An Analysis of Physical and Psychological Expectations of Earthquake Victims from Temporary Shelters: A Design Proposal

This study analyzes physical and psychological expectations of earthquake victims from temporary shelters and presents a design proposal. Interviews were conducted with earthquake victims in the city of Kocaeli in Turkey, and needs were identified. Also, user survey results from previous studies that have been conducted after the August 17th earthquake in 1999 were used to establish the design requirements for a temporary housing unit. While lack of space and issues of crowding, noise, and hygiene were mentioned as the most important problems in temporary earthquake shelters, suggestions to improve them included consideration of psychology and privacy needs of victims. The need for a “home” and not just a shelter has been identified and design guidelines have been examined.