Scholarly Publications - Interior Architecture and Environmental Design

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

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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
Open Access
A vector classifier for sound similarity classification based on audio features
(Acoustical Soc Amer Amer Inst Physics, 2023-03) Yılmazer, Cengiz; Yılmazer, Semiha
Open Access
Using audio content and emotional response to predict soundscape perception through machine learning
(Acoustical Soc Amer Amer Inst Physics, 2023-03) Yılmazer, Semiha; Acun, Volkan
Open Access
A preliminary field experiment to predict soundscape perception based on the biophilia hypothesis paradigm
(Acoustical Soc Amer Amer Inst Physics, 2023-03) Yılmazer, Semiha; Alimadhi, Enkela
Open Access
Investigating the impacts of shaded outdoor spaces on thermal adaptation and cognitive performance of university students in classroom environments
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2023-12) Gündoğdu, Betül; Nouri, A. Santos; Afacan, Yasemin; Matzarakis, A.
Shading strategies are effective means to reduce urban risk factors such as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. The influence of shaded outdoor spaces on university students’ thermal adaptability and cognitive performance is limited researched. The study aims at evaluating the effect of shaded outdoor spaces upon thermal comfort; and, linking such results upon university students’ cognitive performance in a classroom environment with natural ventilation. A case study was conducted with students the ages of 19–22 at Bilkent University in Ankara, during the mid-season in October. The quantitative microclimatic conditions of the university campus’s unshaded/shaded areas and indoor studios were obtained through Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) index. The qualitative evaluation was undertaken by the adaptive model and thermal comfort survey. D2 test of attention was conducted to measure cognitive performance of students. This study revealed that the shade may increase thermal adaptation with the lowest mean PET of 18.7°C, while the highest mean PET of 33.2°C was obtained in sun-exposed space. Also, experiencing shaded outdoor space contributed to an improvement in concentration performance (CP) of students resulting in the mean CP score of 182.8, while those with sun-exposed outdoor space experience had the mean CP score of 167.6 within studios.
Open Access
Investigating the potential of transparent parallel-arranged micro-perforated panels (MPPs) as sound absorbers in classrooms
(MDPI AG, 2023-01-13) Fasllija, Ela; Yılmazer, Semiha
Acoustic deficiencies due to lack of absorption in indoor spaces may sometime render significant buildings unfit for their purpose, especially the ones used as speech auditoria. This study investigates the potential of designing wideband acoustic absorbers composed of parallel arranged micro-perforated panels (MPPs), known as efficient absorbers that do not need any other fibrous/porous material to have a high absorptive performance. It aims to integrate architectural trends such as transparency and the use of raw materials with acoustical constraints to ensure optimal indoor acoustic conditions. It proposes a structure composed of four parallel-arranged MPPs, which have been theoretically modelled using the electrical Equivalent Circuit Model (ECM) and implemented on an acrylic prototype using recent techniques such as CNC machining tools. The resulting samples are experimentally analysed for their absorption efficiency through the ISO-10534-2 method in an impedance tube. The results show that the prediction model and the experimental data are in good agreement. Afterward, the investigation focuses on applying the most absorptive MPP structure in a classroom without acoustic treatment through numerical simulations in ODEON 16 Acoustics Software. When the proposed material is installed as a wall panel, the results show an improvement toward optimum values in Reverberation Time (RT30) and Speech Transmission Index (STI).
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
An international survey on residential lighting: Analysis of summer-term results
(Elsevier, 2023-01-09) Aslanoğlu, Rengin ; Kazak, J. K.; Yekanialibeiglou, Sepideh; Pracki, P.; Ulusoy, Begüm
Obtaining visual comfort, satisfaction and well-being in residential interiors are now becoming more important, especially in times of extreme events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It also became important to collect users' evaluations and their own solutions for residential lighting in order to improve the current lighting conditions. For this aim, with a group of international and inter-disciplinary researchers, a comprehensive study was conducted. This study is the last part of a three-stage investigation aimed at increasing our knowledge of the current lighting conditions in residential areas during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. For the current study, an online survey and in-depth interviews were conducted between June and August 2022 in Poland, Turkey, Sweden, and the U.K., with 520 participants. As results of this study show, a correlation was found between daylight satisfaction and its sufficiency. Similar correlations were found between artificial lighting satisfaction, its sufficiency, and its uniformity. The differences between seasons were detected for being very satisfied with daylight quality. Also, the correlation between satisfaction with daylighting and the ratio of windows showed difference among seasons. Stronger correlations between satisfaction with artificial lighting, its sufficiency and uniformity were found in summerterm according to winter-term results. Correlations between artificial lighting brightness – CRI and uniformity weakened in summer-term. Results from open-ended questions and in-depth interviews showed, removing the shading device and augmenting the characteristics of artificial lighting were the mostly done adjustments during the COVID- 19 pandemic. The most prominent theme is visual comfort according to the in-depth interview responses.'
Open Access
Audience behavior in immersive theatre: an environment-behavior studies analysis of Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More
(Routledge, 2023-03-08) Gezgin, Özlem; İmamoğlu, Çağrı
Place can shape and influence audience behavior during a performance. This is especially noticeable in the site-specific immersive theatre model, where the performance occurs in a non-theatre setting and audiences have an active role. In this article, we argue that ‘place schema’ – a term from the interdisciplinary field of environment-behavior studies – provides a conceptual framework for better understanding audience behavior within immersive theatre environments. We know how to behave in a theatre building because we have codified experiences regarding the environment in our minds called place schemata. They help us process spatial information, predict what is likely to happen, and decide how to take action accordingly. However, if this spatial information does not match the ‘theatre schema’ we have in our minds, as is often the case in an immersive theatre setting, we would need to update our existing schema. In this article, we examine Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More (2011 New York production, which is still running) to evaluate how audiences carry the behavioral rules of traditional theatre schema into immersive theatres and consider how expectations, roles, and rules of place influence the relationship between the audience and setting.
Open Access
Exploring designers’ finishing materials selection for residential interior spaces
(2023-03-06) Altay, Burçak; Salcı, E.
The increasing diversity of materials creates many possibilities and constraints that designers have to consider when selecting materials for projects. While the literature has investigated materials selection in engineering, product, and architectural design, knowledge is still lacking in interior design. Accordingly, this study focused on interior finishing materials with three objectives: (1) explore the determinants of materials selection in interior design, and within the residential design context, (2) identify designers’ finishing material preferences and selection criteria for floors, walls, and ceilings; (3) investigate designers’ criteria prioritizations while selecting materials. For this we conducted one-to-one interviews with architects and interior designers specializing in residential spaces. We first explored their material selection considerations in general. Second, we documented their material designations in residential project entry halls they had designed along with their selection criteria. Third, we presented an entry hall of a residential space for them to choose the materials while we questioned them about their materials selection priorities. The results reveal that the main determinants of materials selection include material-related, project-related, and designer-related factors. Moreover, materials choices and selection criteria vary between surfaces in space. Finally, the designers give the most priority to sensorial properties and the least to ecological properties. These findings expand our knowledge about materials in interior design, enhance the knowledge base for materials education, and have implications for designers and manufacturers regarding selecting and designing finishing materials.
Embargo
Establishing initial urban bioclimatic planning recommendations for Ankara to address existing and future urban thermophysiological risk factors
(Elsevier, 2023-05) Nouri, A. Santos; Rodriguez-Algecíras, J.; Matzarakis, A.
Focused on the case of Ankara, human thermophysiological thresholds were investigated in association with typical morphological characteristics to determine the frequency of seasonal Heat/Cold Stress. The study further developed methodical means to better understand the relationship with local radiation exposure within in-situ settings, allowing for the better understanding of seasonal thermophysiological exposure upon human biometeorology. To approach future vulnerability and frequency of thermophysiological stress, daily EURO-CORDEX data was processed to determine Representative Concentration Pathway scenario projections (for air temperature and Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET)). The study highlighted the already significant urban frequencies of heat stress (ranging up to 82.7%) due to all districts witnessing an elevated frequency of low aspect ratios. The fewer mid-range aspect ratios also revealed to be frequently in orientations with higher heat stress susceptibilities (i.e., between 105° and 150°). Bioclimatic planning recommendations were presented for Ankara. Nevertheless, given the high vulnerability for existing/future urban human health and welfare, these recommendations were further associated with the call for immediate heat action plans and heat warning/mapping systems. In these first type of projections for Ankara, even for the milder/stabilization future scenario by 2100, PET based projections revealed frequencies remaining at 100% between 35.1 °C–41.1 °C, with further values exceeding 46.1 °C.
Embargo
Cybernetic-parsimonious MCDM modeling with application to the adoption of Circular Economy in waste management
(Elsevier, 2023-05-01) Kabirifar, K.; Ashour, Mojtaba; Yazdani, M.; Mahdiyar, A.; Malekjafarian, M.
Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is the main contributor to economic loss, environmental pollution, and health hazards if the current linear economy model of ‘take-make-consume-dispose’ is not replaced by a Circular Economy (CE) as a solution approach to maximize the use of resources and reduce waste. However, successful CE concept implementation involves strategies that trigger construction and demolition waste management (CDWM) throughout its life cycle, rather than end-of-life strategies, such as reuse and recycling. By meticulously reviewing the literature, nineteen factors that affect CDWM from CE concept implementation throughout six stages of preconstruction, procurement, construction, demolition, transportation, and end-of-life are initially identified. A hybrid fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making approach is then utilized in two main stages, including an Enhanced Fuzzy Delphi Method in stage one, to refine the identified factors according to Tehran's construction context, and a Cybernetic Parsimonious Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process in stage two, to prioritize these factors. Three factors were identified during the first stage of the research methodology and added to the factors extracted from the literature. The results indicate that ‘on-site sorting, reusing, and recycling of waste materials’, ‘various procurement models’, and ‘precise implementation of waste management regulations and plans’ are the most important factors, respectively. A comprehensive list of the factors provided as part of the research findings has contributed to the body of knowledge to be used as a snapshot by researchers, while the ranking of the factors gives new insights to stakeholders on ways to manage CDW in projects.
Embargo
A comprehensive state-of-the-art survey on the recent modified and hybrid analytic hierarchy process approaches
(Elsevier, 2023-11-16) Ashour, Mojtaba; Mahdiyar, A.
Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a widely applied technique in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems. Over time, numerous hybridizations, improvements, and modifications have been proposed to address the shortcomings of traditional AHP. Considering the sheer number of the AHP-based methods, scholars/practitioners are faced with certain challenges when selecting a suitable method due to: (i) lack of adequate knowledge on pros and cons of different AHP approaches, (ii) difficulties and limitations in the application and analysis, and (iii) uncertainties about the suitability of the method. As a result, there is a need for a comprehensive review functioning as a guidance when choosing the best-suited approach considering the specific features of the problem at hand. This paper, therefore, reviews articles published between 2010 and 2023 that have proposed a hybrid, improved, or modified AHP and classifies them based on three main categories of contributions: (A) consistency improvements, (B) reducing the difficulties or limitations, and (C) increasing the accuracy of the results. These categories are further discussed based on the nature of variation (hybridizing with fuzzy sets, metaheuristic algorithms, modification of AHP structure, and hybridization with other approaches). A comprehensive summary table is provided to showcase the strengths and weaknesses of each method, and a roadmap is put forward for scholars and industry experts assisting them in the selection of the appropriate method considering various aspects of problems. Finally, directions for future research are discussed.
Open Access
Reflection of empathic design process on interior architecture students’ universal design solutions
(Middle East Technical University, 2023-01-26) Yeşiltepe, Melis; Demirkan, Halime
Open Access
Water absorption, thickness swelling and mechanical properties of cement bonded wood composite treated with water repellent
(Universidad del Bio-Bio, 2023-05-02) Yılmazer, Semiha; Aras, U.; Kalaycıoğlu, H.; Temiz, A.
In this study, the purpose was to improve outdoor performance of cement bonded wood composite due to their biodegradation and sensitivity to moisture especially in warm and humid climates. Cement bonded wood composites were treated with different concentrations (10 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %) of water repellent. Water repellent used was an organo-silicon based, nano-sized, eco-friendly, water-based agents. Dipping and pressure systems were applied for composite treatment. Water absorption, thickness swelling, accelerated weathering, color changes and mechanical properties after accelerated weathering were determined for treated and untreated cement-bonded composites. Results showed that treatment of composites with water repellent provided a transparent layer on composite surface. Thus, lower water absorption and thickness swelling results in the beginning of immersion in water. Treated and untreated composites were exposed to an accelerated weathering test for 350 h. Their mechanical strength including modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding properties were decreased after 350 h of weathering. However, overall results after weathering test showed that all panels’ mechanical properties provided minimum modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding requirements of the EN standards. © 2023, Maderas: Ciencia y Tecnologia. All Rights Reserved.
Open Access
Towards improving health management of construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic
(Routledge, 2023-10-12) Mahdiyar, Amir; Ashour, Mojtaba; Edwards, David J.; Mohandes, Saeed Reza; Manu, Patrick; Cheung, Clara; Yunusa-Kaltungo, Akilu; Emuze, Fidelis; Abreu Saurin, Tarcisio; H. W. Hadikusumo, Bonaventura
The global COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted all industries, from economic loss to deterioration of the health and well-being of workers contracting the virus. The construction industry is no exception, and the risks posed are perhaps elevated by a myriad of professionals working in proximity to each other during a project. The high rate of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)-related issues have invariably been exacerbated since the beginning of the pandemic, causing different ranges of threats to the workers. Although several studies have investigated health-related issues caused by COVID-19, the prevailing body of knowledge lacks a prescription of the preventative measures to be implemented for curbing the resultant repercussions in the Hong Kong building and construction industry. To address this knowledge gap, a hybrid methodological approach is employed in this study using structured interviews and the Best Worst method (BWM). Based on the findings, the following unique contributions are noted: (1) identification of beneficial health measures; and (2) ranking of the importance of the identified measures. The study’s findings broaden the horizon of safety decision-maker’s thinking towards minimizing the transmission risk associated with COVID-19, and improving H&S management of construction projects, by tilting their attention and resources to the top-ranked measures.
Embargo
A principal component model to identify Turkish soundscapes’ affective attributes based on a corpus-driven approach
(Elsevier, 2023-06-30) Yılmazer, Semiha; Fasllija, Ela; Alimadhi, Enkela; Şahin, Zekiye; Mercan, Elif; Dalirnaghadeh, Donya
This study focused on achieving linguistic and culturally appropriate equivalents of Turkish soundscape attributes present in ISO 12913–3 by incorporating a Corpus-Driven Approach (CDA). A two-phase experiment was set up to find Turkish equivalents of affective quality attributes. The first phase consisted of the formation of a Corpus. An online questionnaire was prepared and sent to 196 native Turkish speakers from all around Türkiye to define adjectives. The second phase of the experiment was performed in a listening room. For this purpose, twenty-four binaural sound recordings were collected from seven public spaces. Afterward, forty individuals evaluated the recordings by using the attributes from Phase 1. The perceptual dimensions were obtained from the generated corpus in Turkish based on a rating scale by applying the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results indicated a two-dimensional model with two main components, Pleasantness and Eventfulness. Each component is associated with a main orthogonal axis denoted by ‘annoying-comfortable’ and ‘dynamic-uneventful,’ respectively. This circular organization of soundscape attributes is supported by two derived axes, namely ‘chaotic-calm’ and ‘monotonous-enjoyable’, rotated 45°on the same plane. Additionally, by using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, sixty-four different bipolar adjective pairs were found. The adjective pairs showed that the highest correlations are mainly on the pleasant-unpleasant continuum, namely Component 1 of PCA. The collected data were also analyzed using Agglomerative Hierarchical Cluster analysis with the Ward method in R programming language to cluster the adjectives. The results inferred that there are four top-level categories. From the first to the fourth level, categories consisted of pleasant, uneventful, eventful, and annoying adjectives, respectively. Moreover, the terms grouped on the first cluster found their dichotomous on the fourth cluster, while maintaining the same relationship in the pleasant-unpleasant continuum.
Open Access
Human thermo-physiological comfort assessment in Lisbon by local climate zones on very hot summer days
(Frontiers Research Foundation, 2023-05-17) Reis, C.; Nouri, Andre Santos; Lopes, A.
Extreme heat is a current and future issue on urban areas, with negative impacts on health and quality of life (increasing morbidity and mortality rates). This paper analyses day (12:00–15:00 h) and nighttime (00:00–03:00 h) thermo-physiological comfort (TC) conditions by Local Climate Zones (LCZ) in Lisbon during a particular Local Weather Type (LWT), very hot summer days. For this, 13 different microscale sample areas were chosen covering urban and non-urban land cover classes (LCZs 1–3, 4–6, 8, 9, A and B). Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) were modeled on SkyHelios software for 163 days between 2008 and 2014. Results show that during the day all urban LCZ samples depict the same average TC conditions (average UTCI of 34°C—strong heat stress) and densely wooded areas are 2°C cooler (average UTCI of 32°C—moderate heat stress). However, compact areas (LCZs 1–3) with low sky view factor and some vegetation (street trees) display lower percentages of area with higher thermo-physiological discomfort (TD) levels (83% with strong heat stress against 98% in LCZs 8 and 9 and 100% in LCZs 4–6). When considering the hottest days (air temperatures equal or above 35°C—75th percentile), the moderate heat stress class disappears in all samples and the very strong heat stress class appears only on urban areas, occupying between 12% and 16% on LCZs 1–3, 10%–22% on LCZs 4–6, 16%–22% on LCZs 8 and 9 on LCZ 9. During the nighttime period all samples show no thermal stress, favoring nocturnal physiological recovery. TC conditions in Lisbon are strongly influenced by solar radiation and wind, which explains the need to increase the shading area, preferably by trees, and to promote and preserve ventilation paths.
Open Access
Creating mindful spaces educational practices for interior design
(SAGE Publications, 2023-11-02) Altay, Burçak
At the beginning of the day, in the cool of the early morning, as light and color are beginning to come back into the world, bring attention to the quality of inner space, the space in this room and the space in the world around us. Developing that attention, we notice the space that’s always here, the space around things, the space within things. This helps us to recollect, to awaken to the inner space, the space of our minds which receives and contains, which encompasses all thoughts, feelings, perceptions, moods (Amaro, 2020, p. 543).
Open Access
Investigating the restorative potential of womens home environments
(Springer, 2023-09-20) Aksel, Elif; İmamoğlu, Çağrı
Although research on restorative environments suggest that natural settings have therapeutic effects in moderating stress and promoting positive experiences, there is a limited body of literature inquiring about the therapeutic potential of interior environments. The aim of the current study was to understand the restorative potential of home environments regarding theoretical background on restorative environments and architectural dimensions influencing well-being through the experiences of women. We interviewed 11 adult women using the photo-elicitation technique to investigate the perceived restorativeness of their home environments. Thematic analysis of qualitative data indicated that the design attributes of spaces play a significant role in promoting the restoration process. In addition to design attributes, we found family interaction, socialising, and engaging in activities could also be influential. Furthermore, the exploratory nature of the research highlighted the significance of individual meanings and personal factors in shaping the perceived restorativeness of home environments. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed to encourage future research in related fields that explore the relationship between residential settings and well-being.