Location preferences of groups in public leisure spaces: the case of Likya Cafe in Ankara

In this study, public leisure spaces are examined considering the social and spatial behavior of occupant groups. After an introduction to the concepts of leisure, its types, its relations with public life and cultural concepts, the study discusses leisure as social activity, stressing on the importance of social interactions and group activity, and how leisure is related to the environment. Concepts of human spatial behavior, as territoriality, control, attachment, and crowding are introduced, followed by the notion of group, group activity, behavior, and the concept of group space. Location preference as an outcome of social and spatial needs and behavior of groups, is presented and analysed. A research conducted in Ankara, in a cafe, is presented as a study on the use of public leisure spaces. This research explores the determinants of location preferences, and the influences of group characteristics and physical features of the environment on location preference. Design suggestions, are proposed based upon the findings of the research.