Bursa Metropolitan Municipality hosted the representatives of academic chambers affiliated to the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) in the areas of urban transformation projects carried out in 7 different regions.
Realizing projects that will carry Bursa into the future in every field from transportation to infrastructure, the Metropolitan Municipality has accelerated its urban transformation projects to make Bursa, which is located in the first degree earthquake zone, a safer city against earthquakes. The Metropolitan Municipality, which aims to create earthquake-resistant residences and safe living spaces for Bursa residents by improving the worn-out structures over time, has made significant progress in the urban transformation projects of Istanbul Street and Yiğitler, Esenevler and 75. Yıl Neighborhoods, and spends a lot of time on 7 urban transformation projects in total. Announcing the ongoing transformation projects in the past weeks to the public with a press tour, the Metropolitan Municipality has now introduced the transformation projects to academic chambers, business world, Metropolitan Assembly zoning commission members and academicians. The technical tour, hosted by Metropolitan Mayor Alinur Aktaş, was attended by Uludağ University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Adem Doğangün, Bursa Technical University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Beyhan Bayhan, Chamber of Architects Bursa Branch President Şirin Rodoplu, Chamber of City Planners Bursa Branch President Murat İlkme, Chamber of Civil Engineers Bursa Branch President Ülkü Küçükkayalar, BTSO Construction Council President Ali Tuğcu, Metropolitan Municipality Council zoning commission members and academics.
Within the scope of the technical tour that started in the Gaziakdemir - Merinos Urban Transformation Project area with a total area of 153 thousand 500 square meters, Hotsu, Istanbul Street, Yiğitler-Esenevler-75. Yıl, Arabayatağı – Ulus and Karapınar and Hanlar Region Urban Transformation projects were examined on site. While making a detailed presentation about all the projects, President Aktaş answered the questions from the academicians one by one. Representatives of academic chambers and academicians, who agreed that urban transformation is essential for Bursa to become an earthquake resistant city, stated that the technical visit was very useful.
Digging a well with a needle
Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Alinur Aktaş stated that the technical visit was very productive and said, “We visited all our project areas, especially the transformation of the Inns Area, which is one of the symbol projects of Bursa. We will evaluate after this tour. The positive opinions of our academic chambers on urban transformation encourage and excite us. Urban transformation is indispensable for Bursa. In this sense, I invite all our citizens to be more sensitive and attentive. We are also very excited for the Hanlar District. As the word goes, we are digging a well with a needle here. We spend a lot of effort on issues such as correcting the illegal area in the inns, correcting the frames, arranging the area, creating a parking lot. I wish all the ongoing transformation projects to be beneficial for our Bursa.”
We care about transformation
Chamber of Architects Bursa Branch President Şirin Rodoplu said that it is very productive to see the projects they see on paper on site. Noting that they attach great importance to the start of the works in the context of urban transformation, Rodoplu said, “We say that the work that has been started is the work that has been done. It is clear that just talking will not benefit this city. We live in a city with a very clear seismicity. The most important part is that this work is carried out transparently. We have positive views for transparency. I hope these studies will be more inclusive, even more rational and will go to the right place. First of all, I find it positive to start from somewhere. As of today, we have seen on-site support for urban transformation works, especially at the point of transportation. I think that was one of the most important aspects. We wish success to the Metropolitan. I hope we will work together even better.”
Ülkü Küçükkayalar, Head of Bursa Branch of the Chamber of Civil Engineers, also wished that the work carried out would bring happiness to Bursa and the people of Bursa.
Uludag University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Adem Doğangün also reminded that urban transformations enable people to live in healthier buildings and appreciated the Metropolitan Municipality for these efforts.
Bursa Technical University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Beyhan Bayhan, on the other hand, stated that the urban transformation projects carried out under the leadership of the Metropolitan Municipality are remarkable and beautiful projects and emphasized that safer structures will emerge with the increase of these projects step by step.
BTSO Construction Council President Ali Tuğcu said, “We need to focus on what we need to do before the earthquake rather than the measures after the earthquake. Citizens also have responsibilities here. They also have to make some sacrifices. We thank the Metropolitan Municipality for the work they have done.”