STAIRWAY TO ACCESSIBILITY: TRANSFORMING STEEP STAIRS FOR THE ELDERLY, DISABLED AND CHILDREN

Abstract

This study presents an integrated application proposal with the concept of "urban acupuncture", which emphasises a contemporary and sustainable design approach, and emphasises social equality and accessibility. The study addresses the difficulties created by steep stairs for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, and children, and produces solutions by catalysing interventions compatible with the urban fabric. The urban acupuncture initiative in the Cihangir neighbourhood of the Beyoglu district of Istanbul includes socio-economic and artificial environment analyses, global examples, and literature research and aims to provide equal opportunities for all and integrate citizen participation and social interaction, with a particular focus on the challenges caused by steep stairs. The basic methodology of the study includes an urban acupuncture practice that addresses the difficulties caused by steep stairs in the Cihangir neighbourhood. Within the scope of this study, field observations and analyses are included. The proposed project consists of three main elements such as seating elements, landscaping, and billboards promoting art, aiming to create egalitarian, sustainable, educational, and social environments that include all segments of society. On the other hand, these three main elements aim to provide a more livable environment for the residents of the neighbourhood by providing solutions to security problems, lack of green areas, and insufficient public facilities. On the other hand, this study may be important for creating a more accessible and high quality of life in urban areas not only in the study area but also in Cihangir and its surrounding areas. In addition, the study can be applied and extended to different urban areas to guide similar urban development projects and further improvements.