Kent dışı bir üniversite kampüsünün dış mekânlarında ısıl konfor, kullanım ve mekân dizim analizi: Thermal comfort, behavioral mapping and space syntax analysis of outdoor spaces in a suburban campus

Purpose: The main aim of this study is to identify the physical design attributes and spatial configuration characteristics of suburban university campuses that are associated with the user performance of their outdoor spaces. The primary objectives are to demonstrate the extent to which the introverted life prevalent in suburban university campuses continue on their outdoor spaces; to evaluate how comfortable and social outdoor space users are; and to reveal the extent to which physical user-oriented attributes and spatial configuration of outdoor spaces are associated with outdoor space use.
Theory and Methods: There are three methods used in this study. First, used/under-used outdoor spaces in the campus were determined through users’ behavioral mapping in selected open spaces. Second, the extent of user comfort in outdoor was investigated through questionnaires. Third, spatial configuration of outdoor spaces was evaluated through space syntax methodology to determine the integrated and segregated spaces within the campus.
Results: Findings indicate that spatial configuration and user-oriented attributes (i.e. sitting and shading elements) work mutually in enhancing user performance of outdoor spaces in a suburban university campus. Hence, effective planning of user-oriented elements in strategically defined spaces (i.e. on integrated axes) is
required to support user activity in these open spaces.
Conclusion: Particularly in suburban university campuses it is critical to create a collective life through the strategic design of outdoor spaces. The results of the study suggest that strengths and weaknesses of university campus design can be identified and design strategies for potential improvements to their design can be developed through the comprehensive methodology applied in this study.