A Spatial Design Scenario Proposal for Post-Disaster Rural Settlements
- Betül Uçkan
- 14 Eki 2023
- 6 dakikada okunur
15th 4t Design And Design History Symposium: Design, Populism And Politics, 12-14 October 2023, İstanbul, Turkey
Disasters that cause permanent spatial damage encompass various design problems, ranging from shelter needs to the fulfillment of social needs, during the post-disaster planning stages. While the immediate priority in the short term is to provide people with a safe, secure, and private space where they can be protected from environmental conditions and have their housing needs met, it is observed that in the medium and long term, there is a growing discussion about meeting social needs that support daily life practices (Clarke et al., 2010; Bozkurt, 2023). In addition to top-down planning decisions to meet these social spatial needs, alternative temporary solution proposals generated through various bottom-up participatory processes are noteworthy (Radyo 80, 2023; MediaCat, 2023). The research focuses on permanent spatial solutions that address social needs in post-disaster situations. To explore the potentials of alternatives produced through participatory processes, the study specifically emphasizes rural areas due to their smaller population and less complex problem definitions compared to urban areas.
To analyze the current situation, spatial practices designed for this purpose can be examined through the example of the February 6, 2023, Maraş earthquake in Turkey, and various examples found in the literature. For example, after the February 6, 2023, Maraş earthquake, in addition to housing and barn solutions in the village of Belpınar, Gaziantep, there has been a focus on various spatial solutions under the title of ‘village mansion’ including features such as a library, workspace, and social areas (Parlak, 2023). Furthermore, in other examples, various solutions can be seen under the title of ‘grocery store and coffeehouse’ (Tercan, 2019). These examples are important for the functional definitions of social spaces in rural settlements in Turkey. In both cases, it is observed that the structures are produced with top-down decisions and using standard construction techniques (reinforced concrete).
In global examples, Yasmeen Lari’s[1] works in the aftermath of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake in Pakistan, under the theme of ‘barefoot social architecture[2]’ is noteworthy. She has effectively and practically produced spatial practices using traditional methods, sustainable materials, and participatory processes (Figure 1) (Architectural Leagueny, 2021). Lari’s works are important in diversifying projects produced through participatory processes alongside top-down decision-making. Examples can be replicated with a wide range of typologies that vary according to different geographical and cultural contexts.
The aim of the study is to develop a scenario for a community center project designed and produced through practical and rational methods to meet social needs in rural areas after a disaster. The community center is expected to be designed and produced through participatory processes, exploring the potential of local workforce and materials. It should have the flexibility to evolve over time and adapt to increasing resources. The center should also have the potential to nourish and transform the local community where it is established. Furthermore, it is expected to be rapidly designed and produced by ICT-based technologies. The research is structured around 4 main stages according to these objectives (Figure 2):
In the first stage, a comprehensive literature review is conducted to inform the design and production of the community center. This involves examining various project examples and studying local materials and traditional construction techniques relevant to the region where the project will be implemented.
In the second stage, a design template for the community center is prepared, and the requirements for its implementation are determined.
The general design principles of the community center can be summarized as follows:
The design should be simple, practical, and easily implementable/constructible (participatory design).
It is expected that the design utilizes local materials and incorporates knowledge from traditional construction methods, making it accessible (vernacular architecture).
The design should have functional and material flexibility to adapt to the specific region where it will be established (flexible design).
The design should have the potential for incremental development and improvement throughout its lifespan (incremental design).
The design should cater to diverse groups such as women, men, and children, incorporating inclusive functions that serve the entire community (inclusive design).
As a result, the design should consider the needs and values of the target region to create social impact, offering a sustainable and transformative solution (social design, user empowerment).
To ensure that the project, designed according to the listed principles, is understandable and achievable by anyone who wants to implement it, it is necessary to elaborate on the design template and provide a step-by-step installation guide. The representation methods used by Lengen (2007) can serve as an example for creating this guide (Figure 3).
After finalizing the design decisions, it is important to list the required tools, equipment, and materials, as well as determine the budget requirements and needs (Figure 4). For example, the organization named ‘Acil Tasarım Stüdyosu[3]’ lists the requirements under various headings such as ‘necessary materials’, ‘technical and application details’, and ‘logistics decisions’ after making design decisions (XXI, 2023).
In the third stage, it involves determining the workflow for implementing the project and identifying the roles of actors who will be responsible for each step. The relationships and connections can be followed in Figure 5.
In the fourth stage, there is a model design that defines the necessary steps for implementing the project. This model is designed on an ICT-based application interface where participants can engage and take on their own tasks. The designed interface can be followed in Figure 6. At this stage, instead of creating an entirely new individual system, collaboration can be established with existing platforms[4] that have the potential to reach people for crowd funding purposes.
In summary, the above-described stages propose a scenario for the design and implementation of a community center project to meet social needs in rural areas affected by disasters. The research is conceptual and theoretical in nature, and to determine the viability of the scenario, it needs to be tested and implemented in real-life situations. Therefore, the next step would be to select a pilot area in the rural regions affected by the February 6, 2023, earthquake in Maraş and implement this scenario. Once the outputs have been tested and the project has been updated based on feedback, the model can be transformed into a self-sustaining and accessible open-source resource for everyone. Additionally, the scenario, beyond being limited to ‘community center design’, has the potential to be used for various spatial practices.
[1] Yasmeen Lari is the winner of 2023 RIBA Royal Gold Medal. [2]Barefoot architecture -especially in developing countries- is an approach that embraces sustainable design and construction principles using environmentally friendly and local resources (Lengen, 2007). [3]Acil Tasarım Stüdyosu is a team established by students, graduates, and academics from the METU Faculty of Architecture with the aim of addressing the primary needs in earthquake-prone areas (XXI, 2023).
[4] For example, communication can be established with an organization called ‘İhtiyaç Haritası’. İhtiyaç Haritası is a social cooperative that brings together those in need with individuals, institutions, and organizations willing to provide support (İhtiyaç Haritası, n.d.).
References:
Architectural Leagueny (2021). Yasmeen Lari: Barefoot Social Architecture Benefitting People and the Planet. Retrieved from: https://archleague.org/event/yasmeen-lari-current-work/
Bozkurt, C. (2023). Türkiye’de Maraş – Hatay Depremi Sonrası Yeniden Yapılanma ve Yerleşme Politikası. Arkitera. Retrieved from: https://www.arkitera.com/gorus/turkiyede-maras-hatay-depremi-sonrasi-yeniden-yapilanma-ve-yerlesme-politikasi/
Clarke, M., Fanany, I. & Kenny, S. (2010). Post-Disaster Reconstruction: Lessons from Aceh. Newyork: Earthscan.
Ebrahim, Z. (2020). Architects must lower the carbon footprint in ‘whatever they do’. The Third Pole. Retrieved from: https://www.thethirdpole.net/en/energy/yasmeen-lari-2/
İhtiyaçlar Haritası (n.d.). İhtiyaç Haritası Hakkında. İhtiyaçlar Haritası resmi web sitesi. Retrieved from: https://www.ihtiyacharitasi.org/
Lengen, J. (2007). Barefoot Architect. USA: Shelter Publications.
MediaCat (2023). Afet bölgesinde ‘Renkli Hayaller Sahnesi’ kurulacak. Retrieved from: https://mediacat.com/afet-bolgesinde-renkli-hayaller-sahnesi-kurulacak/
Parlak, M. A. (2023). Nurdağı'ndaki ilk kalıcı konutlar “akıllı köy” uygulamasıyla sahiplerine teslim edilecek. Gaziantep Pusula Gazetesi. 22 Nis 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.gazianteppusula.com/foto/14817468/nurdagindaki-ilk-kalici-konutlar-akilli-koy-uygulamasiyla-sahiplerine-teslim-edilecek?10
Radyo 80 (2023). Kahramanmaraş’taki +1 Sokağı down sendromlulara ve ailelerine sıcak yuva oldu. Youtube. [Video file]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrcYBdvFuug
Tercan, B. (2019). Kırsal Kalkınmada Bir Fırsat Olarak Afet Sonrası Planlama ve Yeniden Yerleştirme Uygulamaları: Karaköy Köyü Örneği. In A. Mengi & D. İşçioğlu (2019) Kırsal Kalkınma ve Kooperatifçilik. ISMN: 978-605-136-401-8.
XXI (2023). ODTÜ’lülerden Acil Tasarım Stüdyosu. XXI. Retrieved from: https://xxi.com.tr/i/odtululerden-acil-tasarim-studyosu
Cite: Uçkan, B. , Gün, A. (2023). A Spatial Design Scenario Proposal for Post-Disaster Rural Settlements Generated Through Participatory Processes. 15th 4t Design And Design History Symposium: Design, Populism And Politics, 12-14 October 2023, İstanbul, Turkey.