4.2. Discussion of Findings

23) Name a real square which you are happy to be there or would like to go in the future? If you don't find any answer, please write NA.

The question aimed to make participants think a real square in which they felt happy or might feel happy to base the reasons of happiness to determinated space. The majority of people answered the question either as NA or mentioned a space which is not a square, instead a street, urban park or a city itself. Most common responses are Times Square in New York, Taksim Square in Istanbul, Red Square in Moscow, Trafalgar Square in London, Piazza Navona in Rome, Tracodero Square in Paris, Piazza del Duomo in Milano, Cumhuriyet Square in Izmir and Kadikoy Pier Square in Kadikoy.

24) What makes you happy when you are in the square you selected or what do you think it will make you happy there? Choose all that apply.

o I couldn’t find any answer to the previous question. o Landmark

o Smell of the place – trees, flowers etc. o Sounds – if you like its silence or contrary the noises belong there o Sitting arrangement o Activities taking stage o Weather – if it is fresh or contrary warm that exactly you want it to be o Materials and textures around

o Presence of water

o Lights – if the place takes a good sunlight, contrary if it is shaded as you want or has good lighting at night o Design – if it is modern or contrary nostalgic o Opportunities – food, restroom etc. o Memories

o Other

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Graph 21 – Comparison of Reasons of Happiness in a square

In addition to the Graph 21, some of the people filled “Other” choice as colors, resting, movement, people walking around, historical qualities, person besides me, curiosity and enough car parking space.

25) If there is a negative characteristic about the square you selected, could you please write it here? If there is nothing, please write NA. (ex. it is nice but there are not enough rubbish bin etc.)

The majority of the people responded to the question as crowd, dirtiness (people who don’t take care of the square and throw litter, not enough rubbish bins etc.) and inadequate green space or green spaces turned into concrete areas. Moreover, some of the people stated that insufficient sitting areas, noises, unrespectful people and insecurity have also negative effect on their perception and use of

squares.

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3.2.4. Questions About Urban Parks

The section, as the section of square questions, consisted of 2 checkbox and 2 open ended questions. In a similar way, first participants were asked about their aim of the use of urban parks and same questions were asked as previous section. Some of the choices were changed due to the difference of squares and urban parks.

Questions, choices and results can be graphically depicted as follows.

26) What are the main reasons that you visit an urban park? Choose all that apply.

o Getting in touch with nature o Walking o Resting o Walking the pet o Waiting for somebody o Moving from one area to another o Socializing o Eating or drinking o Studying or reading book o Activities – dance shows, musicians or playground for kids o I don’t visit a square. o Other

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