BAYRAKLI URBAN RENEWAL
IZMIR
Türkiye
Izmir Bayraklı urban renewal in Türkiye features a green spine as part of the city’s broader Green City Action Plan (GCAP) and strategic urban transformation efforts, transforming the high-rise district into a more resilient, nature-integrated area following the 2020 earthquakes. Located in İzmir’s Bayraklı district, the initiative emphasizes ecological corridors amid high-density development to enhance urban liveability and disaster recovery. Bayraklı’s urban renewal, accelerated since 2006 and intensified post-2020 earthquakes, aligns with İzmir Metropolitan Municipality’s GCAP, approved in December 2020, which identifies green infrastructure like spines as key to addressing environmental challenges, including biodiversity, air quality, and climate resilience.
The renewal involves reconstructing earthquake-prone areas with high-rise buildings, reinforced infrastructure, and a central green spine connecting parks, streambeds, and corridors to form a networked green infrastructure extending from urban centres to rural edges. It combines residential, commercial, and public spaces with participatory planning involving stakeholders for safe, planned rebuilding. The project integrates with the city’s Strategic Plan 2020-2024, promoting in-situ transformation without gentrification.
Future Cities criteria compliance
Environmental & Nature
The green spine prioritises biodiversity corridors, climate adaptation, waste management, and ecosystem protection, creating 5 million square metres of new green space citywide. It fosters low-impact development, recycling, and harmony with natural systems like coasts and agriculture.
Smart City
İzmir employs data-driven tools in GCAP for monitoring environmental metrics, smart urban planning software, and resilient building technologies adapted for seismic zones. Digital platforms support stakeholder collaboration and infrastructure optimization.
Human-Centric
Renewal focuses on safe housing without displacement, accessible green networks for recreation and health, and inclusive public spaces enhancing quality of life. Participatory processes ensure community needs shape resilient, equitable neighbourhoods.
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