Land Use Group (housing, tourism, commercial, industrial)

As we saw in our field trip, this area is complex and multi-functional. However, there are differentation between the commercial areas--as we saw there was one area that was exlusively devoted to electronic goods, areas of tourist hotels, small scale manufacturing and buildings of architectural and historical significane such as the Sirkeci train station, PTT building, Mirman Sinan Mosque (which we visited), Yeni Cami, Spice Market and Covered Market. The character of the area is also significant with small streets lined with small and independently owned businesses. There is also housing and scattered small workshops or industries in this area. Certainly one can not fully dissect this area in the time we have allocated. However, at least we can make an attempt to unravel this complex land use so that some general proposals can be made.

There is a GIS database for this area which includes all the building data and rough classification. You should refine and focus this database for the purpose of this study. This may include some land using to further clarify the distintions between land uses. Denoting of areas of influence such as the tourist hotel areas, tourist shops, local shopping areas and their function. and areas of small workshops would be helpful. Futher delineation of historic structures would also help you to better understand the area.

Some of the area is probably missed by tourists because there is improper information. Are their walking tours of the area that are well publicized? Is there other tourist informaiton available about this area? What is the condition of some of the tourist sites?

In a lnad use plan, you have to cnosider what are the existing problems and opportunities for area, future economic and other changes that migth affect this area--as we discussed this wonderful area will more than likely soon see some the affects of globablization, increasing prosperity for the middle class and maybe some gentrification. You should look to see if their any clues if this is starting to creep into this area and what can be done to prepare the owners of commerical establishments to adapt to possible coming structural changes to this

Think about possible possible land use changes that would make this area better, strategies to restore historic structures, how to make this area more attractive to tourists, areas that could be upgraded from low end to high end commeercial. Land uses that should be encouraged to leave the area (such as small industrial), upgrade in housing to provide a mix of housing to compensate the growing suburban movment and provide more revenue and help maintain the historic character of some of the limited. The most important thing is to contemplate how some of the shopping areas could be upgraded to be more speciality oriented to compete with the suburban malls and other retail areas. This is definitely on the horizon even if it appears that the business is thriving at the present time. They may be sturggling and wanting opportunites to gain additonal profit.