Alaçatı enters a new era of unified design from signs to awnings

The historic Aegean town of Alaçatı is introducing a comprehensive protection plan to combat the negative impacts of rapid tourism growth on its heritage. The İzmir Planning Agency (İZPA) has developed a "Design Guide for Alaçatı Urban Site Area" in collaboration with the Çeşme Vision Office.

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Our main goal is to strengthen Alaçatı's own character. Random applications inconsistent with the historical environment damage the holistic urban aesthetic over time. We aim to first cleanse the area by removing applications inconsistent with the historical environment, preserve existing good examples, and enrich it with new application examples that strengthen harmony. The guide we have prepared is a reference for implementation that brings together tradesmen, users, and local government in a common understanding.

This guide aims to establish a unified design approach for elements that have historically altered the town's silhouette, such as signs, awnings, and facades. The initiative is designed to preserve Alaçatı's distinctive stone architecture, narrow streets, bay windows, and overall urban aesthetic, striking a balance between conservation and usage.

İZPA General Manager Aykut Uçar emphasized that the guide's purpose is not to create a uniform appearance but to reinforce Alaçatı's unique character. He stated that random interventions inconsistent with the historical environment have damaged the town's aesthetic over time. The plan involves removing incompatible elements, preserving existing good examples, and introducing new ones that enhance harmony.

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We embarked on this study to protect Alaçatı's identity. Çeşme is now a very strong tourism center that stands out with its sea, sun, and nightlife. However, we have much more important identity elements. We see that these values have been worn out over time due to excessive tourism pressure. We felt the need to undertake such a study to pass on our identity to future generations.

Urban planner Esra Koçdemir highlighted that the project extends beyond aesthetics, forming part of a long-term vision to protect Alaçatı's cultural identity. She noted that while tourism brings economic benefits, the excessive pressure has eroded the town's core values. The initiative aims to strengthen the socio-economic structure by preserving the architectural heritage and urban fabric, particularly in the Köyiçi area, which is an urban conservation site.

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Your facade, our street. The study is not limited to preparing a guide; the process is carried out directly in the field with tradesmen and citizens.