Reanalyzing the features of the traditional Turkish houses in view of the Covid-19

Abstract

The convenience of the spatial usages of the current urban houses is questioned during the COVID-19 (SARS Cov-2) pandemic conditions and especially lockdowns. In this paper, the characteristics of the traditional Turkish house will be reconsidered in the light of the behaviors and needs that arise during the pandemic. In this context, both physical space conditions and cultural habits will be mentioned. Primarily, it is aimed to focus on concepts such as working from home (home-office), feeling of spatial confinement, isolation, longing for nature, introverted lifestyle, stockpiling, providing hygiene and distance socialization. Spatial richness, divisions, sections, extensions, open and semi-open spaces in the Turkish house, as well as the strong relationship with nature will be explained in the focus of the solutions they offer to the current needs. They are supported with authentic examples from both rural and urban areas. Considering that the epidemics and pandemics generally cause changes in architecture, the features of systems that have been used for years that can adapt to new needs have been reintroduced. Thus, a contribution to the architectural discussions on the post pandemic housing is expected within the outcomes of this work.