Living through dual crises: Rethinking urban resilience from lived experiences

In recent years, cities have faced increasing pressure from overlapping disasters, exposing critical weaknesses in existing spatial, institutional, and social systems. Numerous decisions made throughout the history of cities are considered in the context of reinforcing the cohesion and adaptability of institutions and communities. Resilient cities adapt to environmental, economic, and social dynamics, demonstrating their ability to withstand pressures and evolve to fulfill various roles over time. Although many crises offer valuable lessons for enhancing urban resilience, this study focuses on how the concurrence of multiple crises alters spatial configurations and usage dynamics within urban environments. The study explores how cities respond and adapt to dual crises, focusing on the intersection of seismic events and pandemic conditions. Using a qualitative, phenomenological research design, the study analyzes official disaster regulations, emergency response plans, media documentation, and in-depth interviews with individuals who experienced both an earthquake and a pandemic simultaneously. The research centers on spatial transformations and shifting urban needs in the aftermath of the October 2020 earthquake, while also reflecting on the broader implications of the February 2023 disaster. Findings highlight the complex, layered nature of urban vulnerability under concurrent crises, emphasizing the need for integrated planning approaches, adaptable public spaces, and cross-sectoral coordination. This paper contributes to the ongoing rethinking of urban resilience strategies by offering grounded insights into the lived realities of navigating dual crises.