Classification of requirements in temporary shelter units used after earthquake and its effect on design

Earthquakes are natural phenomena that pose serious threats to human life and urban settlements. It is critical to provide post-earthquake shelters, which serve as a symbol of safety and new life for the displaced population following an earthquake. These shelter types, which can be classified as emergency, temporary, or permanent, not only meet the physiological needs of the earthquake victims, but also contribute to a comprehensive recovery process by meeting the psychological, social, and cultural needs of the affected population. This thesis examines the effectiveness and adequacy of post-earthquake shelters in relation to the needs of the earthquake-affected population using data from six major earthquakes that occurred within the last 25 years. To analyze within the scope of the study, earthquakes in Sichuan (2008), Haiti (2010), Kashmir (2005), Marmara (1999), Van (2011), and Kahramanmaraş (2023) were chosen. The goal of examining the shelter units used after these earthquakes is to better understand how they meet the basic human needs outlined in Maslow's hierarchy. In this context, basic criteria for the affected population's shelter needs after the earthquake were determined by reviewing resources published by elements involved in the post-earthquake response processes, such as humanitarian aid organizations, state organizations, public institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The established criteria were classified by combining them with Maslow's hierarchy of needs pyramid. With the evaluation criteria in hand, the devastating earthquakes that occurred around the world and in Turkey in the last 25 years were examined, and the extent to which the housing solutions implemented in the aftermath of these earthquakes could meet the needs of the users was thoroughly discussed. This study aims to contribute to the development of more effective and user-friendly post-earthquake shelter solutions while considering international standards and basic needs.