Covid-19 Kri̇zi̇ Ve Kamusal Mekânda Di̇ji̇talleşme Eği̇li̇mleri̇

Abstract

We have witnessed and continue to have unprecedented restrictions on urban public space worldwide after the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 crisis. In this process, digital technologies have become increasingly visible in public spaces. In this context, the research focused on the digitalization trend created by COVID-19 in the public space. The news published in the international media on the digital transformation of the public space was compiled, and the integrative systematic approach was used as a research pattern. Related news was analyzed by thematic content analysis after the stages of reviewing, searching, and passing evidence, determining the quality of the evidence and the relevance to the research subject. The research findings confirm the assumption of the digitalization trend in public space. The areas where digitalization is most visible are governance, communication and transportation, and urban tourism. Research findings show that digital technologies have the potential to be a transformative force in the planning and design of cities and public spaces during and after the COVID-19 process. This digitalization trend also confirms the necessity of reviewing the smart cities approach.