Playful Urbanism in Diyarbakır: Dynamics of Power and Play in Public Space Design
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Date
2024
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AESOP
Abstract
Public spaces embody the intricate interplay of power dynamics influenced by governmental, societal, and economic factors, shaping spaces to reflect idealized lifestyles guided by urban management, societal norms, and capitalist economies. However, the emergence of playful actions disrupts these norms, offering fresh perspectives on power structures and public spaces. Activities characterized by playfulness, illuminated by play theory, advocate for innovative approaches to public space design, exploring play's transformative role in nurturing social connections and enriching urban life while reshaping social interactions and landscapes. Focused on Şeyh Said Square and nearby parks adjacent to the Diyarbakır walls in Turkey, this study employs field research, observations, and surveys. Renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse societal representations, this locale fosters unique connections among users, authorities, and urban designers. Playful actions serve as a catalyst for challenging established power dynamics and fostering greater participation in the design and use of public spaces. Acknowledging play as fundamental in urban design, the research explores alternative narratives, emphasizing social engagement and public space utilization. Through a comprehensive and participatory methodology, it highlights play's significance in promoting participation and shaping urban design.
Keywords: play theory, power dynamics, social interaction, participation, urban design
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Game changer? Planning for just and sustainable urban regions, Paris, 8-12th July 2024
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CC-BY