11.4.7 Local authority collaboration regarding planning and development
Co-operation with Local Government on Planning and Development
Boğaziçi University provides academic support to urban planning and development projects in cooperation with local governments. In particular, the university contributes with its knowledge and resources on issues such as access to affordable housing, urban safety and regional development. These projects aim to improve the quality of life of local communities and contribute to the development of the city.
1. CUBE Beyoğlu - Inner City Incubation Centre
Boğaziçi University, Beyoğlu Municipality, Middle East Technical University (METU), Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Teknopark Istanbul collaborated with CUBE Beyoğlu, Turkey's first urban incubation centre. CUBE Beyoğlu, which opened its doors in April, provides investment, business network and infrastructure support to start-up companies operating in thematic areas such as digital gaming, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, simulation, mobile application and digital art. This centre, which aims to support approximately 400 start-up companies, contributes to local development and aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in one of the most central districts of Istanbul.
2. Kandilli Observatory History of Science
Boğaziçi University, in co-operation with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, restored the historic Seismograph Building dating back to the 1930s and started to exhibit the History of Observatory Science. This building, where rare artefacts related to astronomy, mathematics, geography and earth sciences are exhibited, is open to local and international visitors, contributing to both the history of science and cultural heritage. This scientific exhibition is part of the university's efforts to preserve the scientific and cultural heritage of the region in cooperation with local authorities.
3. Updating Probable Earthquake Loss Estimates for Istanbul Province
Boğaziçi University, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) and Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute) have been carrying out the Project for Updating Probable Earthquake Loss Estimates for Istanbul Province. Within the scope of this project, a comprehensive research and forecasting study has been carried out to assess the effects of a possible major earthquake on Istanbul and to develop measures. The project contributes to the development of the city's disaster management plans by analysing the vulnerability of structures, loss of life and injury estimates and infrastructure damages. The project report was prepared by Kandilli Observatory, which plays an important role in risk management and safety together with the local government. Details of the report can be found here.
These collaborations emphasise the important role of Boğaziçi University in achieving sustainable urban planning, development and disaster management goals by working in integration with local governments.
2024 Sustainability Report SDG-11 (Related Section)
Co-operation with Local Authorities on Planning and Development
The studies were carried out by the Department of Earthquake Engineering, Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute in cooperation with the Department of Earthquake Risk Management and Urban Improvement, Earthquake and Soil Investigation Directorate. In the project, earthquake hazard analyses, risk analyses of urban superstructure and infrastructure elements and earthquake risk assessment of Yenikapı and Maltepe rally areas were carried out. While urban earthquake hazard and risk analyses were handled by deterministic and probabilistic methods, various vibration measurement and modelling approaches were used in the earthquake risk assessment of rally areas, liquefaction potential and anchorage stability analyses were performed.

Click here to read the project report:
Sustainable cities and communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
