Public Drinking as a Transformative Practice of Placemaking

Abstract

Global economic instability is reshaping everyday practices, with public spaces increasingly reflecting this transformation. As rising alcohol prices impact traditional forms of socializing, communities are turning to public drinking as a more affordable alternative. More than just alcohol consumption, public drinking acts as a form of placemaking, transforming streets into social hubs. This study explores the public drinking through “heterotopia” and “third place” theories, focusing on Dr. İhsan Ünlüer Street in Istanbul. Using observation method, the research investigates how the street has shifted from a space of transit to a dynamic site of gathering while also accommodating both unity and conflict.