Prof. Dr. S. Banu Garip, a faculty member of the Faculty of Architecture at Istanbul Technical University, led an ambitious research project in her architectural career that challenged one of the biggest problems of mass housing, which is uniformity and standardization that ignores user needs. In the TÜBİTAK 1001-supported project titled "A User-Oriented Model Research for Flexible Interior Design for Mass Housing Units", he realized his vision of creating individualized living spaces in mass-produced housing by managing both field research and innovative design modeling processes.

Within the scope of the project, a "flexible" interior model was developed so that standardized mass housing units can adapt to the changing needs and lifestyles of users. For this purpose, the data obtained from the surveys and field research conducted with the users were transformed into an expert system that works with "multi-parameter layout design". This system produced countless spatial variations through indoor modules that responded to basic activities, offering each family the opportunity to personalize their own home.

"The standardization brought about by mass production can turn people's homes, which are their most private spaces, into soulless boxes. Our aim was to give these boxes spirit and flexibility. Designing living spaces shaped by the dreams and needs of users has taken my architectural vision and understanding of social responsibility to the next level. Making the user a part of the design process through modular systems and digital interfaces has solidified my identity as a researcher in the direction of strengthening the dialogue between people and space," says Garip.

Prof. Dr. S. Banu Garip and her team, who undertook the project coordinator, not only developed a theoretical model, but also implemented an interface design that included the prototypes of the produced modules and all solution alternatives. The results obtained not only improve the quality of life of existing residences but also offer an economical and feasible model for future projects.

While ITU offers a tool that will change the big picture by bringing a human-oriented and innovative solution to the mass housing problem, it also gives our pioneering academics such as Prof. Dr. S. Banu Garip the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the scientific world and society. This project of Garip is the product of an environment in which our university transforms its vision in the field of architecture and design into social benefit.