Evaluating flexibility notions in mass housing of North Cyprus through learning from her rural vernacular architecture

ABSTRACT: One of the most important considerations in housing design is flexibility that refers to the idea of accommodating change over time. This concept is covered by the recent architecture, although it was used since the past times. In fact, flexibility is one of the most significant principles of traditional dwellings. Hence, it is also observed in rural vernacular architecture of North Cyprus as well. But it seems that, unlike vernacular architecture, flexibility is not considered as an axiom in recent architecture of North Cyprus especially in “build and sell” type of housing projects, which can be regarded as the subset of mass housing. In this study, the main purpose is to evaluate notions of flexibility in recent “build and sell” type of housing projects of North Cyprus through learning from her rural vernacular architecture. To achieve this aim, first the criteria for evaluating flexibility are going to be extracted through reviewing the literature. Then, notions of flexibility in rural vernacular architecture of North Cyprus are investigated based on the criteria, which were derived from the theoretical background. After that, particular case studies from recent “build and sell” type of housing projects of North Cyprus are going to be evaluated in terms of flexibility, to indicate if they have enough potential for flexibility or not; and if the houses can be adapted to various users and their changing needs and wishes. Finally, some recommendations are proposed for improving flexibility in recent “build and sell” type of housing projects of North Cyprus through applying notions of flexibility of her vernacular architecture. The data collection method is based on observations in the forms of photographs, maps, AutoCAD drawings including; plans, sections, elevations and site plans as well as in situ observations and questionnaire surveys. In general, this study attempts to improve flexibility in recent mass housing design in North Cyprus to provide long-term and short-term flexibility of housing through learning from her vernacular architecture, in order to give different users possibility of taking control of their living environments. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………