Post-Disaster Recovery &ʻTemporaryʼ Living

Abstract: This thesis examines the integration of post-disaster recovery into urban renewal to foster a more sustainable district. The complex and multidimensional nature of post-disaster recovery necessitates a comprehensive understanding of various disciplines. Instead of focusing solely on physical reconstruction, this research seeks to enhance temporary living conditions by considering the entirety of the recovery process, analyzing both short and long-term impacts, and developing comprehensive strategies that extend beyond shelter and housing. By broadening the scope to include values such as tradition and comfort while critically evaluating the notion of temporary this study aims to provide a holistic approach to temporary living. A key focus of this thesis is the pressing need for strategic site selection and temporary housing in the aftermath of earthquakes in Türkiye. By re-evaluating the post-disaster recovery process and exploring the relationship between disaster recovery and urban design, the design proposal concentrates on integrating post-disaster living scenarios at the early stages of urban design in order to assess their feasibility. Emphasizing the potential of strategic site selection and district-scale development, this approach aligns with post-disaster scenarios while enhancing the everyday urban life of the selected area. Furthermore, this thesis project encompasses design interventions at various scales, with a specific emphasis on a proposal aimed at improving collective living culture through sustainable urban design strategies. By creating social spaces for survivors not only within the temporary housing area but also in the surrounding vicinity, the design proposal facilitates psychosocial recovery and encourages survivors to reintegrate into an active urban life. In summary, this thesis contributes to the field by advocating for the strategic inclusion of post-disaster recovery in urban renewal, underscoring the importance of strategic site selection, and proposing sustainable urban design strategies that enhance overall recovery and the well-being of affected communities. By addressing the challenges of post-disaster recovery comprehensively, this research aims to provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for creating more sustainable and resilient regions.