Abstract:

The gated community housing settlements that emerged in the 1990s in Turkey are especially preferred by high income groups. After the 1980s with the new socio-economic conditions emerging in the country, lifestyles and housing preferences have been changing. The meaning of housing and the relationship between users and their residences have changed. Today’s residential settlements not only provide a service as dwellings, they also serve social and cultural needs. They have long been seen as a status symbol. In recent years, this type of residential buildings behind the dwelling are preferred as a demonstration of status. It can be said that there are different types of ownerships and that the aim of ownership has changed. In the past, social class, status and cultural behaviors can be understood in terms of ownership of houses with the help of various symbols. Especially with regard to social movement, demonstrating status has become more of an issue. After the 80s, with the change in economic policies, new social classes have emerged, and they have had different experiences as residential users. The housing preferences of high-income groups have varied throughout history. Today, high income groups generally live in residences and they cannot be classified in terms of their socio-cultural characteristics. They are from different cities, with different professions and they have different cultural behaviors. This study focused on residential buildings as a current housing type and a gated residence building in İstanbul and its users’ spatial experiences are examined. Surveys and in-depth interviews were undertaken with the residents. Based on the results of the survey and the interviews, comments are made about the residence spaces for the future. The high income groups’ experiences are important to understand how new housing typologies are emerging and spreading. It is aimed at developing an understanding of the relationships of the users and their houses based on their experiences.

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