Plan organization in XX. Century housing architecture in North Cyprus

Abstract

The concept of housing in Cyprus was shaped with the effects of life cultures of different civilizations throughout the history of Cyprus, and plan organization underwent changes by those effects. Housing plans, shaped with the effects of various cultures in the XX. Century in North Cyprus, shows variances. The plan typology of the first quarter of the century still carried the effects of the XIX. Century Ottoman Period, and Inner Hall Plan scheme, bearing characteristics of Traditional Turkish Houses, was widely used. During the second quarter of the century, between 1925 and 1950, the Inner Hall Plan scheme of the previous period underwent changes. Besides rooms opening to the hall, a plan scheme appeared in which rooms were connected to the hall with corridors. 1950-1975 became a period in Cyprus, in which houses were designed by architects. During this period, the use of reinforced concrete carcass enabled more organic solutions in plan organizations. Thus, instead of traditional plan schemes, personal house plans were designed to suit the needs of users. The last quarter of the century was a period of economic hardships in North Cyprus. Therefore, economic housing construction became the norm, with standard plan schemes, rather than personal designs.