What is Shelter

This chapter mainly focuses on the influences of material as an input within different stages of design and production in the context of different dimensions that define the relations between user and environment. Properties of the material require discussion on different issues from the urban scale to the interior in a wide perspective such as the dialogue established by the interior and the urban space, psychological and social factors, sensation, temporality, mobility, portability, flexibility, sustainability, strength, durability, and economy. In this context, the topic is discussed through examples of the studies and experiences of the Interior Architectural Design Studio. Within the studio, sheltering alternatives for the homeless have been designed in Istanbul. The main intention is to discuss and question the possibilities of enabling the homeless to be socially integrated into the city and to provide them practical sheltering with using a single material. The limitations of the material increased the challenge while resulting in varied alternatives.