PERCEPTION OF SEMI-PRIVATE/SEMI-PUBLIC, OPEN/SEMI-OPENSPACES IN THE CENTRAL CITY HOUSING AREAS: USAGE ANDSOCIAL INTERACTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Perception of open/semi-open, semi-private/semi-public spaces in the housing areas (described
as ‘grey matters’ by the authors) have shifted from being only common areas to social interaction
venues. Diversity in demographic patterns and daily living culture amongst educated individuals
of 23-37 ages reflect such changes. This paper displays the results of the first three steps out of 6
that explore the problem through preliminary observation, quantitative data and accompanying
qualitative data. The first step refers to field notes, photographic documents. The questionnaires,
in step 2 and semi-open in-depth interviews conducted with the same 49 participants, step 3. The
methodology bases on grounded theory by which the inquiry is extended through the data. In- depth interviews accompanied by the surveys are the core tactic, since generic surveys would
neglect the unique grey matters typologies. Smaller number of surveys is superposed with the
qualitative findings. The early findings reflect the demographic issues as marital status, sub-age
groups, having children and daily living culture indicators as background, work-patterns in
relation to urban characteristics, dwelling type and grey matters’ features. The central axe of
Istanbul is focused via underground lines, due to the literature on young adults’ locational
preferences. The study puts forward a rather new research area in the housing studies, because
the young residents’ housing intensities are examined through social interaction in the vicinity of
their dwellings. Perception, usage and supportive role in social interaction in the grey matters are
thus explored.