Accessibility in Urban Coastal Areas: Antalya-Konyaaltı Case

Abstract

Coastal areas are privileged spaces within the city, possessing high potential due to the presence of water. Defining coasts as areas under public access where everyone can equally and freely benefit underscores the significance of the concepts of publicness and accessibility. Urban design practices in coastal areas aim to enhance public use and strengthen the coast-city relationship through accessibility approaches. This study identifies the factors that determine publicness and accessibility through a literature review and examines these factors in the context of the redesigned Konyaaltı urban coastal area. On-site observations and analyses were conducted to assess the current situation. The findings suggest that improving accessibility and publicness in coastal areas requires the development of urban and architectural approaches in the legal framework that extend beyond defined boundaries to include coastal interaction zones. Ensuring accessibility for everyone, particularly along coastlines, is among the significant findings derived from this study for the effective and universal use of coastal areas. Regulations based on publicness and accessibility will support the physical and social sustainability of the coast. Well-designed public spaces will positively impact the quality of life, enhance the coastal city's image, and contribute to the city's identity.