CAMPUS OPEN AREAS AS A PUBLIC CONTACT AREA: IZMIR DEMOCRACY UNIVERSITY CAMPUS DESIGN

Abstract

University campuses as learning spaces, gain value with the different interaction possibilities. Therefore, having a “living campus” identity is one of the most important characteristics of university campuses. Izmir Democracy University Campus was designed in 2019 with the concept of “living campus”.
In this study, firstly the theoretical background adopted in the design process is explained and then the general approach plan proposal developed for İzmir Democracy University Uzundere Campus is evaluated within the scope of this theoretical background. In this context, firstly, the main approaches that used for the design process of university campuses are examined, then the concept of “walkability” is discussed and it was foreseen that open spaces of campuses could be considered to be evaluated as a “strolling place”. Finally, the design decisions of the pedestrian alley, which is accepted as the center of campus life, were explained based on the theoretical background.