Istanbul faces an imminent earthquake risk, highlighting the urgent need for adaptable post-disaster shelter solutions. Traditional shelters are often seen as fixed products meant for short-term use, but in reality, they frequently serve communities for years. This thesis proposes a hybrid, transitional shelter system that treats shelter not as a product, but as a process—a structure that can evolve over time alongside the needs of its users. The design prioritizes flexibility, allowing shelters to transform through different post-disaster phases, from emergency to mid-term use, supporting both rapid deployment and longer-term living. By combining deployable and demountable structures, this hybrid system seeks to bridge the critical gap between temporary and permanent housing.
Fig.04 Detail Drawing of the Joint / Fig.05 Exploded Diagram of the Shelter Unit
Fig.06 Final Shelter Unit / Fig.07 Diagram of the Interior Wall Module
Fig.08 Interior of the Shelter Unit / Fig.09 Final Prototype of the Shelter Unit
This thesis presents a resilient and adaptable transitional shelter system tailored for Istanbul’s post-earthquake context. By combining deployable and demountable structures into a hybrid design, it offers flexibility for evolving user needs throughout different recovery phases. Drawing on traditional Turkish tents and modern modular construction, the shelter balances cultural relevance with innovative functionality. The design’s modularity and user-centered approach promote personalization, scalability, and community cohesion. Ultimately, this work contributes a process-driven shelter solution that supports dignity, resilience, and long-term recovery in disaster-affected urban environments.
Fig.10 First Phase of the Shelter, Barrel Vault Scissor Structure / Fig.11 Second-Third Phase of the Shelter, Geodesic Dome Clusters
