Search Results (51)

Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy of spatial perception, grounded in the body’s multisensory engagement with its surroundings, offers a robust theoretical basis for fostering deeper spatial awareness in interior design education. Drawing upon this framework, the present study investigates the extent to which virtual reality (VR) environments can reproduce selected dimensions of embodied spatial perception. A total of 22 interior design students at Cyprus International University experienced two distinct spaces in both physical and VR modalities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and mental mapping techniques, analytically designed around Edward Relph’s “three components of place” model. The findings demonstrate that VR can convey key conceptual spatial attributes including organization, scale, and atmosphere, yet it only partially approximates the sensory depth and bodily salience afforded by physical experience. Although sensory constraints and reduced corporeal engagement in VR limited the students’ holistic comprehension of the spaces, the virtual environments nonetheless supported the development of phenomenological sensitivity to spatial qualities. Overall, the study suggests that VR holds potential as a complementary medium for cultivating body-centered phenomenological awareness in interior design education. Full article

This study investigates the acoustic conditions of a design studio (Studio 130) in the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design at Afyon Kocatepe University by integrating 14 weeks of continuous noise measurements with perception data collected from 192 students. Noise measurements were conducted in accordance with ISO 3382-3:2022 guidelines at three locations—window front, door side, and studio midpoint—during morning, noon, and evening periods, with 10 min recordings at each session. The results indicate that when students were present, the equivalent continuous noise level (Leq) reached an average of 65.5 dB(A), with peak levels rising to 72.3 dB(A) during jury sessions. These values substantially exceed the recommended 35 dB(A) classroom threshold by the World Health Organization and the 35–45 dB(A) limits specified in national regulations for indoor educational spaces. Survey findings reveal that 88% of students experienced loss of concentration, 72% reported decreased productivity, 60% had difficulty communicating, and 52% reported fatigue due to noise exposure. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a strong relationship between measured noise levels and reported negative effects (r = 0.966). Moreover, independent samples t-test results confirmed that student presence significantly increased studio noise levels (t = 4.98, p < 0.001). The novelty of this research lies in its combined use of longitudinal objective measurements and subjective perception data, addressing the unique open-plan, collaborative, and critique-based pedagogical structure of design studios. The findings highlight that acoustic comfort is a critical component of learning quality in studio-based education. Based on the results, the study proposes several design and material interventions—including spatial dividers, acoustic ceiling panels, fabric-wrapped absorbers, and impact-reducing flooring—to enhance auditory comfort. Overall, the study emphasizes the necessity of integrating acoustic design strategies into studio pedagogy to support concentration, communication, and learning performance. Full article

Disaster is a multidimensional phenomenon affecting societies worldwide. Rising climate crises, mass migrations, and earthquake risks have made disaster awareness crucial in spatial design. In this context, interior architecture has evolved beyond esthetic and functional concerns into a discipline that contributes to post-disaster recovery and quality of life. This study examines disaster- and earthquake-themed postgraduate theses in interior architecture in Türkiye to identify academic trends and methodological orientations. Drawing on Türkiye’s distinctive disaster history, it highlights the need for a global perspective in post-disaster spatial design and disaster-conscious interior architecture education. Using a mixed-method approach combining both quantitative and qualitative analyses and a multiple case study model, data were collected through document analysis from the Council of Higher Education’s National Thesis Center. The sample includes 33 theses published between 2003 and 2024, analyzed by year, university, institute, advisor title, program level, research method, and thematic focus. Findings indicate a notable increase in disaster-oriented studies after 2021, particularly following the 6 February 2023 earthquakes. Most are master’s theses under Institutes of Science, dominated by qualitative methods. The analysis identifies temporary housing, modular systems, sustainability, and psychosocial recovery as recurrent themes, indicating an increasingly human-centered research focus in Türkiye. Full article

Street art increasingly reshapes aesthetic hierarchies by introducing previously marginalised media into the public sphere. A compelling example is the artistic practice of the Polish artist NeSpoon (Elżbieta Dymna), whose work merges the visual language of traditional lace with the communicative strategies of contemporary urban art. Active since the late 2000s, NeSpoon combines stencils, ceramic lace imprints, and large-scale murals to translate the intimacy of handcraft into the visibility of public space. Her works function as both aesthetic interventions and acts of civic pedagogy. This study employs a qualitative visual research design combining multi-site digital inquiry, iconological and semiotic analysis, and mini focus group (N = 22). Three purposefully selected cases: Łódź, Belorado, and Fundão, were examined to capture the site-specific and cultural variability of lace murals across Europe. The analysis demonstrates that lace functions as an agent of cultural negotiation and a medium of heritage literacy, understood here as embodied and place-based learning. In Łódź, it monumentalises textile memory and women’s labour embedded in the city’s industrial palimpsest. In Belorado, micro-scale responsiveness operates, strengthening the local semiosphere. In Fundão, lace enters an intermedial dialogue with azulejos, negotiating the boundary between craft and art while expanding local visual grammars. The study introduces the conceptualisation of the monumentalisation of intimacy in public art and frames heritage literacy as an embodied, dialogic, and community-oriented educational practice. Its implications extend to feminist art history, place-based pedagogy, urban cultural policy, and the preventive conservation of murals. The research elucidates how domestic craft once confined to the private interior operates in public space as a medium of memory, care, and inclusive aesthetics. Full article

The rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has sparked growing interest across educational disciplines, reshaping how knowledge is produced, represented, and assessed. While recent research has increasingly explored the implications of text-based tools such as ChatGPT in education, far less attention has been paid to image-based GenAI tools—despite their particular relevance to fields grounded in visual communication and creative exploration, such as architecture and design. These disciplines raise distinct pedagogical and ethical questions, given their reliance on iteration, authorship, and visual representation as core elements of learning and practice. This exploratory study investigates how architecture and interior architecture students perceive the use of AI-generated images, focusing on ethical responsibility, educational relevance, and career implications. To ensure participants had sufficient exposure to visual GenAI tools, we conducted a series of workshops before surveying 42 students familiar with image generation processes. Findings indicate strong enthusiasm for GenAI image tools, which students viewed as supportive during early-stage design processes and beneficial to their creativity and potential future professional competitiveness. Participants regarded AI use as ethically acceptable when accompanied by transparent acknowledgment. However, acceptance declined in later design stages, where originality and critical judgment were perceived as more central. While limited in scope, this exploratory study foregrounds student voices to offer preliminary insights into evolving conversations about AI in creative education and to inform future reflection on developing ethically and pedagogically responsive curricula across the design disciplines. Full article

Assessing the seismic performance of buildings from various epochs is essential for guiding retrofitting policies and educating occupants about their homes’ conditions. However, limited resources pose challenges. Some approaches focus on detailed analyses of a limited number of buildings, while others favor broader coverage with less precision. This paper presents a seismic risk assessment method that balances and integrates the strengths of both, using a comprehensive building survey. We propose a low-cost indicator for evaluating the structural resilience of individual buildings, designed to inform both authorities and property owners, support building rankings, and raise awareness. This indicator classifies buildings by their taxonomy and uses analytical capacity curves (2D or 3D studies) obtained from consulting hundreds of studies to determine the ultimate acceleration (agu) that each building type can withstand before collapse. It also considers irregularities found during the survey (to the exterior and interior) through structural modifiers Δ, and adjusts the peak ground acceleration the building can withstand, agu, based on macroseismic data from past events and based on potential retrofitting, Δ+. Although this method may not achieve high accuracy, it provides a significant approximation for detailed analysis with limited resources and is easy to replicate for similar constructions. The final agu value, considered as resistance, is then compared to the seismic demand at the foundation of the building (accounting for hazard and soil conditions at the building location), resulting in a final R-value. This paper provides specificities to the methodology and applies it to selected areas of the City of Lisbon, clearly supporting the advancement of a more sustainable society. Full article

This paper discusses the adoption of biomimicry and eco-friendly materials as overarching concepts in interior design education. It aims to investigate how biomimicry and eco-friendly materials can be integrated into the existing and established interior design program curriculum. Changes in green and sustainable design concepts used in student capstone projects, which incorporated the reiteration of learning objectives aimed at enhancing student learning outcomes, were identified. This investigation addressed a gap in knowledge by analyzing the influence of nature-inspired designs on students’ problem-solving abilities and creativity. It employed a qualitative case study approach to analyze selected designs that employed biomimicry concepts in functional interior spaces, followed by a visualization stage, in which 3D-printed models were created from recycled and eco-friendly materials, closing the loop on sustainability applications. The study revealed that biomimicry and eco-friendly materials are valuable components of various design curricula, particularly in the fields of environmental studies, architecture, and interior design. This research underscores the urgent need to comprehensively integrate biomimicry and eco-friendly materials into design curricula, fostering a new generation of sustainability-conscious designers equipped to lead transformative change in the future of interior design and beyond. Full article

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in sustainable design to improve and treat interior space to reduce pollution and protect the environment. Given the global trend towards increasing the ability of interior design elements to adapt to environmental conditions to improve the efficiency of interior spaces, we found it important to conduct a study on the development of interior design for classrooms in the Art Education Department at the College of Education at King Faisal University. This study aimed to reveal the reality of classrooms in the Art Education Department and reach a proposed vision for designing classrooms to achieve environmental sustainability in the Art Education Department at King Faisal University. This study used the descriptive survey method and the descriptive analytical method due to their suitability for this study. The study sample consisted of approximately 100% of faculty members and 100% of students in the Art Education Department at King Faisal University. The results showed that the design standards required to be achieved to create environmental sustainability in the classrooms of the Art Education Department at King Faisal University from the point of view of faculty members and students were only slightly appropriate, and there was a noticeable agreement by the arbitrators specialized in the field of design and arts that the proposed concept for designing classrooms to achieve environmental sustainability was highly acceptable. Full article

In this study, a thermal analysis of the building envelope of Atatürk University Faculty of Architecture and Design, located in Erzurum in the cold climate zone, was conducted. It is aimed to analyze the thermal efficiency of the educational building on the façade. Firstly, situation analyses were conducted using infrared thermography in the interior spaces and on the exterior. Secondly, a thermal analysis simulation was performed on façade designs used in the faculty. The configurations of indoor and outdoor spaces were obtained with the instantaneous field of view (IFOV) calculator using the Testo 872 thermal camera. Convection thermal loads were applied with the SolidWorks 2022 to simulate the designs. According to the analysis, optimum values were shown in classroom D-306 on glass surfaces, studio D-202 on external walls, studio E-301 on interior walls, studio E-201 on floors, and classroom E-301 on ceilings. According to the surface temperatures on façade sections, the D-202 studio has a 4.1% advantage over the closest performing D-305 and a 33.4% advantage over the farthest performing D-101. According to the simulation results, the glass surfaces used in the autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) wall had a 39.6% advantage in terms of U-value compared to the glass surfaces in the curtain wall. Full article

Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive and interactive experiences that enable users to explore and understand heritage sites beyond the constraints of physical preservation. This study examines the integration of VR in historical architecture, focusing on its potential to enhance education, engagement, and preservation efforts. Perspectives from professionals in architectural history, interior design, architecture, and digital humanities are analysed to assess the fidelity, challenges, and opportunities of the utilisation of VR in preserving historical sites. A quantitative methodology was employed through an online survey distributed to 60 experts, in which 57 responses were recorded. The survey examined VR reconstruction accuracy, integration challenges and opportunities for enhancing educational engagement and site preservation. The findings indicate a strong positive perception of VR’s potential, emphasising accuracy and expert collaboration. Challenges include hardware limitations and insufficient historical data, while balancing fidelity with usability emerged as a key concern. The study concludes that VR holds significant potential to enrich historical preservation through interactive learning, contributing valuable insights into effective and engaging VR applications in heritage conservation. Full article

Private gardens during the Song Dynasty are an important component of classical Chinese garden design. However, existing research predominantly focuses on architectural forms and construction techniques, with insufficient systematic exploration of the overall spatial layout, the typological evolution of garden architecture, and the underlying driving forces behind these changes. Based on the 400 private garden records from the Complete Collection of Song, Song-era notes, poems, and paintings, this study employs methods from cliometrics and iconology to quantitatively analyse historical materials to systematically trace the evolution of spatial layouts, architectural types, architectural construction, and interior furnishings in Song private gardens while delving into the causes of these changes. The findings reveal a significant increase in the application of “elevated and terraced layouts” in Southern Song private gardens. The rise of unique architectural types, such as boat-shaped buildings, academies, and high buildings with a collection of books, is closely tied to the scholar-official culture, advancements in printing technology, the influence of Neo-Confucianism, and government support for private education. Southern Song architectural techniques saw significant advancements in response to climatic changes, featuring diversified roof forms, upturned eaves, detachable doors and windows, and elevated platforms. The invention of modular furniture, such as the Yanji table, exemplifies the ingenuity of Song designers in adapting to shrinking living spaces. This paper is the first to systematically reveal the evolution of private garden architecture in the Song Dynasty, particularly the emergence of unique architectural types. It offers a new perspective for understanding the influences of society, culture, and environment on landscape architecture in the Song Dynasty, providing valuable historical insights for the study of Ming–Qing garden architecture and contemporary landscape design practices. Full article

This empirical study establishes a seamless integrated project-based learning framework mediated by an evidence-based project-based learning system. Combining theoretical model construction and practical application, this research aims to bridge gaps in learning objectives, processes, resources, and assessments. The model employs conceptual clusters, problem chains, and evidence-driven task design to foster the development of interdisciplinary competency. A 40 h case study, centered on the “Interior Space Design of Teachers’ Apartments” project, demonstrated quantifiable improvements; students’ design proposal scores increased by 45.5%, problem-solving efficiency improved by 62.5%, and team collaboration scores rose from 60 to 85. Additionally, innovative applications per design surged from 2–3 to 6–8, while student engagement time doubled. These results validate the effectiveness of the seamless integrated project-based learning framework in enhancing interdisciplinary knowledge integration, core competencies, and intrinsic motivation, providing a data-supported framework for technology-enhanced educational reform. Full article

The use of daylight as the primary lighting source in buildings is crucial for achieving energy savings. Significantly reducing the dependence on artificial lighting sources relies on more efficient utilization of available daylight and enhancement of its quantity and distribution within interior spaces. The appropriate use of daylight not only enhances energy efficiency in indoor spaces but also positively impacts users’ health and performance. A growing body of research has focused on methods for maximizing the use of daylight in interior environments. This study proposes a ceiling design aimed at utilizing daylight more efficiently in interior spaces. The quantity of daylight in an educational space was calculated using the VELUX Daylight Visualizer program by comparing the results of existing, diagonal, and curved ceiling designs. Light levels were measured before and after the addition of Pro-Sun to assess daylight integration and distribution in the studios’ interior spaces. The design studio was analyzed based on orientation (north-south), school semester, active hours, and ceiling type. As a result of the comparison of ceiling types, the Pro-Sun ceiling system with curved reflectors had the most daylight integration capacity and distribution in the deeper the studio’s interior space. Full article

This study explores how the environmental conditions of sustainable classrooms influence the concentration and academic performance of students in university environments, integrating the use of sustainable design strategies. Within the framework of education for sustainability, the importance of sustainable urban spaces, buildings, interiors, and green infrastructure products in communicating and promoting scientific and environmental knowledge is recognized. Using a systematic mapping methodology, the research examines how real-time monitoring of environmental variables such as air quality, humidity, temperature, CO₂, particulate matter, and lighting, through the Internet of Things (IoT), can enhance learning. The study focuses on examining the impact of environmental factors on students’ academic performance, as well as exploring how sustainable educational spaces can promote greater awareness and favorable attitudes towards the environment. Based on an analysis of 454 articles and success stories on green educational infrastructure projects, the results reveal a significant correlation between optimal environmental conditions such as good ventilation and temperature control and increased student concentration and performance. This study also highlights the role of educational interventions, both formal and informal, that integrate sustainably built environments to reinforce occupants’ environmental engagement. The conclusion is clear: improving classroom environmental conditions, especially in terms of ventilation and temperature control, not only optimizes learning, but also acts as a powerful environmental education tool, fostering education for sustainable development and strengthening ecological attitudes among students. Full article

The visual perception of interior architecture plays a crucial role in real estate marketing, influencing the decisions of buyers, interior architects, and real estate agents. These professionals rely on personal assessments of space, often drawing from their experience of using décor to influence how interiors are perceived. While intuition may validate some approaches, this study explores an under-examined aspect of interior design using a mobile eye-tracking device. It investigates how decorative elements affect spatial perception and offers insights into how individuals visually engage with interior environments. By integrating décor into the analysis of interior architecture, this study broadens the traditional scope of the field, demonstrating how décor composition can modulate spatial perception using eye-tracking technology. Results show that effective styling can redirect attention from key architectural elements, sometimes causing them to be overlooked during the critical first moments of observation commonly known as the “first impression”. These findings have important implications for interior design practice and architectural education. Full article