User satisfaction-based landscape planning in historical city centers: Bursa-Turkey

This study examines the inadequacies in meeting the needs of both tourists and everyday urban users in historic city centers. The aim is to develop a sustainable, tourism-oriented landscape plan and strategies that evaluate open and green spaces—emphasizing historical and cultural values—in line with landscape planning approaches, enhancing urban identity and improving user satisfaction. The study focuses on the city center of Bursa, where historical and cultural values are interwoven with commercial areas. A comprehensive planning approach was undertaken along a corridor encompassing significant historical and cultural sites within the city core, based on spatial adequacy and user satisfaction. A survey conducted with 250 participants assessed spatial use satisfaction and adequacy. The data obtained were analyzed using frequency analysis; the survey questions were grouped, and the Kruskal–Wallis H and Chi-square tests (χ²) were applied. Correlation analysis was used to identify and interpret relationships between variables. The results revealed that demographic factors and usage patterns are significant determinants of user satisfaction. Moreover, factors such as gender and age influence satisfaction levels, indicating the need to customize spatial planning according to the needs of different user groups. This study demonstrates that landscape planning approaches considering the spatial needs of diverse user groups in historic city centers strengthen user satisfaction and urban identity. As a result, it is recommended that inclusive planning strategies that aim for sustainable tourism be developed while preserving cultural heritage and incorporating multifunctional open and green spaces.