User satisfaction in temporary housing units: The case of Diyarbakir container city, Turkey

Abstract

The evaluation of user satisfaction in temporary housing units, particularly in the container city established in Diyarbakir following the Kahramnmaras earthquake on 6 February 2023, presents a critical area of study in post-disaster recovery efforts. The aftermath of natural disasters often necessitates the rapid deployment of temporary housing solutions such as container cities. However, there is a significant gap in the comprehensive and timely evaluation of user satisfaction in these newly established settlement, particularly in the context of the recent Kahramanmaras earthquake in Turkey. This research aims to address this knowledge gap, by assessing user satisfaction levels across various aspects of the container city in Diyarbakir, including social amenities, technical infrastructure, housing units, and sociocultural relations. By examining these factors, the study seeks to provide valuable insights for disaster management authorities, urban planners, and policymakers involved in post-disaster recovery.  The study seeks to identify specific areas of high and low satisfaction among residents, analyse the relationship between physical design elements and user satisfaction and explore the sociocultural factors influencing residents’ experiences. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the improvement of future temporary housing solutions, emphasising the importance of considering both physical and sociocultural aspects in disaster recovery planning. Through this comprehensive evaluation, the study aims to enhance the overall effectiveness and user experience of temporary housing initiatives in post-disaster scenarios.