IN-PERSON Barcelona Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

This paper examines the current state of temporary housing settlements established to meet the urgent shelter needs of families who survived the 2023 Maraş earthquake.Globally, a house is more than just a shelter—it is the most private space in an individual’s life. It is stated that in evaluating the temporary/permanent nature of houses, the meaning and function of the house should be considered (Öymen&Pulat Gökmen,2003). The rapid establishment of these structures after a disaster,their ability to provide shelter to those who lost their homes, and their compatibility with the economic,sustainable,and long-term planning of settlements or cities are of critical importance. However,nearly two years after the earthquake,some families are still living in these homes. This situation necessitates discussions on not only the concepts of temporary or permanent housing but also the social and spatial resilience of these settlements. From a resilience perspective, it is emphasized that temporary housing areas should possess qualities such as robustness, modularity and flexibility, resourcefulness, integration, inclusivity, reflectiveness, redundancy, strong communication, and efficient management (Fayazi&Lizarralde,2013;ARUP,2014; Tüysüz,2024). A case study method was used in the city of Hatay, involving semi-structured interviews with residents, government officials, and NGOs. Observations were made on-site, and findings were documented through photographs and drawings. It was observed that large impoverished families often prefer to live in these temporary houses due to economic and security reasons,despite unfavorable living conditions. This highlights the significance of the quality of temporary housing and raises the question of whether these shelters can contribute to creating resilient cities. To ensure resilient housing,the capacity and effectiveness of post-disaster temporary housing systems should be prioritized,and the quality of life for users should be improved.