Evaluation of water supply possibilities for water structures in urban squares according to user preferences

Abstract

Water has always been imperative for life. All livings need water to survive. Water is essential for sustainability of nature. While water is used with its chemical features (pH, hardness etc.) in scientific studies, also it is used with its physical features (color, sound, shape, movement etc.) in landscape designs.

Water is also used in design with its functional features such as being focal point, recreation possibilities, circulation control, refreshment, orientation etc.

75% of the Earth is covered by water. Although it seems that there is plenty of water, the rate of potable water is just about 0,74%. However Earth’s fresh water reserve is 3,5 % of all water and 1,74 % of this fresh water is exist in ice fields.

Water is used in urban green spaces as an indispensable part of landscapes. Instead of bounteously use, efficient use of water is essential in order to create sustainable environments. In Earth, where water resources is getting scarced, productive use of water in recreational areas is an important design topic which should be studied. Also, it is an important issue that the efficient use of water in cities which have hot and humid climate such as Antalya.

One of the most important elements of city design is square. Urban squares, within the context of public spaces, are essential components of  cities because they provide spaces for social interaction. This helps engaging together into various human activities and can make significant contributions to the cultural development of communities. Squares also have some aesthetic roles and these aesthetic roles are significant for beautifying towns and cities. Aesthetic roles of squares, together with symbolic roles, address to the people’s senses and feelings. They affect “minds and senses” of people, and lead to a positive or negative influence on them. Visual and aesthetic elements taking place in center and edge of a square. In this process, water is come into prominence with its visual features. By the way, activities in a square are important for its vitality and, therefore, also for its visual attraction.

In this study, user preferences about water supply possibilities for pools in squares has been investigated in Cumhuriyet Square-Antalya which has hot-humid climates (Figure 1). Also by ecologic and economic evaluations of the results of questionnaire, efficient use of water alternatives have been revealed.

Figure 1.  User preferences about water supply possibilities for pools in squares

According to the results of the study, it is found that;

-          The first preferred choice of users in Antalya city is “using refined waste water” and the second alternative is “using sea water”  in pools,

-          The least preferred  alternative is “using potable water”,

-          Some preferences have several differences depend on age, gender and economic conditions.

At the end of the study, advantages and disadvantages of each preference have been revealed according to all components.