Formalization of Do It Yourself (DIY) Urbanism through co-production: examples from Turkey

Abstract

Despite the general negative perception, informality in urbanism is not always bad and does not only emerge in housing and economic activity areas. It also appears in and contributes to public spaces in DIY urbanism form. DIY urbanism includes informal, small scale, spontaneous interventions such as seats and signboards. This study aims at exploring the formalization process of DIY urbanism through coproduction and showing possible contributions to urban space and decision-making process with examples from Turkey. Web-based search, direct observation and visual recording are research methods. The findings show that DIY urbanism appears as a positive informal action while citizens solve their problems and meet their needs themselves rather than waiting for government or public institutions. Yet it is only positive and to be formalized if they consider public interest and do not hesitate others’ interests. Formalization of DIY urbanism by co-production strengthens collaboration and communication in public space.