Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum revealed details regarding residential residences that will be built as part of the urban transformation program in Istanbul. For example, typical lots of the 2+1 format - with two bedrooms - will have an area of 100 square meters, and 3+1 - 120 square meters.
Murat Kurum stressed that these will be "safe structures with horizontal architecture, corresponding to the general style of Istanbul." They are also supposed to be very eco-friendly, following the trend of "zero waste".
In his statement, the minister stressed that in April, together with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, they approved the laying of the foundation of 106 thousand residential residences at once. Well, the first residential buildings built after the sad winter events in Gaziantep and Kahramanmarash were successfully commissioned a few days ago.
Stressing that the aim of the authorities is to update the risky housing stock in the amount of 1.5 million residences in Istanbul, Mr. Kurum said that two so-called reserve zones have already been selected - on the European and Asian sides of the metropolis; and half a million safe residential lots will appear on each. The remaining half a million emergency residences that can be put in order will be repaired. The same citizens who still have to leave their current home will be assisted in resettlement.
We recently told you that so far almost every third building in Istanbul is not earthquake-resistant enough.
The urban transformation program will affect not only the largest Turkish metropolis: it is in full swing in other localities, including Izmir.