Design Criteria Development for Community Centres and Manisa as a Case Study

Abstract

The thesis examines the changes in the concept of community in regard to the effects of the contemporary world and concentrates on the concept of Community Centres as wide-spread uses in western societies and their development process in different countries. Researches indicate that, there is a strong tendency in establishing these centres in the western societies as a tool for the healthy development of the members of community both physically and psychologically. However in Turkey, we do not have such centres that enhance the social interaction among the members of community of different race religion, gender and social standings. In this respect, the main aim of the thesis is to develop a set of design criteria for Community Centres appropriate to the social lives and habits of Turkish people and appropriate to the physical layout of Turkish cities. The methodology used in the thesis research may said to be composed of literature and internet surveys and interpretations based on past experiences. Key Words: Community Community Centres Design Criteria User Groups User Needs.