The “Yeniden Gelişen Kahramanmaraş: Afet Sonrası Kentsel Yeniden Yapılanma ve Dönüşüm Süreçleri” conference, held from April 14-16, 2025, not only discussed immediate post-disaster responses but also explored how cities can be made more resilient against future crises. The declaration, which compiles numerous academic and sectoral studies presented at the conference, once again highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
One of the prominent topics of the conference was the strategic role of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design disciplines in the disaster preparedness process. Asst. Prof. İbrahim Erol, a faculty member at Istanbul Gelişim University, gave a special emphasis to this topic in his presentation, "An Adaptive Design Approach to Crisis Architecture." Dr. Erol stated that applications like converting indoor sports facilities into vaccination centers during the pandemic serve as important models for the rapid transformation of spaces in times of disaster.
A New Mission for Interior Architects: Making Spaces Flexible
According to the final declaration, Dr. Erol's approach provides a new vision for interior architects and environmental designers. Designs are now expected to not only meet aesthetic and comfort needs but also to be rapidly transformable and multi-purpose, suitable for emergency scenarios. This approach reveals that a space, beyond its daily function, should have the flexibility to assume vital roles such as a shelter, healthcare facility, or logistics center during a potential crisis.
The final declaration of the Kahramanmaraş Conference shows that interior architecture and environmental design are no longer disciplines limited to spatial arrangements but have a key role in increasing the safety and resilience of society. This declaration serves as proof of the vital importance of innovative design approaches for pre-disaster preparedness processes.
We congratulate Asst. Prof. İbrahim Erol and wish him continued success...
