Changing identity of space/place : the case of Bars Street in Bodrum

Abstract

This study is on changing identity of space/place. It addresses problems of space/place with respect to continuity and change. It attempts to establish and test a framework of tangible constituents through which real sites can be examined and which allow understanding and rendering the changes occurring in each of these constituents and their relationships over time. Based on a literature survey on space, place and identity, a conceptual framework in terms of physical characteristics of the built environment, functional organization and social characteristics is derived. Such a framework appears appropriate especially for sites where rapid functional re-organization is underway, while relative continuity in the physical characteristics is maintained. In this way, by exploring various aspects of these constituents, their interdependencies and effects, changes in the identity of space/place can be depicted, identified and examined. This framework is, then, employed in a case study comparing two different conditions of the same site. The framework is employed as a tool to (1) study these two conditions of the site in terms of continuity and change, (2) test the efficiency of the constituents in the examination of identity of space/place. Thus, diverse techniques, such as documentation, observation, spatial analyses, in-depth interviews and statistical analyses were used in a complementary way to explore and compare the given conditions. The findings of the case study supported the effectiveness of the selected constituents as tools for the study. In the course of the work, their relationships to and their effects upon identity of space/place were rendered and exemplified.