An IoT-Supported Ecological Learning Park Design Model Within the Framework of Smart and Sustainable Cities

Rapid urbanization, environmental sustainability, ecological awareness, and the integration of digital technologies into urban life have become increasingly significant issues in contemporary urban planning. Smart and environmentally friendly city approaches aim to enhance the quality of urban life through the effective use of information and communication technologies while also promoting environmental sustainability and encouraging innovative solutions for the efficient and responsible use of resources. In this context, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies provide important opportunities for monitoring and managing urban spaces and improving user experience. The aim of this study is to develop an IoT-based and mobile application–supported ecological learning park design model within the perspective of smart and environmentally friendly cities and to evaluate this model through a sample park design developed for the city of Erzincan. Within the scope of the research, sustainable landscape design principles, environmental education approaches, and smart and environmentally friendly city technologies were addressed through a holistic framework. The proposed model includes environmental data–collecting sensors, smart irrigation systems, air quality and soil moisture monitoring stations, renewable energy–supported lighting systems, digital information panels designed to raise environmental awareness among visitors, and a control unit developed for mobile application–based “environmental ambassadors.” In addition, the developed software infrastructure aims to monitor, analyze, and share the data obtained from sensors with users while enabling efficient resource management. The results of the study indicate that the proposed model presents an innovative approach that enhances environmental awareness among urban residents, supports sustainable landscape management, and contributes to smart and environmentally friendly urban applications. The IoT-supported ecological learning park design proposed for the city of Erzincan is expected to serve as a sustainable and technology-oriented urban open space model that can be implemented in other cities with similar characteristics.