A place-making approach to reclaim public space in istanbul: Transforming haliç metro köprüsü

Background: The transformation of public spaces in urban contexts requires a nuanced understanding of the interplay between architecture, cultural identity, and community needs. This study examines the Haliç Metro Köprüsü (Golden Horn Metro Bridge) in Istanbul, a structure that serves as both a critical piece of infrastructure and a contested public space within the city’s historical landscape. Positioned at the intersection of modernist design and the Golden Horn’s rich cultural heritage, the bridge has sparked debates about its impact on Istanbul's urban identity and public space. Methods: This study employs a case study approach to explore the Haliç Metro Köprüsü as a public space, using spatial analysis, stakeholder interviews, and archival research. Spatial analysis uses GIS and site observations to examine the bridge's physical characteristics, while stakeholder interviews gather perspectives on its functionality and cultural significance. Archival research reviews historical and policy documents to understand the socio-political context of the bridge's development. Findings: The study considers the challenges of reconciling the bridge’s functional role with the preservation of cultural authenticity, while also addressing the need for inclusive urban spaces that reflect the city’s diverse communities. Through a combination of spatial analysis, stakeholder perspectives, and theoretical frameworks on place identity, the research highlights strategies for reclaiming the bridge as a vibrant and culturally resonant public space. Findings emphasize the importance of integrating place-making principles into urban design processes, particularly in heritage-sensitive contexts. Conclusion: This approach not only enhances the usability and aesthetic value of public spaces but also strengthens their role as mediums for cultural expression and identity formation. Novelty/Originality of this article: The study contributes to ongoing discussions on urban authenticity and the evolving relationship between architecture, public space, and place identity

The Authenticity redefined: A new paradigm for sustainable heritage in yangon’s iconic governor's residence

Background: The Governor's Residence in Yangon, Myanmar, is a historical icon embodying the city's colonial past and architectural heritage. As urbanization and environmental challenges mount, redefining such heritage sites through sustainable practices becomes imperative. Methods: This study employed a qualitative research approach, integrating historical analysis, field observations, and stakeholder interviews. Data were gathered from archival records, peer-reviewed literature, and architectural site visits. Comparative analysis with similar heritage conservation projects in Southeast Asia provided additional insights. Findings: By employing eco-conscious architectural restoration, integrating renewable energy systems, and fostering community engagement, the residence can maintain its historical integrity while contributing to environmental stewardship. Additionally, adaptive reuse and educational initiatives can ensure its cultural and social relevance in the 21st century. Conclusion: The proposed approach underscores the importance of balancing historical preservation with sustainable modernization, offering a replicable framework for a heritage site. Novelty/Originality of the Study: This study introduces a novel approach to heritage conservation, combining eco-conscious restoration, renewable energy integration, and community engagement to transform a colonial-era structure into a sustainable cultural landmark. The findings present a replicable model for other historical sites facing similar urbanization and environmental challenges

Repurposing the past: Sarnies as the economic power of heritage in Bangkok

Background: The adaptive reuse of heritage buildings has emerged as a sustainable strategy for urban development, harmonizing historical preservation with modern functionality. This paper examines the transformation of Sarnies Bangkok, a 150-year-old former boat repair shop, into a thriving café, and its role as a driver of urban regeneration in Bangkok’s historic Old Town. Situated near the Chao Phraya River and Charoen Krung Road, the site leverages its rich historical and cultural significance to enhance urban identity, foster community engagement, and stimulate local economic growth. Methods: Using a qualitative research framework, the study employs architectural analysis and a review of relevant conservation practices to assess the socio-economic and cultural impacts of the project. Findings: The findings reveal that Sarnies Bangkok not only preserves the site’s architectural and historical integrity but also catalyzes heritage tourism, creates local employment opportunities, and strengthens the community’s cultural connection to the space. By employing sustainable design practices, the project mitigates environmental impact while maximizing cultural and economic benefits. Conclusion: This study concludes that adaptive reuse, as exemplified by Sarnies Bangkok, represents a replicable model for sustainable urban renewal. By integrating inclusive strategies, such projects can balance the risk of gentrification with the need for economic revitalization and cultural preservation, offering valuable insights for future urban development initiatives in rapidly modernizing cities. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article introduces a novel approach to adaptive reuse by highlighting the integration of minimal intervention, sustainability, and community engagement in the transformation of Sarnies Bangkok, a 150-year-old boat repair shop, into a thriving café. By contextualizing the project within Bangkok’s socio-economic and urban evolution, it provides a replicable framework for balancing heritage preservation with modern urban demands, offering fresh insights for sustainable urban regeneration

Layers of authenticity: Tracing multicultural narratives in the goethe-institut building as a symbol of urban branding in yangon

Background: This study investigates the Goethe-Institut building in Yangon, Myanmar, highlighting its significance as a case of adaptive reuse and heritage conservation. Constructed in the 1920s during British colonial rule, the building showcases a blend of architectural styles, merging colonial engineering with Burmese, Chinese, and Indian design elements. Over the years, it has transitioned from a private residence to a revolutionary headquarters, an art school, and now serves as a cultural hub. Methods: This study examines the Goethe-Institut building in Yangon, Myanmar, through site observations, historical analysis, and a literature review, focusing on its architectural significance and role in heritage conservation. Findings: The research delves into the building's historical evolution and architectural features while addressing the challenges of adaptive reuse within urban heritage conservation. It emphasizes how these strategies have preserved historical authenticity while meeting contemporary needs and sustainability goals. Key elements such as high ceilings, wide verandas, and intricate carvings are analyzed for their cultural significance. By comparing similar projects across Southeast Asia, the study illustrates the potential of heritage conservation to enhance cultural identity and community engagement. It argues that the Goethe-Institut exemplifies the transformative power of adaptive reuse in preserving architectural heritage, offering insights for sustainable urban development and postcolonial narratives. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of integrating historical context with modern functionality to foster resilience in urban environments. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides a unique contribution by analyzing the Goethe-Institut building in Yangon as a case of adaptive reuse, highlighting its role in preserving architectural heritage while addressing contemporary sustainability challenges, and offering comparative insights from similar projects across Southeast Asia

Experiential authenticity and spatial psychology: A human-centered reading of the jewish museum Berlin

Background: The Jewish Museum Berlin, designed by Daniel Libeskind, exemplifies a shift in contemporary museum architecture, where spatial design becomes a narrative tool to address cultural trauma and shape collective memory. As cities increasingly compete on cultural identity, architecture plays a growing role in city branding and emotional engagement. Methods: This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative interpretive analysis with quantitative survey data. Thematic coding using NVivo was applied to open-ended visitor responses, while descriptive statistics were used to analyze Likert-scale responses from 100 participants. Findings: Architectural features such as voids, fragmented pathways, and disorienting circulation elicit strong emotional engagement and embodied memory. These spatial experiences enhance the perceived authenticity of the museum and reinforce Berlin’s identity as a city of remembrance. Conclusion: Spatial and sensory design in the Jewish Museum Berlin contributes to emotionally authentic experiences that align with and strengthen Berlin’s urban identity and cultural narrative. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study contributes a human-centered analysis of how trauma-informed architecture can produce experiential authenticity and support city branding. By combining emotional psychology, spatial design theory, and urban identity, the paper offers a new interdisciplinary lens on affective architecture

Measuring the success of urban renewal through residents’ lived experiences: A participatory assessment of community well-being, economic opportunity, and historical identity

Background: Medina Al-Munawara, Saudi Arabia is one of the oldest holy cities for Muslims prominent for its historical significance as the site of the twelfth Islamic battle. The city had faced challenges of poor building quality and urban planning, prompting Governor Prince Faisal bin Salman to initiate a transformative project to enhance living conditions. Focusing on Hamra’a Al-Assad neighborhood, this research examines the urban improvement project under that initiative. Unlike most common urban improvement research that mostly focuses on design aspects, this study uniquely prioritizes residents' perceptions to comprehensively assess the success of the project. Methods: A quantitative research approach, employing a semi-structured online questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions, delves into aspects such as daily life impact, community empowerment, economic opportunities, historical awareness, and overall satisfaction. Targeting Hamra’a Al-Assad residents, the primary users of the neighborhood, the study surpassed expectations with 102 collected responses, facilitated by collaboration with local authorities for widespread outreach. The collected data undergoes careful analysis using patterns and connections, empowering residents and providing valuable insights for decision-making in current and future urban redevelopment projects in Medina Al-Munawara. Findings: The study showed that 38.5% of residents felt safer and 50% noted increased property values, but only 28.4% saw better economic opportunities, 35.5% felt stronger community ties, 45% perceived a positive cultural impact, and just 28.4% participated in planning, revealing key gaps in engagement and inclusivity. Conclusion: This research emphasizes residents' perspectives and informs practical decisions that prioritize community well-being and inclusiveness in urban redevelopment. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this research lies in its emphasis on a resident-centric framework for evaluating urban redevelopment in a culturally and historically significant city, addressing a critical gap in the existing literature that often overlooks the socio-cultural dimensions of urban renewal in Islamic contexts

Experiencing place identity: A phenomenological study of visitor perception in old Jeddah

Background: Jeddah (Al-Balad), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodies a rich tapestry of cultural and architectural heritage that shapes its unique place identity. Methods: This study explores the phenomenological experience of visitors to Old Jeddah, focusing on how sensory perceptions and spatial interactions contribute to their understanding of place identity. By employing a mixed-method approach combining in-depth interviews and on-site observations, this research uncovers the nuanced ways in which visitors engage with the physical and intangible heritage of Al-Balad. Findings: The findings reveal three primary dimensions of visitor experience that enhance place identity: spatial nostalgia, where historical architecture evokes memories and emotional ties; sensory layering, wherein the interplay of sights, sounds, and smells enriches the cultural narrative; and interactive belonging, where participatory activities, such as heritage tours or artisan workshops, foster a deeper sense of connection. A key novelty lies in demonstrating how these sensory and spatial dimensions collectively form a dynamic and evolving sense of place identity, distinguishing Old Jeddah from other heritage sites. Conclusion: This study contributes to heritage literature by bridging phenomenology and place identity theory, while providing actionable insights for policymakers and conservationists to design visitor-centered interventions that strengthen cultural preservation and engagement. Novelty/Originality of this article: By prioritizing authentic, multisensory experiences, this research highlights the potential of Old Jeddah to remain a living heritage site that resonates across generations

Social dynamics and spatial design: A behavioral architecture study of adolescent gathering patterns

Background: City parks are important social spaces, especially for teenagers, but the design of public open spaces often does not take behavioral aspects into account. Previous studies have focused more on the physical function of open spaces than on user behavior. This paper analyze the influence of layout and design elements (paths, seating, trees, lighting) on the social interaction patterns of adolescents. Methods: Behaviorist case study (Yin), non-participatory observation, behavior mapping, and in-depth interviews. Findings: The study found that Indonesia Kaya Parks a functions as an inclusive third place for adolescents, where spatial elements like flexible seating, shaded vegetation, and warm lighting significantly enhance the frequency and quality of informal social interactions. It was found that zones with warm lighting, dense vegetation, and flexible seating became centers of social interaction. Conclusion: The spatial configuration and micro-design elements of Indonesia Kaya Parks effectively accommodate adolescents’ behavioral needs, confirming its role as a socially responsive urban park. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research uniquely combines quantitative data with spatial-perceptual mapping to reveal how adolescents navigate and emotionally respond to varying degrees of spatial enclosure in public parks—an approach rarely applied in behavioral architecture studies

Evaluating regional tourism competitiveness through the competitiveness monitor framework: A spatial and policy-based approach to place branding

Background: Cilacap Regency, the largest in Central Java, has great potential for tourism development due to its diverse natural and demographic characteristics. However, tourism has not yet become a leading sector in regional revenue. To optimize development, it is essential to assess both internal and external subsystems of the tourism sector and measure its competitiveness against national standards. Methods: This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative descriptive methods. The Competitiveness Monitor framework with eight indicators was applied to evaluate tourism competitiveness. Spatial analysis, including identity and union overlays, was used to analyze geographical factors. Data were collected through field observations, secondary data from Regional Government Organizations (OPD), and online sources, which were then mapped and interpreted. Findings: The results of this study show that Cilacap Regency is located in a coastal area with gentle slopes that dominate 58.76% of the total area. Because of these natural factors, many natural attractions are found in this regency coupled with the regency capital being right on the coast which makes tourism businesses develop a lot in this area. In addition to natural factors, Cilacap Regency Tourism is also supported by demographic, socio-cultural, technology use, economic, and political factors that discuss tourism policy. Through measurements using the Competitiveness Monitor, of the eight indicators, one indicator is in the improvement stage, namely EI, six of which are in the developing stage, namely HTI, PCI, IDI, TAI, HRI, and SDI. And one indicator is still in the undeveloped stage, namely OI. Conclusion: With targeted strategies, Cilacap can enhance its competitiveness and move toward becoming a prominent tourism destination on a national scale. Novelty/Originality of this article: It uniquely maps the relationship between geographic, demographic, economic, and infrastructural variables, presenting a detailed, data-driven roadmap for future tourism development in a region where tourism is not yet a primary economic sector

Reconceptualizing authenticity in islamic urban heritage: A critical spatial analysis of ritual practice, collective memory, and community engagement

Background: Eyüpsultan, one of Istanbul’s most historically and spiritually significant Islamic urban quarters, faces increasing pressure from rapid urban development and heritage commodification. These transformations challenge conventional understandings of authenticity, especially in sacred urban contexts. This study aims to introduce and develop the concept of Lived Authenticity—a framework that interprets authenticity not only as material preservation but as a dynamic, culturally embedded experience shaped by ritual, spatial memory, and community engagement. Methods: Using a qualitative methodology, the research combines visual-spatial ethnography, photographic documentation, semi-structured interviews, and historical-architectural review conducted over a twelve-month period in Eyüpsultan. Findings: The study finds that the authenticity of Eyüpsultan is continuously produced and reaffirmed through embodied religious practices, evolving spatial configurations, and collective memory. This Lived Authenticity resists static or object-based definitions, offering instead a perspective rooted in continuity of use and sacred urban rhythms. Conclusion: The research challenges dominant conservation paradigms by proposing a contextually grounded model of authenticity, contributing to theoretical discourses in Islamic urban heritage and offering insights for participatory, community-oriented preservation strategies. Novelty/Originality of this Article: This study offers a novel concept of “Lived Authenticity” that reconceptualizes urban heritage authenticity as an active, embodied cultural experience shaped by community practices and spatial memory, moving beyond traditional static preservation models