**6. Conclusion**

Urban landscapes are complex systems, shaped by continuously changing socioeconomic and political factors, as well as natural processes. In Turkey, like most developing countries they have mostly been perceived as the "left over" parts between buildings and structures in urban planning. However, as the rapid and uncontrollable urbanization process raises sustainability concerns at global scale, urban open and green spaces have become crucial elements of urban form. Urban landscapes are much more than "empty spaces"; besides they provide many benefits for the society. To summarize; urban landscape design supports not only ecological systems in urban environments but also provide the community with places to enjoy within the dense built environment. It also contributes to the identity of an urban area by creating visually legible and high quality places. Moreover, well designed urban open and green spaces might improve social cohesion and support sense of community.

The urban landscape involves two fundamental dimensions: physical and social. It is a difficult task to keep balance and respond to needs and priorities of these two dynamics. Hence designing urban landscape requires a comprehensive approach and a wide array of knowledge covering ecology, sociology, psychology and economics. Urban landscape is an integral part of urban matrix. Thus, the role of landscape architecture should not be neglected in urban design by planners and architects.

Landscape architecture integrates artistic design skills and ecological processes to create liveable and sustainable environments for community experience. There is a need for strengthening and emphasizing the role of landscape architecture in context of sustainable development by authorities. There is also a global need for development of an ethical approach in urban development which embraces natural values in planning and design for

Urban landscapes are complex systems, shaped by continuously changing socioeconomic and political factors, as well as natural processes. In Turkey, like most developing countries they have mostly been perceived as the "left over" parts between buildings and structures in urban planning. However, as the rapid and uncontrollable urbanization process raises sustainability concerns at global scale, urban open and green spaces have become crucial elements of urban form. Urban landscapes are much more than "empty spaces"; besides they provide many benefits for the society. To summarize; urban landscape design supports not only ecological systems in urban environments but also provide the community with places to enjoy within the dense built environment. It also contributes to the identity of an urban area by creating visually legible and high quality places. Moreover, well designed urban open and green spaces might improve social cohesion and support sense of

The urban landscape involves two fundamental dimensions: physical and social. It is a difficult task to keep balance and respond to needs and priorities of these two dynamics. Hence designing urban landscape requires a comprehensive approach and a wide array of knowledge covering ecology, sociology, psychology and economics. Urban landscape is an integral part of urban matrix. Thus, the role of landscape architecture should not be

Landscape architecture integrates artistic design skills and ecological processes to create liveable and sustainable environments for community experience. There is a need for strengthening and emphasizing the role of landscape architecture in context of sustainable development by authorities. There is also a global need for development of an ethical approach in urban development which embraces natural values in planning and design for

Fig. 5. The proposed design for Cumhuriyet Square.

neglected in urban design by planners and architects.

**6. Conclusion** 

community.

the sake of human future. While debates over new urbanism vs. landscape urbanism remain in the agenda, I believe we will witness willingly cooperation of planning and design disciplines to create sustainable and quality urban environments in the next few decades.
