Spatial analysis reveals marked disparities in green space across metropolitan districts, indicating that unplanned urban expansion reduces access to well-being infrastructure.
Key Points
To investigate how planning, socioeconomic variables, and spatial factors influence per capita active green space provision and territorial injustice across urban districts.
Analyzed 2024 institutional data across 39 metropolitan districts in Istanbul.
Integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping with multiple regression modeling to assess predictors including population density, income, planned development, and distance from the Central Business District (CBD).
Average active green space provision was 5.2 m² per capita, which is below the World Health Organization recommendation of 9 m².
Green space varied drastically by neighborhood type, dropping below 1 m² per capita in dense, predominantly unplanned districts (e.g., Esenyurt and Bağcılar) and exceeding 10 m² per capita in planned, low-density districts (e.g., Sarıyer, Beykoz, and Başakşehir).
Multiple regression identified planned development as the strongest positive predictor of green space sufficiency, whereas greater distance from the CBD was associated with reduced access.