Interior sliding walls, exterior elevator

Coronavirus, which affects life in many issues from social life to work arrangements, and earthquakes that have occurred in a row in recent years have changed the expectations in housing design. 3 academics from Department of Architecture, Izmir University of Economics (IUE) explained the new trends that may occur in the next 20 years with the changing living conditions and made suggestions on urban planning. IUE architects stated that a sliding (rail) wall system that will allow the creation of different sections in the house would be popular, taking elevators outside of the building would be possible, houses with large balconies would be in demand again and the concept of "shared office" could develop further.

Assoc. Prof. Burkay Pasin, Lecturers Michael Edward Young and Şeref Alpago from IUE Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Architecture said that the importance of living spaces with the pandemic and the earthquake is understood once again.

DESIGN COMMISSIONS CAN BE ESTABLISHED

Stating that the urban change should be handled in a holistic manner, Assoc. Prof. Pasin said, “The pandemic, which is a global problem, had local repercussions. Earthquake was added to this. It is inevitable that new style cities will emerge in the coming period. A holistic perspective should be created for a healthy process. It is not enough to build just spectacular or solid structures. When we look at it holistically; functionality, aesthetics and durability should come together. Recently, in many countries, scenarios that will increase the safety of life in the event of an earthquake, and even the creation of safe sections in the building in case of destruction, are being discussed. For example, even where or how the walls in a building could be destroyed in case of destruction is a matter of planning. All these can bring about architectural change. It was once again seen that many buildings in Izmir need to be renovated after the earthquake. Local governments can establish "Design Commissions" based on common mind. Universities, like many institutions, can participate in this process.”

INTEREST IN THE SHARED OFFICE MAY INCREASE

Stating that many people are used to working from home and spend almost the entire day at home, Michael Edward Young said, “We have clearly seen the importance of architectural design in human life during the pandemic period. Offices have now moved to homes. Many people have discovered that there is no need for an office. The concept of coworking (shared office) has started to attract a lot of attention in the United States of America (USA). A shared office space is rented in this system. People share a secretary. You can come to the office and hold meetings whenever you want, or you can work alone. The 'shared office' concept may develop further in Turkey in the coming period. In addition, according to United Nations data, 85.7 percent of the population in Turkey will live in cities in 2050. This rate is currently around 76 percent. Increasing of the urbanization rate is an issue that must be dwelled on. This table shows that action must be taken now for a healthy urbanization.”

SHARED TERRACE PERIOD

Drawing attention to the difficulties experienced during the time spent at home, Lecturer Şeref Alpago said, “When you go to a hotel, you see a large ballroom. However, doors can be put in between, and separate sections can be formed in the existing area. It is not impossible to install this system at home. If you create a suitable design, it is possible to make sliding (rail) walls at home. Considering that 3-4 people have to work at home at the same time during the pandemic period, access the internet and work out loud (lesson or work), this can be very useful. Undoubtedly, hygiene is one of the most important issues. The elevators are a little dangerous in this respect. I think elevators can also be built outside the building. The steel elevators built outside the apartment building can be both easy to let the air in and useful. Another issue is the increasing need for open space. For example, private terraces for 3-4 flats can also be used in newly built buildings. In addition to going out to the balcony, people can have a more enjoyable time and socialize by using the shared terraces. Such innovations may enter our lives in the upcoming period.”