Challenges and Experiences of Night Shift Workers in Kyrenia Cyprus
Keywords:
Kyrenia, night shift workers, urban design, social sustainabilityAbstract
The modern urban environment of Kyrenia, a fast-growing coastal city in Northern Cyprus, provides a promising prism through which to discuss the interplay between architecture, society, and lived human experience. This study traces the complex issues of working a night shift in the city of Kyrenia, which has been left behind in urban and architectural debates. The research is based on qualitative interviews, exploring the impact that urban design, lighting, public transportation, and social infrastructure have on the realities, well-being, and safety of people who work nocturnal shifts in the service and hospitality industries.
It has also been disclosed that, as the vibrant tourism economy of Kyrenia supports many night-time occupations, the city's built environment is mainly daytime activity-based. Poor illumination in pedestrian areas, inaccessibility to late-night transport services, and inaccessibility to rest areas will increase workers' fatigue, social isolation, and perceived insecurity.
The review points out the necessity of approaches to urban and architectural design which are more inclusive of the night-time life of the urban environment. Combining the ideas of the 24-hour city planning, better lighting design, and community safety infrastructure has the potential to support economic stability and human health. This study proposes a more reaching, evidence-based design model that can help to advance equitable access to the urban spaces by all members of society at all times of the day by framing the lived experiences of the Kyrenia night shift workers within the larger discourse of city, architecture, and society.
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Data Availability Statement
The data supporting the findings of this study are included within the article. No additional datasets were generated or analyzed.
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