Evaluation of outdoor activities in downtown areas within the context of time and provided space: case of Kizilay

Abstract

This study examines the varieties of outdoor activities in a downtown. In this approach the social and physical attributes of outdoor activities are emphasized and their qualitative assessment is undertaken by people's participation and personal observation. Accordingly, a framework is proposed to investigate the temporal and spatial distribution of outdoor activities. The concepts and the problems of outdoor activities are analyzed in a historical perspective and people's behavior and perception of downtown open spaces are evaluated with climatic conditions. A questionnaire is prepared and applied to evaluate outdoor spaces that are exclusively pedestrian and support Atatürk Boulevard in Kızılay, Ankara. Thus, people's assessment of outdoor spaces and their performed activities are obtained and defined. Consequently, an attempt has been made to outline some key pattern for future improvements of outdoor spaces with reference to the users’ expectations and preferences in Kızılay.