Greenfield-Urban Sustainability Linkages: Green Space and Built Environment Relations in Esentepe, Northern Cyprus

Abstract

In response to the problems arising from increasing building density, the concept of sustainability and urban sustainability principles have been gradually integrated into national policy and planning agendas.  Similar practices need to be implemented in North of Cyprus as well. Because urban/suburban settlements in the region are mostly planned in an irregular/uncoordinated manner, various problems arise that are continuous at the environmental, spatial, and social levels. These problems become more visible with situations such as the incomplete construction or loss of function in some areas; especially the grayfield formations in abandoned areas create additional risks in terms of urban sustainability. If such processes are not addressed with a preventive approach, it may not be possible for spaces described as "living spaces" to adequately meet human needs in the next century. In this context, establishing a reciprocal and functional relationship between green spaces and the built environment is of critical importance.                                                                                       In this context, the Esentepe settlement was selected as the study area. The research addresses the question of how suburban areas, which are physically connected to urban settlements but operate relatively independently, can be made more sustainable. The study first determined the occupancy-vacancy relationship in the settlement pattern of Esentepe; then, green areas were identified and analyzed within the framework of the basic principles of urban sustainability. In addition, attention was paid to greyfield dynamics in the area, considering the numerous buildings under construction and the existing occupied stock that has been sold, as well as the vacancies and greyfield areas created by buildings that could not find buyers and whose usage potential has decreased. The findings were evaluated based on expert opinions and field observations, and a roadmap was developed for future studies.   Keywords: greenfield, urban sustainability, green space, built environment, Esentepe