Evaluation of housing preferance in the context of "Earthquake safe housing"

Security is one of the most fundamental needs in housing, following the basic requirements of shelter. Earthquakes are primary disasters that threaten housing safety and, by extension, human safety, often resulting in significant damage. One of the simplest and most effective strategies to reduce vulnerability is relocation. Disasters that lead to displacement can also influence the performance and perception of new housing. Particularly after recent earthquakes, users' expectations and quality criteria in housing preferences may undergo significant changes. In this context, this thesis aims to investigate how the phenomenon of earthquakes influences housing preferences, to identify the housing quality criteria that become prominent in the aftermath of such events, and to determine the role of safety among these criteria. For this purpose, the researcher interviewed 200 individuals in Turkey who had changed their residences. The findings indicate that participants associated earthquakes with destruction, death, fear, and helplessness. From the point of safe housing, they emphasized quality criteria such as durability, low-rise structures, and solid ground conditions. Participants most frequently conceptualized housing safety with earthquake-resistant features. Factors such as accessibility, earthquake safety, and structural attributes were found to influence housing preferences. Within the quality criteria related to earthquake safety, the structural system, building age, construction permits, and ground stability were particularly prominent. Additionally, a relationship was observed between different user groups and their housing preferences. The study concluded that both earthquake experience and the duration of residence influenced individuals' perceptions of earthquakes. Although the results suggest a general awareness of earthquake safety among participants, their knowledge regarding specific earthquake-resistant housing criteria remains insufficient. This gap can be addressed through targeted education for individuals involved in the design, construction, inspection, and usage phases of housing.