Transforming an Urban Void into an Ecological Public Space: Landscape Design and Implementation of Ardahan Nation’s Garden (Türkiye)

This study presents a post-design evaluation of the Ardahan Nation’s Garden (Türkiye), examining how the transformation of an underused urban void into a multifunctional ecological public space performs in terms of ecological, aesthetic, and social outcomes. The methodological framework integrates spatial analyses, ecological performance assessment, aesthetic quality evaluation, and user-oriented observations, conducted after the project’s completion. Data were obtained from site surveys, vegetation inventories, GIS-based land-use measurements, drainage and permeability analyses, and on-site behavioral mapping. The evaluation follows the Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) Evaluation Framework and the Landscape Aesthetic Quality Index, enabling a systematic assessment of the design’s ecological functionality and visual coherence. Findings indicate that the project increased green area coverage to 61.5%, implemented over 40,500 plantings dominated by native cold-climate species, and restored natural hydrological processes through bio-swales and permeable surfaces. Ecologically, these interventions enhanced carbon sequestration potential, biodiversity continuity, and microclimate regulation. Aesthetic analysis shows improved visual legibility through topography-sensitive spatial organization, natural materials, and seasonal vegetation dynamics. Socially, the site demonstrates increased public use, accessibility, and place attachment, functioning as a socio-ecological system that supports community well-being. Overall, the study provides empirical evidence that small-scale NbS applications in severe climatic regions can generate measurable environmental, aesthetic, and social benefits, offering a transferable model for sustainable urban design practices.