ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Xeriscaping Feasibility as an Urban Adaptation
Method for Global Warming:
A Case Study from Turkey
Nefise Çetin1, Sibel Mansuroğlu1, Ayşe Kalaycı Önaç2
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1Akdeniz University, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Landscape Architecture
2Kastamonu University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Landscape Architecture
Submission date: 2017-05-31
Final revision date: 2017-08-20
Acceptance date: 2017-08-26
Online publication date: 2018-02-05
Publication date: 2018-03-12
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2018;27(3):1009-1018
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ABSTRACT
Green spaces are of great importance in the image of a city. But water resources are gradually
decreasing due to the increase in world population, climate change related to global warming, unconscious
consumption of water resources, and pollution. In landscaping, incorrect plant choices and the use of grass
in expansive areas may also increase pressure on limited water resources. In summer, scenes of yellow,
dry, and even dead landscaping designs are increasingly common where correct landscaping designs are
not employed. This study consists of data collected to obtain a better understanding of the study area,
Antalya/Konyaalti, regarding its natural features and xeriscape, and a cost estimate of construction and
maintenance of a proposed design project. It was prepared taking into consideration the existing landscape
design and the xeriscape principles of the pilot park. Results were compared in terms of economic and
environmental contributions. From the perspective of the literature review to date, this study is one of the
first aimed at determining the construction and maintenance costs of xeriscape practices to be conducted
on a park scale in the context of public spaces nationally and internationally. The potential benefits of
the xeriscape in Mediterranean conditions have been quantitatively and qualitatively demonstrated.
Recommendations are made for the redesign of the existing park based on xeriscaping, which could save
57.24% of the construction costs and 54.91% in annual maintenance costs. We conclude that xeriscaping
can contribute to ecology by providing water savings, reducing chemical use, and preventing soil pollution.