Riva is a sea town that dates back to the Byzantine period. It is located in the Town of Beykoz, the rapidly developing district of Istanbul. Beykoz is one of the most pristine areas of Istanbul in terms of forest and water availability. However, the sustainability of these values is under threat due to the pressure of urbanization developed in the last 20 years. Riva city center is located at the point where Riva River meets the Black Sea. The population of the town is 2300. In terms of real estate, it is Istanbul’s new favorite for summer house projects. All of this pressure exacerbates the negative impacts of inadequate infrastructure and services in Riva. This project aims to develop an urban design project that will protect Riva’s natural and cultural identity while providing tourism development. The town square and its adjacent beach and waterfront areas are the specific sites for design intervention. 

Research findings show steady and slow urbanization in Riva between 1970 and 2000.  However, the last two decades have witnessed a leapfrog development at a swift pace.  Thus, the project takes a very strong stand-in promoting sustainable coastal tourism in Riva. Subsequently, the protection of sand dune areas is mandatory; the coastal front is open to the benefit of the public, and decisions on housing development and Riva City Center will be in line with the current zoning plan.  The proposed design interventions to the urban fabric include improvement of the street section as well as the aesthetics.  In the coastal tourism zone, the proposed functions include BoatingDock, squares, and urban plazas, cafes, restaurants, commercial units, tourism information offices. The subtle design of the proposed stone buildings pays homage to the traditional stone architecture of the rural landscapes of Anatolia.  The hard landscape decisions blend in the landscape by virtue of ample green cover that comprises species from the diverse local flora.