Scholarly Publications - Interior Architecture and Environmental Design

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11693/115607

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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.
Embargo
Development of the Albanian translation of the perceived affective qualities in the ISO/TS 12913-2 soundscape standard
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-02-15) Fasllija, Ela; Shtrepi, Louena; Alimadhi, Enkela
The Perceived Affective Qualities (PAQs) outlined in the ISO/TS 12913-2:2018 standard have been translated into many languages and are referred to as a global standard to evaluate the acoustic environment in various contexts. There is a growing legislative framework in Albania that addresses noise pollution through Law No. 9774 and Guideline No.8. The aim of this study, which recognizes the increasing trends in acoustic research in Albania, and acknowledges the gap regarding soundscape descriptors has been to develop equivalent versions of the soundscape descriptors defined in ISO/TS 12913-2:2018 by translating the PAQs into the Albanian Language through a model fitting approach. This study, which has followed the Soundscape Attributes Translation Project (SATP) guidelines, has employed a mixed method, that is, both a qualitative investigation and a quantitative evaluation based on specific criteria built upon previous work, have been conducted. In the first phase (1a), eight linguistic experts independently translated eight affective attributes, which were later verified in the second phase (1b) by acoustic experts. After three potential translations had been generated for each of the eight PAQs, a quantitative approach, namely phase (1c), which had been proposed in previous SATP studies, was employed. Thirty-two native Albanian individuals, all of whom were proficient in English, evaluated the translated candidate terms in an online questionnaire, considering such criteria as their Appropriateness, Understandability, Clarity, Antipodal Antonymity, Orthogonal Unbiasedness, Connotativeness, Non-connotativeness, and Implicative Balance. The collected data were then subjected to a series of Kruskall Wallis tests with Bonferroni corrections to determine the final translation for each PAQ. In conclusion, eight Albanian attribute translations have been defined. Despite some limitations, our findings are promising and suggest that the selected attributes are validated inputs to the next steps of the research which involve listening experiments (SATP phase 2).
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
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.
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
Integrating a people- and environment-friendly process approach in circular, constructive and co-creative renovation projects (impaC3t)
(Springer, 2024-03-07) Versele, Alexis; Piccardo, Chiara; Van de Kerckhove, Tine; Pillen, Lore; Kayaçetin, Nuri Cihan; Littlewood, John R.; Jain, Lakhmi; Howlett, Robert J.
The paper discusses the application of circular building solutions in collec- tive urban renovation projects. The proposed approach will broaden and deepen existing strategies and solutions on circularity to urban renovation at district level, accelerating the renovation wave of the existing patrimony in a future-proof and thus circular way, and doing so for and with a diversity of target groups, from the most vulnerable to the strongest shoulders. The project will develop and embed a decision-making framework for adopting circular solutions in collective renovations. It will do so through co-creation with relevant quintuple helix stakeholders and a mix of target groups including both public and private owner-occupiers, landlords, prop- erty developers, autonomous municipal urban development companies and social housing companies. The project will maximize complementarity between technical, ﬁnancial and legal solutions to boost circular economy in collective urban renovation projects. The necessary knowledge will be drawn from the consortium’s expert group of the VLAIO impaC3t project [1, 2] and from several real-life cases. The Belgian cities of Bruges, Ghent and Landen aim to renovate several building blocks using a collective approach. The approach will be developed based on and tested in these initiated urban renovation projects at three possible levels: (1) punctual renovation measures (moisture, roof, façade, central heating systems), (2) total renovation and extension by rear extension or topping up and (3) new construction/replacement.
Open Access
Influence of complexity and Gestalt principles on aesthetic preferences for building façades: An eye tracking study
(Bern Open Publishing, 2024-08-09) Beder, Dilara; Pelowski, Matthew; İmamoğlu, Çağrı
Buildings are an integral part of our physical environment and have aesthetic significance with respect to the organizational integrity of architectural elements. While Gestalt principles are essential in design education, their relationship with architectural features remains understudied. The present study explored how Gestalt principles and complexity levels influence evaluations of building façades through the use of questionnaires and eye tracking. Twenty-four two-dimensional black and white façade drawings, manipulated using selected Gestalt principles (similarity and proximity) to achieve different levels of complexity (low, medium & high), were presented to 79 participants. The results suggested a negative linear relationship between aesthetic ratings and complexity levels across selected Gestalt principles. In addition, as expected, participants had the highest number of fixations, shortest fixation durations, and lowest aesthetic ratings for higher levels of complexity. Results involving Gestalt principles revealed that proximity-based designs received higher aesthetic ratings, demanded less time, elicited lower number of fixations, and resulted in shorter fixation durations. Conversely, similarity-based designs received lower aesthetic ratings, demanded more time, elicited higher number of fixations, and resulted in longer fixation durations. These findings offer insights into architectural aesthetic experiences and inform future research directions.
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.
Unknown
Whole life carbon assessment of representative building typologies for nearly zero energy building definitions
(Elsevier Ltd, 2024-10-15) Kayaçetin, Nuri Cihan; Hozatlı, Burak
Evolution of nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) has been one of the main drivers for mitigating operational energy consumption in the building industry. The progress was accelerated by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in 2010 and since 2018, member states in EU started the obligatory implementation of the nZEB definitions for public and then for all buildings. On the other hand, several studies displayed that the impact of embodied energy originates from the production, transportation and disposal of building materials has become as significant as that of operational energy. However, there is not a consensus of how the embodied energy should be regulated or how it may affect the nZEB definition in the future. In this context, the purpose of this study is to investigate the environmental impact of improved building envelope and technical systems that originates from the nZEB requirements. The study adopted a case study approach to analyze the representative residential and office buildings in Turkiye. By conducting a whole life cycle carbon assessment (wLCA), the embodied and operational carbon emissions were calculated for several building envelope and technical systems scenarios. The results displayed that current nZEB definition increases the embodied carbon by an average of 15 % and decreases operational carbon by 30 % in four different climates. An improved nZEB definition may increase embodied carbon 20 % and decrease operational carbon by 30-80 %. At the end of the study, recommendations were provided for optimal solutions for a low energy building definition for several climate zones and neighbouring regions.
Unknown
The aesthetic experience of interior spaces with curvilinear boundaries and various space properties in immersive and desktop-based virtual environments
(American Psychological Association, 2024-12-05) Elver Boz, Tuğce; Demirkan, Halime; Ürgen, Burcu Ayşen
The study aims to investigate participants' aesthetic experience in response to environments with curvilinear boundaries that are presented in two different virtual environments (VEs), namely immersive (IVE) and desktop-based virtual environments (DTVE). To this end, 60 participants were presented with 360 degrees 32 VE visualizations that had either horizontal or vertical curvilinear boundaries and possessed various architectural properties (size/light/texture/color) using a head-mounted display and a desktop computer. The aesthetic experience in response to these visualizations was measured in terms of the three key dimensions identified in a previous study (Elver Boz et al., 2022): familiarity, excitement, and fascination. In addition, participants' sense of presence in the two different environments was measured. The results show that familiarity and excitement dimensions were significantly higher in IVE than in DTVE, whereas the two environments did not significantly differ from each other in terms of the fascination dimension. As for the boundary types, the familiarity dimension was significantly higher in horizontal curvilinear boundaries than in vertical ones. In contrast, excitement and fascination dimensions were significantly higher in vertical curvilinear boundaries than in horizontal ones. The only dimension that showed an interaction between boundary types and the type of VE was excitement. Finally, IVE induced a higher presence feeling than DTVE. Overall, results suggest that people's aesthetic experiences toward built environments change as a function of the boundary types and the medium they are presented with these environments and that different dimensions of the aesthetic experience are affected differently by these variables.
Open Access
Safety tracking system for bathroom shower environment
(IEEE, 2024-05-12) Ölmez, Eren; Özsoy, Mehmet Oktay; Jabiyev, Ramil; Ansen, Beren; Akturk, Umut Eren; Oral, Ege Bora; Soygür, Can; Barshan, Billur; Kutay, Mehmet Alper; Afacan, Yasemin
This study is aimed at recognizing fall incidents that occur in the bathroom shower area. Bathroom falls are one of the primary reasons for injuries (which can be fatal), especially for the elderly. For that reason, a system that can detect bathroom falls and trigger necessary emergency scenarios is implemented. To that end, a system comprising radar sensors and IMUs is implemented. The information regarding the door and the shower head is used in a supportive way for fall detection. If a fall is detected, fall occurrence warning is sent to the necessary destinations through IoT.
Open Access
Designing for mindfulness and global public health: where inner awareness meets the external environment
(Springer New York LLC, 2024-03-24) Altay, Burçak; Porter, Nicole
In this paper, we offer a commentary on Oman’s article “Mindfulness for Global Public Health: Critical Analysis and Agenda” from the perspective of external environments, be they natural or built spaces. Utilizing the 14 domains of mindfulness and public health identified by Oman, we examine how spatio-environmental concerns are aligned, or have potential synergies with, these dimensions. We consider spatial and environmental qualities and relationships, for example, the presence of nature or a sense of safety, as supportive for public health and formal mindfulness practice, synthesizing a growing evidence base within environmental psychology and design literature. We highlight particular points of alignment, namely the impact of environments on mental health, stress, and attentional qualities. Potential synergies are evident where these domains seek to increase resilience and the sustainability of our planet, communities, and individuals, and through the increasing emphasis on designing places that offer inclusive access to, and direct involvement in, the creation of belief (spirituality) and culture-specific interventions. Although these domains offer the potential for greater holistic research and practice, more interdisciplinary research is needed to bridge gaps and bring this potential into the mainstream.
Open Access
Circular economy in the built environment: a systematic literature review on the role of digital technologies across regional contexts
(Institute of Physics Publishing Ltd., 2024-06-12) Aral, Duygu; Kayaçetin, Nuri Cihan; Durmuş Arsan, Zeynep
The built environment has a significant role in ecosystems and resource depletion. Therefore, its transition from linear into the circular economy (CE) is critical yet still progressing. While research on CE in the built environment (BE) is growing, an in-depth understanding of facilitators as digital technologies (DT) is required to accelerate its implementation. Investigating these digitalization efforts, considering the regional variations of developed and developing economies, needs to be deepened. This study aims to demonstrate state-of-the-art CE research, providing insight into how digital technology preferences evolved through regional context as a facilitator in the built environment. For this purpose, 80 articles were assessed by (i) descriptive and (ii) thematic analysis through a systematic literature review (SLR). The descriptive analysis highlights the trends in the literature on CE-enabling DT in the built environment. The thematic analysis indicates the prominent DT to facilitate the transition with a link to the regional context and related variations. The results identify integrated DT in CE studies and their relevance to the economic levels of several countries, and they show research gaps to guide future research. This study contributes to an emerging field of research at the nexus of the built environment, the circular economy, and digital technology by mapping regional research tendencies.
Open Access
Task-modulated neural responses in scene-selective regions of the human brain
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-02) Koç, Aysu Nur; Ürgen, Burcu Ayşen; Afacan, Yasemin
The study of scene perception is crucial to the understanding of how one interprets and interacts with their environment, and how the environment impacts various cognitive functions. The literature so far has mainly focused on the impact of low-level and categorical properties of scenes and how they are represented in the scene-selective regions in the brain, PPA, RSC, and OPA. However, higher-level scene perception and the impact of behavioral goals is a developing research area. Moreover, the selection of the stimuli has not been systematic and mainly focused on outdoor environments. In this fMRI experiment, we adopted multiple behavioral tasks, selected real-life indoor stimuli with a systematic categorization approach, and used various multivariate analysis techniques to explain the neural modulation of scene perception in the scene-selective regions of the human brain. Participants (N = 21) performed categorization and approach-avoidance tasks during fMRI scans while they were viewing scenes from built environment categories based on different affordances ((i)access and (ii)circulation elements, (iii)restrooms and (iv)eating/seating areas). ROI-based classification analysis revealed that the OPA was significantly successful in decoding scene category regardless of the task, and that the task condition affected category decoding performances of all the scene-selective regions. Model-based representational similarity analysis (RSA) revealed that the activity patterns in scene-selective regions are best explained by task. These results contribute to the literature by extending the task and stimulus content of scene perception research, and uncovering the impact of behavioral goals on the scene-selective regions of the brain.
Open Access
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) context and the perceived soundscape: a grounded theory approach
(Sage Publications, Inc., 2024-07) Orhan, Cemre; Yılmazer, Semiha
Background:Studies address excessive sound levels and their adverse effects on infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). However, objective measurements represent merely one aspect of the acoustic environment, and investigations into staff’s perceptions of the acoustic environment remain scarce in the NICU context. A holistic approach, soundscape, is needed to explore the acoustic environment in-depth. Aim:This study aims to (1) contribute to indoor soundscape literature and inform decision-makers of future NICU design and research by focusing on staff members’ perceptions of the soundscape and (2) explore whether there is a relationship between staff members’ perceptions of soundscapes and the built and acoustic environments of one NICU. Methods:Following the ISO/TS 12913-2/3 protocols, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 NICU staff members and analyzed using the grounded theory to generate a conceptual framework for NICU soundscapes. Results:The results indicated that the task-related sounds, including false alarms, were neutrally responded to as they evoked acceptance and adaptation behaviors. The sound sources perceived as irrelevant were responded to negatively. NICU staff indicated that although they expect to hear alarms clearly, specific features of alarms caused several physiological and psychological problems. Conclusions:The findings of the study revealed the importance of conducting a soundscape approach to investigate NICU acoustic environment in detail. The study showed that staff members’ perceptions and responses primarily depend on the context rather than on sound levels.
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.
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
Evaluating the relationship between visual privacy and work-process interactions in open-plan offices: a space syntax approach
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2024-11-13) Güler, Gizem Yenel; Demirkan, Halime
Purpose - Previous studies on privacy in offices have primarily focused on the characteristics of generic visibility, examining the entire visible space from each workspace in 360 degrees. Nevertheless, employees in their workspaces investigate the visual targets within their binocular vision at 120 degrees. Therefore, by adopting the affordances perspective, this study aims to examine deeply generic and targeted visibility in open-plan offices and their relationship to interactions. Design/methodology/approach - The study consisted of two phases utilizing space syntax techniques. Initially, work-process interactions of the employees were determined through the survey. The survey data underwent spatial analysis to calculate the number of work-process interactions. Subsequently, DepthMapX software was used for visibility analyses. A new Python script for DepthMapX was developed to analyse the targeted visibility ratio. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the number of work-process interactions with generic and targeted visibility parameters. Findings - The findings revealed that a higher number of visible employees within the 120-degree and 360-degree fields of vision corresponded to a lower number of work-process interactions in open-plan offices. Furthermore, the study establishes a direct link between visual privacy and interaction, indicating that increased visibility leads to decreased visual privacy. Originality/value - The current research concluded that the relationship between visual privacy and interaction in open-plan offices differs from the previous studies, as employees with low visual privacy and high visibility tend to engage in fewer interactions. Overall, this study highlights that increased employee visibility is not directly associated with increased interaction in open-plan offices unless adequate visual privacy is provided.
Open Access
Analyzing the key architectural and structural factors in the formation oftall timber projects in Europe
(Cogent OA, 2024-05-13) Ilgın, H.E.; Aslantamer, Özlem Nur
As tall wooden structures emerge as a burgeoning and promising sector, offering considerable ecological and financial benefits across their life cycles, their prevalence is on the rise, particularly in Europe. However, the current corpus of literature fails to offer a detailed assessment of the fundamental architectural and structural planning parameters for European tall timber towers (≥9 stories). To span this gap and improve the comprehension of the developing European tendencies, this study meticulously examined information from 33 tall timber towers in Europe. The principal findings uncovered the following: (i) tall timber buildings predominantly favored residential applications as their primary function, (ii) the prevailing preference for the central core arrangement was evident, (iii) the most prevalent design preference for tall timber buildings was prismatic forms, (iv) widespread adoption of composite materials was evident, with combinations of timber and concrete being particularly prominent, and (v) the structural systems were primarily characterized by shear-frame configurations. By revealing these present-day attributes of tall wooden towers in Europe, this article is anticipated to offer valuable insights to architectural designers, assisting and directing them in the formulation and implementation of forthcoming developments in this domain.
Open Access
A corpus-based approach to define Turkish soundscapes attributes
(Acoustical Soc Amer Amer Inst Physics, 2023-03) Yılmazer, Semiha; Dalirnaghadeh, Donya; Fasllija, Ela; Alimadhi, Enkela; Şahin, Zekiye; Mercan, Elif