AN URBAN DESIGN PROJECT IN GAZIANTEP, TURKEY ON AIR QUALITY: THE "CITY IN NATURE, NATURE IN CITY" CONCEPT

Abstract

This research described an innovative urban design project of Gaziantep province. The research brings out a creative nature-oriented solution approach
to combat issues of air pollution experienced in major cities worldwide. A Spatial Strategy Plan prepared for Gaziantep city includes a sub-regions where
the critical parts of the urban design process are elaborated. The crucial point that distinguishes the work from other urban design-related research is that the
fundamental principles of the project were inspired by nature - lotus flower (water lily), dragonfly, beetle, butterfly (butterfly effect) and the Yin Yang
philosophy. The creation of the main theme and the setup process of the urban design project is carried out in several stages inspired by Nature. The hypothesis of the research using Nature as inspiration is to provide an alternative approach to resolve the problem of air pollution found in dense cities
through macro and micro level of control in planning and urban design. The research had successfully identified nature inspired solution to the problem
through literature review, observation and 3D simulation. The success of this project will inspire more researchers working in the field of urban design to
have more research inspired from nature for a successful outcome.