Visual Perception of Universal Design Interventions for World Heritage Sites: Case of Istanbul Historic Peninsula

Abstract

Universal Design is defined with seven principles for enhancement of inclusivity for various fields of design. Some enhancements are especially aimed to be visibly highly noticeable, so they can be used intuitively, self-directing the audience with added visibility and attention. However, when it comes to urban heritage sites visual unity and coherence brings heritage value. Therefore, potentially the addition of highly visible indicators might be contradicting with the idea of the nature of interventions. Core tension of this study is the conflicting nature between inclusive urban design applications and conservation policies for World Heritage Sites where minimum intervention aimed. In-depth interviews with users of public spaces in Historic Peninsula Istanbul conducted, results will be discussed to reach parameters for universal design tools for heritage sites.