Local Cultures – Global Spaces

Abstract

In the modern multicultural world where migration lifestyle is a phenomenon and crowded cities have lots of negative affect on life, even for locals, only nature remains a mutual element that they stay attached to physically and emotionally. On the other hand, modern lifestyle changes also play an essential role in segregating humans from the natural environment. Considering the current ”construction boom” on the island of Cyprus, the increase in population has a significant influence on people’s lives. Dismissing the connection with nature and cultural entities next to the lack of comfort in modern residences might be portrayed as problem statements, creating anxiety and stress. The purpose of this study is to provide a guide to optimal biophilic design solutions for improving living conditions in North Cyprus’s newly expanding cities. The methodology of the study is qualitative and quantitative on selected case studies via interviews and surveys on occupants (local and immigrant) and author observations held with four apartments determined by several limitations, located in Famagusta, a port city historically and economically vital place in North Cyprus. In Conclusion, the expected outcome of the study is to find users’ perspectives and knowledge on biophilic design patterns and preferred features to improve their well-being and life quality.