The Transformative Power of Play: The Oyun Istanbul Hop Project in the Context of Tactical Urbanism

Abstract

In modern city planning, alternative urbanization concepts that deviate from traditional norms and respond to rapidly evolving social dynamics are gaining importance. Various approaches, such as guerrilla urbanization, do-it-yourself urbanism and pop-up urbanization, come together under the umbrella of tactical urbanization. The concepts presented aim to transform urban spaces through fast, flexible and participatory interventions.

Guerrilla urbanization involves adaptive and rapid interventions that oppose predetermined plans (Swatek, 2013). Do-it-yourself urbanism offers a model that emphasizes community participation and aligns the planning process with the expectations of local residents. Pop-up urbanization, on the other hand, refers to temporary and unexpected urbanization practices that focus on using spaces according to immediate needs (Caballero & Wong, 2016). Tactical urbanization is an umbrella concept that encompasses these approaches. As Mitchell (2015) explains, tactical urbanism involves small, rapid, and participatory interventions. Additionally, the concept of flexible play is utilized to increase participation in planning and designing public spaces. This approach allows children and adults to adapt to environmental factors (Lester & Russell, 2008).

Tactical urbanism, the central concept, speeds up the implementation process and solicits participation from the general population. One of the primary focuses of the investigation is the HOP Project, which is a component of Play Istanbul, which is a project of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Through the use of adaptive game alternatives and a bottom-up decision-making process, HOP can transform cities. It is a combination of pop-up and guerrilla urbanization.

The aim of the study is to provide inclusive play environments that encourage diversity and participation, increase spatial justice, support community gatherings, and contribute to urban transformation over time.  Expected outcomes include increasing the use of mobile play areas, strengthening cultural identity and identifying effective strategies to increase welfare in disadvantaged areas.

The Hop project aims to introduce play culture to underprivileged areas and facilitate spatial transformation through bottom-up initiatives. As part of the Street Forum project, we will implement the HOP Project on Kadıköy Moda Street as a catalyst to evaluate the outputs obtained within the framework of tactical urbanism. The study's expected outcomes aim to create inclusive play environments that promote diversity and inclusion, increase spatial justice, support community gatherings, and contribute to the transformation of urban spaces over time. Additionally, the study aims to increase the use of mobile playgrounds, strengthen cultural identity, and identify effective strategies to improve well-being in disadvantaged areas.

Acknowledgments

This study is funded by the projects: EN-UAC, Grant Nr: 99950070, https://www.smartmobilityhubs.eu), StreetForum (Transforming streets into accessible urban oases through consensus building with digital and analog tools, EN-UAC Innovation Action). It is also supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBİTAK) Project number 123N051.