Conceptual Structure of ‘Claim of Space’: Effects on the Place-making and Social Interactions

Urban design studies stress the importance of transformation of open public spaces into places and its role in supporting social behavior. Therefore, researchers frequently investigate the relevance between the place and the physical, activity and meaning characteristics of the environment. However, few studies refer to the importance of ‘claim of space’, which is composed as a result of the interaction of these characteristics and mankind, and its contribution to social diversity. This study aims at revealing the relationship between place making and social behavior through a conceptual model by pondering on the notion of ‘claim of space’ made by various types of users (businesses, outdoor sellers, regular users).