Reflection of cultural differences on gendered use of public spaces. Case study : Amsterdam and Istanbul

This thesis study aims to comprehend the gendered use of public spaces in different cultural environments, by setting out a sequence of surveys and observations, qualitative interviews, mappings of the tracks and activities of the users. The thesis study first makes a literary review of gendered spaces, perceived insecurity in different cultures, gender mainstreaming and safe city approaches. Netherlands and Turkey are compared based on demographic data and are demonstrated as different cultural environments for women and girls despite being located in the same geographical area. Two case studies (public parks) from each country are chosen to make qualitative research (interviews with female users, surveys and analysis) and a design proposal is made based on the results of the research. The parks are chosen from respectively similar (based on population density, socio-economic level, scale) cities: Amsterdam and Istanbul. Properties of the parks such as scale, function, accessibility, the socio-economic level of the users and neighborhood are considered to be similar to each other in order to investigate the cultural reflections on behaviors of the users. In Amsterdam, the research was conducted in Westerpark, and in Istanbul it was conducted in Moda Waterfront. The strategy and design is proposed in Moda, Istanbul where the users described more anxiety and perceived insecurity based on the research outcomes. The most used route is outlined and developed by designing fragments of public spaces.