemic is investigated via
selected study areas located in mixed-use and traditional residential settlements in Ankara,
the capital of Turkey. The research data are obtained with the participation of 150 residents
in total: a survey is conducted to 120 participants, and on-site observations and in-depth
interviews are conducted to 30 participants. The results are digitized and represented with
figures and schematic diagrams. The findings developed by qualitative and quantitative
analyses contributed to the literature by revealing potential value regarding the
intervention of outdoor spaces in the context of a holistic planning approach. This study
can help determine what variables should be considered for future social interaction
through outdoor spaces in the urban design framework.