Abstract
This research studies the spatial preferences and place attachment levels of the newcomers compared to the existing users by means of visual perception and adaptation in the context of Istanbul’s Prince Islands. The visual and physical distance of the islands to mainland, give a chance to explore the certain images shared by inhabitants. The hypothesis assumes that the islands are gated communities where entrance is limited physically and semantically. Place attachment is analysed due to the outcomes of relations between the environmental preference, physical structure, social adaptation and social interaction in various levels of perception, cognition and residency periods. Proximity, accessibility, topography, size and limits are parameters considered for the analyses of physical structure. Existing, or newcomer, the individuals symbolically interact more with the island than the city. With the help of physical and visual isolation, islands strongly encourage place attachment in forms of social bonds and present welcoming environments for the newcomers. The results of the research show that living in the context of smaller, limited settlement units, facilitates the social adaptation of the occupants that, improves social relations and consequently environmental satisfaction.
