Integrating Multifunctionality Framework for Planning Emergency Open Public Spaces in High-Density Urban Areas: Lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose This study aims to translate residents’ and local organizations’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions into the emergency planning agenda of cities. The study underlines the multifunctionality of existing public facilities to raise urban flexibility, in particular, if there is a need to increase the open public space capacity of dense built-up urban areas in emergency conditions. Design/methodology/approach The preliminary accessibility analysis was conducted using the public schools of Bahcelievler in Istanbul Metropolitan to study whether there are ways to improve open public space deficits in high-densely urban environments. In addition, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) were mapped using Remote Sensing to identify the existence of greenery and vacant lands for future interventions. The literature review on multifunctionality was applied to propagate the formulation of the research problems and identify the potential research idea. Findings The preliminary analysis’ results have shown that by including open public space of schools into public use about 96,740 m2 of open space will be added to the Bahcelievler District. In addition, this study conceptualizes a new research idea by inviting policymakers and planners to reinvent traditionally defined multifunctionality concepts in emergency planning of public facilities. This study suggested a guideline that underlines three spatial, temporal, and regulative aspects for the resident-based emergency planning of public facilities. Social implications The multifunctionality of public facilities improves neighborhood walkability, supports mixed land uses as a critical component of achieving better places to live, and addresses the diversity of opportunities within the walking distance. Originality/value This study reinvents the multifunctionality concept and defines it in a way to boost urban flexibility in conditions of emergency.