In the bustling heart of Trabzon’s Ortahisar district, a quiet revolution is underway, not in the streets or markets, but in the way parking is managed. Ecenur Sarıca Karakulak, a researcher from Pamukkale University, has challenged conventional wisdom in parking management, proposing a new paradigm that could reshape urban planning and have significant commercial impacts on the energy sector.
Traditionally, parking management strategies have been dictated by quantitative models—calculating parking capacities, usage rates, and projecting future needs. However, Karakulak’s research, published in the Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning (translated as “Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning”), suggests that these methods may be missing a crucial element: the people.
Karakulak’s study integrates quantitative assessment models with qualitative inputs from experts and users, creating a more holistic approach to parking management. By observing on-site parking behaviors and incorporating user opinions, she aims to bridge the gap between supply and demand, a persistent issue in urban planning.
“The conventional approaches are insufficient,” Karakulak asserts. “They fail to adapt to user profiles and parking usage patterns, leading to inefficiencies and increased demand for energy-intensive solutions.”
To test her hypothesis, Karakulak compared traditional parking strategies with those selected through the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, which incorporates user opinions. The results were compelling. By understanding and responding to user needs, parking management strategies can be optimized, reducing the imbalance between parking spaces and demand.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? Efficient parking management can lead to reduced traffic congestion, lower emissions, and decreased energy consumption. As cities grow and parking demands increase, these strategies could significantly impact energy usage and costs.
Moreover, this research could influence future developments in smart cities and transportation planning. By prioritizing user needs and behaviors, urban planners can create more sustainable and resilient environments. As Karakulak notes, “This is not just about parking. It’s about creating cities that work better for everyone.”
In the end, Karakulak’s work serves as a reminder that effective urban planning is not just about numbers and projections. It’s about people—understanding their needs, behaviors, and opinions. As cities continue to evolve, this people-centered approach could be the key to sustainable and efficient urban development.