Sustainable architecture in disaster area reconstruction projects

This master's thesis explores the integration of sustainable architectural principles into post-disaster reconstruction processes in Turkey, a country frequently affected by destructive earthquakes due to its complex tectonic structure. Natural disasters not only cause physical destruction but also pose significant threats to social cohesion, economic stability, and environmental balance. The earthquakes that struck the Kahramanmaraş region on February 6, 2023, once again exposed the vulnerability of Turkey's building stock and the inadequacy of its reconstruction practices, which are often characterized by rapid, cost-driven, and standardized housing solutions. This study argues that post-disaster reconstruction must go beyond emergency responses and incorporate a long-term, holistic perspective guided by the principles of sustainable architecture. The primary objective of the study is to critically examine the role and applicability, of sustainability in post-disaster housing development in Turkey and to propose an alternative, sustainability-centered reconstruction model. The research begins by defining the conceptual framework of sustainable architecture, with a particular focus on environmental sensitivity, energy efficiency, use of local and natural materials, climate-responsive design, social inclusiveness, and economic resilience. The study then assesses Turkey's post-disaster housing policies through a historical and structural lens, using the permanent housing projects implemented by TOKİ (Housing Development Administration of Turkey) after the 2023 earthquakes as the core case study. As a result of the detailed analysis of these projects, it has been determined that the principles of sustainable architecture were less prominently applied in practice; particularly, user needs, local geographical and cultural characteristics, and climatic conditions were not adequately taken into consideration.In addition to evaluating national practices, the study conducts a comparative analysis with international best practices, particularly from countries such as Japan, New Zealand, and Indonesia—nations that have successfully integrated sustainability into their post-disaster reconstruction frameworks. These comparisons offer valuable insights and adaptable strategies for the Turkish context. Methodologically, the study employs qualitative research techniques including systematic literature review, document analysis, comparative case study, and SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) analysis. These approaches help to assess how sustainability can be more effectively integrated into existing reconstruction frameworks and highlight the importance of political will, institutional coordination, stakeholder participation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving sustainable outcomes. This thesis contributes to the academic literature by addressing a relatively underexplored intersection between disaster recovery and sustainable architecture. Furthermore, it offers practical guidance to policymakers, local governments, architects, urban planners, and disaster management professionals. Ultimately, the research advocates for a shift in Turkey's reconstruction paradigm—from merely restoring physical shelter to creating socially resilient, environmentally responsive, and culturally integrated built environments that enhance the overall quality of life for disaster-affected communities.