Sustainability in interior space organization of studio flats: Recommendations with examples of Northern Cyprus

Abstract

The concept of housing began with the existence of people in this world with the need for sanctuary to isolate themselves from the physical environment and from other living creatures, and starting with the most primitive, hand-made places, evolved to the present. Different life cultures and different social needs, in parallel with the process of human development, resulted in various types of housing. Of these types of housing, Studio Houses, which provide the basic living functions within minimum space–mostly in a single space, have become a much-preferred house type by individuals living alone, and by students in the present day living conditions. The aim of this study is to examine the standard type interior organizations of the studio houses constructed in large numbers for students in North Cyprus, which is a university country. The study also aims at presenting design criteria for alternative studio-type houses with different fittings and interior designs meeting the needs of students studying in different branches of universities, thus having different lifestyles. Hence, after a literature review on the concept of housing and the history of housing, interior designs of studio houses of North Cyprus were analyzed, and classification was made according to their interior designs. Interviews were carried out with university students using these studio houses, thus establishing the spatial arrangements and fittings they need and assessing them. Although there are various studies related to the interior design of studio houses, the fact that there is no scientific research towards alternative interior designs for the specific needs of a different group of university students makes this study important.