Grey Matters: The ?Constructed? and ?Unconstructed? Outdoor Formation For Young Adults As An Extension of the Dwelling

Abstract

Due to the dense population patterns in the urban environment, residential outdoor usage need have shifted from planned or constructed semiprivate/semipublic and open/semiopen spaces (gray matters/GM) to unconstructed outdoor spaces. This is related to demographic characteristics, daily living cultures, and the physical features of the space. This study aims to explore educated young adults' perception, usage, and social interaction patterns for Grey Matters formations. The methodology is conducted reflecting the first 3 steps of a planned 6-step research project. Quantitative and qualitative data obtained through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with 49 young adults were analyzed. The study shows that the young adults need the outdoors at least for taking take a breath. Nevertheless, the grey matters are not always the architectural text book examples. They are sometimes generated by coincidence but perceived to be the most prominent ones or the contrary. Young adults, aged between 23 and 37 with higher education degrees, specifically those living on the metro line routes on the Istanbul European side, are focus. In the dense urban area, young adults prefer to use some particular residential spots as if they were their own backyard, lawn, or porch. They read, study, exercise, interact, conduct meetings, drink coffee/ tea, and smoke. They develop an ownership despite the spaces being no man's lands regarding the urban definitions.