Toward a Sustainable Urban Morphology: A Critical Examination of Atakum City Centre

Urban areas are shaped by physical, social, cultural, and economic dynamics, requiring sustainable planning approaches that balance liveability, accessibility, and cultural continuity. This study examines Atakum, a rapidly urbanised district in Samsun, Turkey, which has evolved from a coastal resort into one of the densest urban areas in the Black Sea region. Focusing on the Türkiş region, Atakum’s earliest intensively developed residential area, this study evaluates urban morphological sustainability through typo-morphological analysis within the framework of New Urbanism. The methodology integrates a literature review, spatial analysis, morphological mapping, and space syntax to assess building typologies, block structures, green space distribution, pedestrian accessibility, and transportation networks. The findings revealed imbalances in public and green space provision, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, and challenges related to density, sunlight access, and street hierarchy. Despite mixed land uses and commercial vitality, deficiencies in walkability and environmental quality contribute to fragmented urban patterns, undermining sustainability and quality of life.