Changes in bathroom spaces of traditional houses according to user needs: A case study of Akçaabat, Ortamahalle

Traditional houses are valuable cultural heritage due to their historical significance and role in preserving cultural continuity. However, their designs adapted to past needs and lifestyles often fail to meet modern requirements, leading to obsolescence or damage due to inadequate modifications. The aim of this study is to identify the interventions and modifications made to the bathroom/toilet spaces of traditional houses in the Ortamahalle settlement of Akçaabat in line with changing lifestyles and user requirements, and to develop recommendations for meeting these needs without damaging the original characteristics of the houses. In the first phase of the study, a literature review was conducted to establish the theoretical framework. In the second phase, project reports and documentation of the houses in the field were obtained, and on-site assessments and semi-structured interviews were carried out. The third phase involved presenting the data collected from on-site assessments and interviews with house users. This phase included analyses of the intervention/modifications in the identity cards and floor plans of the houses. In the fourth phase, the results of the study were presented, and recommendations were made based on the information obtained from all analyses and examinations, in accordance with the principles of Cultural Heritage Preservation.