User-Initiated Interventions in Rural Mass Housing: A Typological Study in Günyurdu Village

In rural contexts, mass housing projects implemented following disasters or infrastructural developments, such as dam construction, often fail to accommodate the socio-cultural and spatial dynamics of rural life. This study examines the current status of 2006 TOKİ mass housing located in Günyurdu Village, Pazaryeri District, Bilecik, Türkiye, aiming to explore user-driven spatial interventions in response to standardized housing. Utilizing a post-occupancy evaluation framework and a mixed-methods approach, the research conducted visual analyses and observations to identify user-led modifications. Findings reveal that 42 of the 45 units underwent 204 distinct interventions, classified as: façade modifications, structural additions, exterior space alterations, roof adjustments, and spatial-functional changes. These interventions reflect residents’ efforts to align the built environment with their evolving needs, demonstrating the inadequacy of one-size-fits-all designs in rural settings. The study contributes to the discourse on sustainable rural development by offering insights into user-centered design and advocating for context-sensitive housing production strategies.