A comparative analysis on the differences of daily life in horizontal and vertical architecture: Izmir example

This research is shaped by the question "Is there a difference in the daily lives of people living in horizontal and vertical architecture?". In line with this question, it is aimed to compare the daily life experiences of people living in horizontal (low-rise) and vertical (high-rise) architecture and to examine the differences between these two forms of housing. Field research was conducted in four neighborhoods in Izmir, two of which are horizontal architecture (Evka 3 and Limontepe Neighborhood) and two of which are vertical architecture (Evka 4 and Mavişehir Neighborhood), with different economic levels. A mixed method was used in the research. Quantitative findings were collected through face-to-face interviews with 381 people using a questionnaire form with open and closed-ended questions. In the qualitative phase, the phenomenology design was preferred and in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 people (8 women and 8 men). In addition, the lives of residents in these neighborhoods were observed using observation techniques. The research analyzes how architectural form affects people's lives by revealing important differences in daily life between the two housing types. The research findings reveal that individuals' living spaces (horizontal or vertical architecture) affect their daily lives and how this effect varies according to factors such as demographic characteristics, family type, political, religious, and ideological views, physical and perceived psychological health, perception of crime and post-earthquake horizontal and vertical architecture preferences. It emphasizes that housing preferences affect individuals' lifestyles and social interaction patterns. The main findings of the study are how horizontal and vertical architectural preferences transform people's social relations, perceptions of security, and daily routines. As a result, it is concluded that housing choice affects and transforms the daily lives of individuals. These results contribute to a better understanding of the effects of housing choices on people's daily lives. Keywords: Urban sociology, sociology of space, horizontal architecture, vertical architecture, field research in İzmir