COMPLEXITY THEORY IN SPATIAL PLANNING AND GOVERNANCE: THE CASE OF ATATÜRK FOREST FARM


Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Gazi University, Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Turkey

Approval Date: 2022

Thesis Language: Turkish

Student: DAMLA ÖZDEMİR

Supervisor: Çiğdem Varol Özden

Abstract:

In this thesis, an answer is sought on what kind of a governance process should be followed in spatial planning and practices; it is aimed to explain the decisions taken and the urban policies created based on the complexity theory and to reveal how the governance system can be created regarding the AFF (Atatürk Forest Farm), which is determined as the study area. In this context, there is a three-stage approach in explaining the governance- based decision-making processes in the spatial planning of AFF through complexity. In the first stage, spatial planning approaches, governance, governance in spatial planning, complexity theory and governance system concepts in complexity theory were discussed. In the second stage, the transformation process of AFF was examined through the current literature review and archive research of various institutions under three different periods, which were determined by breaking points that occurred in legal and administrative aspects between 1925-2021. In each period, the historical, spatial and managerial processes of AFF were discussed, inventories were drawn up by using qualitative and quantitative data on the spatial interventions made in the area (applications related to disposal of lands such as transfer/sales regulations and rental activities, development plans, plan revisions, legally protected area revisions, urban transformation and renewal area decisions) and the actors contributing to these interventions. In the third and final stage, research findings revealed in the second stage, supported by in-depth interviews with academics who have worked in the area of AFF, institutions associated with AFF and people working in professional chambers, are discussed on spatial, legal, managerial and governance aspects within the scope of complexity theory. By taking into account the suggestions of the participants on how a governance model should be created and putting forward the reasons why a participatory planning study for AFF should be handled with a different approach within the scope of complexity theory, a solution proposal has been developed on the protection and development of AFF. 

Key Words : Complexity, participation, governance and Atatürk Forest Farm