Kırklareli Lüleburgaz Planning Studio | 1/100,000 Environmental Plan and 1/25,000 Master Zoning Plan Revision

Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University | Urban Planning Studio, 2018

This studio project focused on the strategic development of rural settlements in the Lüleburgaz district of Kırklareli Province, Türkiye. As part of an interdisciplinary studio framework, we conducted a comprehensive revision of both the 1/100,000-scale Environmental Plan and the 1/25,000-scale Master Zoning Plan. The goal was to propose sustainable spatial strategies that align with the ecological, social, and economic dynamics of the region.

Our work began with extensive site research across 34 villages, chosen based on previous studies and their strategic relevance to regional development. These included Akçaköy, Alacaoğlu, Ayvalı, Celaliye, Çengelli, and many others. The research phase included field visits, structured interviews with village heads and cooperatives, brief household surveys, photographic documentation, and detailed land use analyses. The findings formed the basis for identifying key development potentials and constraints in the area.

Studio Objectives

The planning effort aimed to address contemporary rural challenges while supporting long-term resilience and local vitality. Our primary objectives were:

• To assess and enhance the spatial structure and socio-economic potential of rural settlements;

• To protect and promote agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods;

• To curb depopulation by encouraging community-led development;

• To align rural growth with environmental protection and regional planning goals.

Our planning approach was guided by four key principles:

Sustainability was central, aiming to maintain ecological balance through the protection of forests, water basins, and fertile farmland, prioritizing long-term productivity and biodiversity over short-term urban pressures. Rural revitalization focused on strengthening the local economy by supporting agricultural value chains, promoting ecological tourism, and empowering community-led initiatives, with a strong emphasis on reversing rural outmigration and preserving cultural identity.

Also, managed development involved a critical assessment of industrial and infrastructural growth to ensure that rural character and environmental assets were not compromised. Lastly, integrated regional connectivity aimed to improve multi-modal transportation systems, enhancing access between villages and urban centers while encouraging mobility solutions that reduce dependency on private vehicles.

Planning Strategy & 1/100.000 Masterplan Vision

The overarching vision of the masterplan was to foster a sustainable and inclusive rural development model—one that respects the ecological sensitivities of the Ergene Basin while revitalizing underutilized rural assets. The strategy was grounded in:

• Spatial analysis of settlement patterns and land use;

• Agricultural and natural resource mapping;

• Socio-demographic and economic trend evaluation;

• Assessment of infrastructure, service accessibility, and mobility.

Based on this analysis, we developed a planning framework that prioritized compact, well-connected settlements, preservation of productive landscapes, and diversification of local economies through agro-tourism, ecological initiatives, and cooperative-based enterprises.

1/25,000 Zoning Plan Revision

At the zoning level, we proposed revisions to the 1/25,000 Master Plan that translated strategic objectives into spatial regulations. Key interventions included:

• Defining settlement boundaries to manage sprawl and preserve agricultural land;

• Identifying mixed-use rural centers that support local production and social life;

• Supporting zones for agricultural development, cooperative infrastructure, and local markets;

• Introducing eco-tourism corridors and cultural heritage conservation zones;

• Enhancing public service nodes (health, education, mobility) to improve rural quality of life.

This zoning revision emphasized the integration of land use, transportation, and environmental policy into a cohesive vision for rural resilience.