Pre-and Post-COVID Transformations in the Built Environment: Perceived and Actual Changes

Authors : Özge Erbaş Melis, Burçin Doğmuşöz

Pages : 756-771

Doi:10.35341/afet.1616391

View : 102 | Download : 168

Publication Date : 2025-11-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the built environment, driving significant changes in housing, local economies, and urban green spaces. As cities adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic, these transformations reshaped how individuals interacted with and experienced their surroundings. This research examines both perceived and actual changes in these critical dimensions, focusing on the pre- and post-pandemic periods. It draws on survey data from 498 university students in the Balatcik neighbourhood of İzmir, Türkiye, a region notable for its close ties to student life. The research investigates how individuals perceive shifts in their immediate environment and compares these perceptions with documented urban modifications. By integrating survey insights with primary data, this research provides a comprehensive analysis of how the built environment has changed with the pandemic. The findings highlight notable changes in housing, including variations in availability, prices, and residential density, reflecting evolving needs during the pandemic. In the local economy, the emergence of new businesses and shifts in consumer behaviour revealed significant economic transformations, particularly in service-oriented sectors. Urban green spaces, valued for their physical and psychological benefits during lockdowns, displayed varied levels of perceived and actual improvements.
Keywords : Built environment, Housing dynamics, Local economy, Covid-19 pandemic, Perceived vs actual change, Urban green spaces, Post-pandemic urban resilience

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