2011 YÜksek lisans tez özetleri

The Examination of Recent Implementations on Water Saving in Landscape Design: Istanbul Case Study

This research aims for examining what can be done for water saving purposes in landscape design. This thesis which can be, in general sense, divided into two parts refers to importance, function and historical use of water in the first part. The second part, on the other hand, is intended for researching methods for protection and sustainable use of water resources which have become more valuable due to overpopulation, formation of heat island and air pollution in İstanbul having a decreasing effect especially on rains.

Instead of landscaping green fields in a way which is not suitable for drought which will gradually increase due to global warming, this study deals with the “Xeriscaping” approach where water use is minimized and the main purpose is to protect water resources by creating less turf areas and using plants that need less water. It explains main principles which are required to be observed according to this approach.

Moreover, this thesis examines worldwide examples of special implementations such as water holding gardens and rain gardens as well as xeriscaping. Plant species that need less water and that should be use according to xeriscaping approach have been determined by making use of various sources.

This study, also, deals with approaches, studies and implementations of public institutions such as Directorate of Parks and Gardens, Regional Directorate of Highways, Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration as well as some private organizations in our country, particularly in Istanbul.

In conclusion, suggestions (in terms of design, implementation and maintenance) which can be used in landscape design studies in our country have been developed by considering worldwide recent implementations related to this issue. Some of these suggestions are listed as follows:

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  Water saving studies should be initiated in planning and design stage and should be considered as one of the priority objectives in both hard landscaping and soft landscaping.
  

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  Improving soil conditions, selection of drought-resistant plant species, use of less turf areas, implementation of efficient irrigation systems, increase the use of mulch and maintenance work should be considered.
  

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  Water-wise plant lists which prepared by the competent authorities should be given to the members of public, nurseries, public institutions and private organizations in order to guide. It may be possible; this issue must be supported by legal regulations.