School of Architecture

This research investigates the narrative experience of democratic Cityscapes. Specifically, it examines how and with what plot and sequence events unfold within urban spaces to create a foundation for democracy as a way of life. The primary concern of this research is to improve the well-being of citizens through urban spaces—environments where citizens spend a significant portion of their daily lives. Here, narrative refers to the idea that this is not merely a physical issue, nor are we seeking democracy in form alone. The mere existence of certain spaces, such as squares, does not guarantee a democratic city. Rather, a specific sequence, a cause-and-effect relationship, and a narrative plot are necessary for a city to reach the threshold of democracy. Democratic spaces possess spatial parameters that are interrelated in a specific way, and this is manifested in the behavior of those who use these spaces. By listening to people's stories, observing their behaviors, and emphasizing the plots of urban spaces, we aim to explain which events and occurrences must be juxtaposed in what proportions for a city to acquire a democratic narrative.
The question arises: Why is it necessary to resort to the concepts of narrative and plot to study this dimension of social life? Would an understanding of spatial relationships and configurations be sufficient? The conventional view is that space shapes democracy. However, a focus on narrative allows us to see the built environment as the outcome of a social process and to explain this social process. This cannot be found in the superficial layers of the city, but rather in observing what people do and listening to their stories, which reflect the democratic nature of the space. The goal is to delve into these hidden layers and demonstrate that space is the result of a process, not the beginning of a problem. Ultimately, we will explain which spaces enable such narratives. Therefore, instead of emphasizing the result and the built form, we need to focus on narrative. This research seeks to develop a framework for analyzing a more democratic urban condition by highlighting the issues of narratology, plot, and their spatial translation.