Art, Design, and Architecture

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Open Access
Achieving inclusion in public spaces: A shopping mall case study
(Springer, London, 2012) Afacan, Yasemin
Open Access
Analysing the effects of critique techniques on the success of Interior Architecture Students
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2018) Günday-Gül, Ç. G.; Afacan, Yasemin
In architectural design education, the most significant part in the curriculum is the design studio, where students learn how to design. Critique has a crucial role in the design studio, and in determining the best and most beneficial critique type for the architectural design education process. Student attitudes toward critiques and student satisfaction level with each critique technique are also significant. To that end, this article explores design studio learning by reviewing the design learning process and types of design critiques. Focusing on three critique techniques used in design education (desk critiques, pin-up critiques and group critiques), the article analyses correlations between student attitudes toward each technique and its contribution to the design process. Research was conducted with 84 third-year interior architecture students from the 2014-15 Fall semester at a university. No statistically significant differences were found between group and pin-up critiques in terms of students’ preferences and their final performance scores; however, there was a statistically significant relationship between student preferences toward desk critiques and student success. Furthermore, the contribution of a critique technique to the design process was found to be highly correlated with student preference for this technique.
Open Access
Analyzing occupants' control over lighting systems in office settings using immersive virtual environments
(Elsevier BV, 2021-06) Mahmoudzadeh, Parisa; Afacan, Yasemin; Adi, Muhamad Nadim
Research has identified occupant behavior as one of the key contributors to building energy performance gap. Thus, this study systematically analyzed the impact of having personal control over lighting system on occupants' lighting choices, lighting satisfaction, and task performance in a virtual office setting. For this purpose, 30 participants took part in a 3-phased experiment with immersive virtual environments (IVEs). Each phase of the experiment offered a different degree of control over the lighting. Personality traits were also studied in relation to lighting choices. Finally, a technology acceptance model (TAM) was employed to further investigate the participants’ attitude towards the virtual reality (VR) technology. The findings of this study showed that using an interactive lighting system, which was as satisfactory compared to a conventional lighting system, encouraged the participants to use more natural light. The interactive lighting system imposed the same amount of cognitive load on the participants for performing a reading task as a conventional lighting system, which was significantly lower than their cognitive load scores for performing the task with automated lighting system. Personality analyses demonstrated that the participants with a high score on openness had a wide range of lighting choices either with conventional or with interactive lighting. This study's results differed from the previous studies by highlighting that the participants considered VR as a better fit to an enjoyable experience rather than a useful tool for performing serious tasks.
Open Access
Approaching environmental human thermophysiological thresholds for the case of Ankara, Turkey
(Springer, 2020-10-27) Santos Nouri, Andre; Afacan, Yasemin; Çalışkan, O.; Tzu-Ping, L.; Matzarakis, A.
The disclosed study undertook a ‘human centred-approach’ that ascertained and categorised environmental human thermophysiological risk factors by relating them to the human biometeorological system through the use of three widely utilised energy balance model (EBM) indices, the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET), the modified PET, and the universal thermal climate index (UTCI). The disclosed assessment was carried out over the past decade (i.e., 2010–2019) with a 3-h temporal resolution for the case of Ankara through two WMO meteorological stations to compare both local urban and peri-urban environmental conditions. The study recognised extreme annual variability of human physiological stress (PS) during the different seasons as a result of the biometeorological processing of the singular variables, which in the case of average PET for both stations, varied by up to 75 °C between the winter and summer for the same annual dataset (2012). In addition, all EBMs indicated higher heat stress within the city centre that were conducive of both urban extreme heatwaves and very hot days during the summer months, with extreme heat stress levels lasting for longer than a week with PET values reaching a maximum of 48 °C. Similar cold extremes were found for the winter months, with PET values reaching − 30 °C, and average PS levels varying lower in the case of the peri-urban station.
Open Access
Assessing creativity in design education: Analysis of creativity factors in the first-year design studio
(Elsevier, 2012-05) Demirkan, H.; Afacan, Yasemin
The aim of this study is to explore creativity in design education and identify the creativity assessment indicators in the first-year design studio. A measurement tool of 41 items that consists of the artifact creativity, design elements and assembly of design elements were utilised for the assessment of 210 artifacts. Results oldie exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis indicated three main design creativity factors. The primary factor consists of the novelty and affective characteristics of artifact that are associated with its shape. The second factor has the elaboration characteristics that are integrated with its geometric and figure-ground relations and harmony of design elements. The third factor consists of rhythm, repetition, unity, order and number of design elements. (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Open Access
Clustering-based agent system (CAS) to simulate the energy-related behaviours of office occupants
(Taylor & Francis, 2024-11-26) Çağlayan, İrem; Afacan, Yasemin
Rapid urbanization and building sector growth emphasize the critical role of energy conservation in addressing global energy consumption and greenhouse emissions. Despite advancements in energy-efficient technologies, an ‘energy performance gap’ exists between predicted and actual energy use, significantly influenced by occupant behaviour. This study explores energy-related behaviour in office buildings by integrating existing behavioural theories including the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Self-determination Theory, and construct of habit and comfort. Data from an online survey were analyzed using principal component analysis, two-step cluster analysis, and descriptive statistics, identifying three behavioral clusters: ‘Cautious Saver’, ‘Compelling Dissatisfied’, and ‘Coherent Potent’. These clusters represent distinct energy-related behaviours. A Clustering-based Agent System (CAS) was then proposed to simulate the energy-related behaviours of these clusters, offering a dynamic and adaptive modelling framework. The study advocates for a comprehensive approach, integrating behavioural theories to provide insights for developing accurate occupant behaviour models.
Open Access
Designing for an ageing population: Residential preferences of the turkish older people to age in place
(Springer-Verlag London Ltd, 2008) Afacan, Yasemin
Open Access
Detection and quantification of seasonal human heat and cold stress frequencies in representative existing and future urban canyons: the case of Ankara
(Springer Wien, 2023-05-27) Nouri, Andre Santos; Charalampopoulos, I.; Afacan, Yasemin; Matzarakis, A.
Based upon a ‘human-centred approach’, combinations of existing and new methodologies were applied to determine how Ankara’s morphological characteristics influenced the magnitude/frequency of Cold Stress (CS) and Heat Stress (HS) to detect/quantify seasonal and yearly human thermal stress frequency. To quantify these conditions upon the human biometeorological system, the Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) was utilised by processing climatic variables from Ankara’s Meteorological Station (AMS). In situ assessments of human thermophysiological thresholds were undertaken within characteristic existing/future Urban Canyon Cases (UCCs), with a further stipulation of three interior Reference Points (RPs). Indoor PET values were moreover calculated within a stereotypical vulnerable residential dwelling. Seasonal frequencies revealed that winter PET values frequently ranged between 0.0 and − 19.9 °C, with corresponding summer values frequently ranging between 35.1 and 46.0 °C. Accounting for Ankara’s urban morphology, yearly frequency of No Thermal Stress remained at ~ 48%, CS remained at ~ 26%, and HS ~ 28%. HS varied the most between the eight evaluated Aspect Ratios (ARs). It reduced by up to 7.1% (114 min) within the Centre (RP$_{C}$) area of UCCs with an orientation of 90°. Out of twelve orientations, the highest HS frequency took place between 105 and 135°. Including in UCC$_{3.50}$, the frequency of HS almost always remained above 72% (2592 min).
Open Access
Developing a motivation-driven framework to understand energy-related occupant behavior in office buildings
(Springer, 2024-03-07) Çağlayan, İrem; Afacan, Yasemin; Aydıngün, Gülçin; Littlewood, John R.; Jain, Lakhmi; Howlett, Robert J.
Previous studies have shown a remarkable energy performance gap between the predicted and actual building energy consumption in simulation tools (up to 300 percent). The understanding of occupant behavior has mostly been limited, and its role in building energy performance remained uncertain, confusing, and unpredictable. The uncertainty of occupant behavior has led to various data-driven behavioral models and tools to present the stochasticity and complexity of human-building interactions. This study aims to propose a motivation-driven framework built upon existing theoretical approaches by synthesizing (a) social psychology theories, including the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the self-determination theory (SDT), (b) building physics, and (c) perceived indoor environmental quality to enable socio-technical knowledge exchange and co-learning. Based on the survey of 242 full-time employees, this study found that psycho-social and motivational constructs were not statistically different among different office layouts and sizes. Perceived comfort (p = 0.027), energy-saving behavioral intention (p = 0.015), and energy-saving behavior (p = 0.043) were found to be statistically significant among different office sizes. Lastly, perceived comfort was found to be statistically related to energy-saving behavioral intention (p < 0.005) and energy-saving behavior (p < 0.001).
Open Access
Effects of biophilic design on sustainable behaviors: introducing the use of serious game as a measure of sustainable behavior
(Emerald, 2024-09-11) Özgen Turan, Dilay Seda; Afacan, Yasemin; Sürer, Elif
###### **Purpose** This study explores the impact of biophilic design in built environments on sustainable behaviors through the innovative use of a serious game. By examining how exposure to biophilic elements influences behaviors in real and virtual settings, the research aims to demonstrate the potential of serious games as tools for promoting sustainability. ###### **Design/methodology/approach** The study was conducted in three distinct experimental settings: (1) a real environment pre-game, (2) a non-immersive game environment within the same real setting, and (3) an immersive game environment post-game. Data were collected from 162 participants who experienced these different conditions. The serious game “Pop a Coffee Corner” was developed based on biophilic design principles and used to assess behavioral changes. ###### **Findings** Results indicated that exposure to biophilic design elements in real settings significantly enhanced sustainable behaviors compared to non-biophilic environments. Additionally, playing the serious game in a biophilic environment led to even greater improvements in sustainable behavior than exposure to biophilic design alone. This demonstrates the effectiveness of serious games in fostering sustainable actions. ###### **Research limitations/implications** The study’s findings are based on a specific university setting, which may limit generalizability. Future research could explore long-term impacts and applications in diverse contexts. ###### **Practical implications** The research provides practical guidelines for incorporating biophilic design in built environments, and developing serious games can be a practical strategy for architects, urban planners, and educators to promote sustainable behaviors among individuals. This approach can be applied in educational settings, public spaces, and workplaces to foster a deeper connection with nature and encourage environmentally responsible behaviors. ###### **Social implications** By demonstrating the effectiveness of biophilic design and serious games in promoting sustainable behaviors, this study contributes to broader societal efforts to address environmental challenges. Implementing these strategies can lead to increased environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviors, ultimately supporting sustainability goals. ###### **Originality/value** This study introduces the serious game approach as a novel method to evaluate and promote sustainable behaviors through biophilic design. It highlights the potential for integrating biophilic elements in both real and virtual environments to encourage environmentally responsible behavior, offering valuable insights to architects, designers, and policymakers.
Open Access
Effects of daylight design features on visitors’ satisfaction of museums
(SAGE Publications, 2018) Kaya, Şevkiye M.; Afacan, Yasemin
This study evaluates daylight performance in an art museum in İstanbul, Turkey to analyse the effects of daylight design features on visitors’ satisfaction in art museums. The study is based on users’ data obtained through a survey and daylight simulation achieved by Autodesk 3D’s Max 2014. A three-part questionnaire was conducted with 100 participants in overcast- and clear-sky conditions to rate visitors’ satisfaction with the museum and their importance level of daylight design issues in museums. The museum’s daylight illuminance data were measured on a scaled model by a computer simulation program. The statistical results and simulation renderings show that daylight design is a multi-parameter task. There are statistically significant correlations between visual comfort and visitor satisfaction. The study finds two essential daylight considerations for a practical guide to promote healthy and effective daylight use in museums: (i) that certain design aspects in a museum, such as location, window size and window distance from partitions or displays, are important regardless of weather conditions and that (ii) glare prevention from openings such as windows and skylights is also a crucial aspect in visual comfort.
Open Access
Elderly-friendly inclusive urban environments: learning from Ankara
(Open House International Association, 2013-03) Afacan, Yasemin
The aging population and their expectations have become a growing concern in Turkey as in other countries. This study aims to investigate interactions/relationships between the needs, demands and expectations of Turkish elderly and inclusive urban design principles. It tries to answer the research question: how the inclusive urban life could improve elderly life and contribute to achieve an active aging process. An exploratory study was conducted with a total of 100 randomly selected elderly between the ages 65-95 (45 female and 55 male) from the City Centre of Ankara. A survey instrument based on the streets for life' concept (Burton & Mitchell 2006) was developed to gather data. The participants were asked to identify how important inclusive urban design features were in understanding, using and navigating within an urban environment. The findings of the study suggest that an inclusive open environment allows elderly people to feel safer, and thus encourage more regular use of urban space. Overall the results highlight two important insights, first that accessibility is inevitable for increasing the chance of the aging population to participate in the mainstream of community life and second, plain and simple signage is necessary to achieve more liveable urban environments. The study concludes the most important physical requirements and social requirements for elderly people.
Open Access
Ergonomic wet spaces: design factors in bathrooms designed for all
(Institute of India, 2012-06) Afacan, Yasemin
Design decisions are directly related to efficient functioning of residential environments and equally responding these environments to diverse user demands. The most challenging decisions of architects and designers are the solutions that are required for non– discriminating wet spaces. In that sense, rather than having special solutions, there is a need of usable, accessible and understandable kitchens and bathrooms in Turkish society, where there is an increase in aging and disabled society. This study analysed the bathroom literature under three approaches: universal design, design for all and inclusive design. According to the analysis results, the design factors for ergonomic bathrooms encompass: circulation, storage units, WCs, basins, shower/bathtub, illumination, materials. Furthermore, the relationships among those are discussed according to diverse user groups. As a result, user needs are changing parametrically based on the diversity of disabilities, which makes an integrated approach essential rather than additional design solutions.
Embargo
Experimental assessment of impact of different ventilation modes on cognitive and academic performance: a study based on classrooms in Türkiye
(Elsevier Ltd, 2024-06-01) Afacan, Yasemin
In closed spaces, such as classrooms, poor ventilation, indoor exposure to CO2, and non-optimal humidity and temperature conditions are global concerns associated with health and performance. This study experimentally assesses the effects of different ventilation modes on the air quality parameters and cognitive and academic performances of 120 s-grade primary school children in two buildings with different characteristics during heating and non-heating seasons. Based on a retrospective analysis of 455 primary schools in Turkiye during 2017-2018, the study was conducted in six classrooms of the two representative school buildings. Indoor air quality monitoring and performance (of the students) assessment was carried out from December 9, 2019, to September 28, 2020. The non-heating season measurements were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to our findings, the traditionally constructed school without energy efficiency regulations exhibited the worse scenario. The success percentages of arithmetic attention in both traditional and natural ventilation modes were significantly lower in the nonheating season than in the heating season, which indicates the impact of using a facemask inside a classroom during cognitive tasks. This study demonstrated that the heating season is more critical than the non-heating season in terms of ventilation of closed spaces.
Open Access
Exploring the effectiveness of blended learning in interior design education
(Routledge, 2016) Afacan, Yasemin
This study explores how blended learning can contribute to interior design students’ learning outcomes, their engagement with non-studio courses and affect their learning achievements. Within the framework of the study, a blended learning experience was carried out in ‘IAED 342 Building Performance’ module at Bilkent University, Turkey. A total of 120 interior architecture students were surveyed about their experiences on five fields of instruction: (1) course design, learning material and electronic course environment; (2) interaction between students and instructor; (3) interaction with peers; (4) individual learning process; and (5) course outcomes. Frequency distributions, chi-square factor and regression analyses were calculated. Four blended learning factors were developed and their contribution to learning outcomes was analysed. The results showed that teaching both online and face-to-face can create an effective learning environment for non-studio classes, while contributing to a considerable value for the interior design education in terms of teaching process.
Open Access
Exploring the facilitators of the gerotranscendence theory: correlations among sustainable behaviors, biophilic design, and nature connectedness
(Sage Publications, Inc., 2024-10-04) Afacan, Yasemin
This study aims to shift views away from negative perceptions towards aging by exploring the following research question: How are the multiple levels of the gerotranscendence theory influenced by the sustainable behavior and attitude toward the biophilic design of older adults? Background: Improving perceptions of aging is vital for positively impacting both the biological and societal aspects of the global aging phenomenon. Methods: The study utilized a mixed-method design. Initially, 300 older Turkish adults completed self-reported measures including the Gerotranscendence Scale (GS), Pro-environmental Behavior (PB), Environmental Identity Scale (EID), Biophilic Design Importance Level (BDI), and Inclusion of Nature in the Self Scale (INS). Subsequently, the second phase involved diary logs from 30 participants who volunteered during the initial phase. Results: Results indicated that a higher importance level placed on biophilic design was linked to a greater inclusion of nature in the self. Moreover, a stronger interest in nature correlated positively with the gerotranscendence experience. Conclusions: The results bring significant attention to biophilic design, especially its relevance in supporting sustainable environmental behaviors and positive aging.
Embargo
Exploring the importance and performance priorities of older adults with a user-centred approach to create a fall-free bathroom
(Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 2024-06-19) Afacan, Yasemin; Barshan, Billur
Background Fall hazards in bathroom spaces constitute one of the most critical issues in the daily lives of older adults. Bathroom falls are somewhat different and constrained in nature than those in other parts of a home environment. Objectives This study aimed to adopt a user-centred approach to explore older adults' general bathroom needs, with a specific focus on showers and bathtubs as the designated activity area. Methods The authors employed an extended importance–performance analysis (IPA) with a mixed-method research design. Three hundred and eleven older adults participated in a face-to-face IPA questionnaire for the quantitative phase of the study. The authors gathered the qualitative data through open-ended questions from 59 older adults. Results The authors found positive correlation between older adults' attitudes towards an older-friendly bathroom and the potential for their bathrooms to be fall-free. The IPA calculations identify three key items with higher ratings in both importance and performance: The presence of appropriate artificial lighting, efficient mechanical ventilation and an accessible inside towel rail. Thematic analysis yields four themes: comfort, ease of access, error-proof design and emergency management. Conclusions The IPA calculations and thematic analysis confirm that older adults' rankings of importance and performance and their corresponding priority levels within the overarching themes indicate the need for these aspects to perform well and justify ongoing investments. The study concludes that addressing fall prevention requires not only designing specific solutions but also utilising appropriate technology in bathing and toileting activities. Implications for Practice Practitioners in geriatric and gerontological nursing, design, architecture and health care can use the importance and performance priority levels of older adults to guide the development and implementation of fall-free bathroom design. Policymakers can leverage the insights from this research to inform guidelines and regulations related to building codes, accessibility standards and healthcare policies.
Open Access
Exploring the relationship between health and walkability
(Open House International Association, 2019-03) Seles, Emre; Afacan, Yasemin
This study aimed to broaden Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) by including healthy urban performance attributes of the residential neighbourhoods as an additional predictor for walking behaviour. First, the study reviewed the literature on TPB and walkability in residential environments, and then constructed a TPB model based on walkability to set the hypotheses. The study explored the correlations among walkability attributes and walkability behaviour through a survey conducted with residents in Ankara, Turkey (n= 220). To analyse the data, first confirmatory factor analysis and later, structural equation modelling were used. The findings of the study highlighted two aspects of planning for a walkable neighbourhood: (i) a walkability model based on the three constructs of TPB should not neglect the measured and experienced urban performance; (ii) utilizing pedestrian environment for walking as fully as possible requires a collaborative and an experiential approach as well as a multi-parameter decision-making process.
Open Access
Extending the importance–performance analysis (IPA) approach to Turkish elderly people’s self-rated home accessibility
(Springer, 2019) Afacan, Yasemin
Designers are still struggling to make good and fair home designs for elderly people. Although there are a lot of studies on accessibility in homes, there are few methodologies to rate the importance of accessible home attributes, or address the relationships between the most important and most satisfactory attributes (in terms of creating a good fit between the elderly and their homes). This study suggests using the importance–performance analysis (IPA) approach to set accessibility priorities and identify the critical performance factors that determine the elderly’s satisfaction with accessible homes. A self-assessment questionnaire instrument was developed based on housing accessibility literature and conducted with 342 Turkish elderly people chosen through stratified sampling among neighborhood clusters in Ankara, Turkey. The descriptive results and factor analysis of the study are significant in that they indicate significant differences among dwelling types. There were differences in importance and performance priority levels of home accessibility factors associated with each dwelling type. Moreover, the study found that safety and ease of use are the key indicators of home accessibility. According to the results, the IPA could be an effective tool to overcome the messy character of evaluating home accessibility for the elderly. By extending the accessibility attributes with the IPA analysis, it is possible to identify specific accessibility attributes, establish highest and lower priorities for intervention and decide which attributes should be maintained and/or ignored. Thus, this study contributes to the literature on aging by being the first study to explore the applicability of the IPA technique while eliciting elderly people’s accessibility requirements for healthy aging.
Open Access
Identifying the importance level: green retrofit features in existing university science laboratories
(Springer, 2024-03-07) Aydıngün, Gülçin; Afacan, Yasemin; Çağlayan, İrem; Littlewood, John R.; Jain, Lakhmi; Howlett, Robert J.
As concerns about climate change continue to rise, sustainable practices in all sectors, including higher education, are highly considered within the scope of green retrofit. Retrofitting is the solution to decrease the adverse effects of climate change. Universities are the main public areas that hundreds of people use daily for different purposes. In terms of conducting studies for scientific purposes, science laboratories have to consume energy and produce waste due to conducting studies in energy-intensive and resource-intensive environments. Green retrofit decisions might be made to increase the sustainability of science laboratories. Findings are related to considering users’ ideas about the interiors. Users’ choices for their working environment are crucial. This study highlights the users’ preferences in selecting the importance level of green retrofit features for science laboratories. This paper provides an overview to show the selection of the essential factors for laboratory users to reduce energy consumption in science laboratories. Thirty users who used science laboratories conducted the research as a pilot study at Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey. Statistically, the users' most crucial green retrofit choice in science laboratories is helping save energy (electricity, gas, etc.) to make science laboratories more sustainable as a green retrofit approach.