Exploring visitor preferences at urban transitional spaces of culture related public buildings as in-between spaces

Abstract

This research examines the spatial relations of in-between spaces within cultural institutions, focusing on how the design of entrance zones influences human interaction and social behavior. In-between spaces act as channels between inside and outside realms, public and private, offering functional and social significance. These spaces can potentially become "new meaningful places," as Piccinno and Lega (2012) noted, bridging the gap between different architectural and social environments. The research identifies a gap in current literature regarding how entrances, specifically within cultural institutions, can enhance user experiences and social interaction. While studies like those by Gehl (2010) and Hillier (1984) have explored the role of spatial design in shaping human behavior, there needs to be more focus on the specific role of entrance zones in cultural institutions. This study investigates how entrance configurations, including visibility, connectivity, and integration, impact urban cultural institutions' user preferences and interaction patterns. For this investigation, three culturally significant locations in Istanbul were selected: the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, ACC, and Arter Art Museum. Quantitative methods were employed, including convex space graphics and space syntax analysis, to map the spatial configurations of these cultural spaces. In addition, qualitative observations of visitor behavior were used to validate the spatial data. As in the work of Şalgamcıoğlu & Cabadak (2019), statistical analysis was also conducted using SPSS to identify correlations between spatial configurations and visitor activities during weekends and weekdays. The study emphasizes that well-designed entrances can play a key role in shaping visitor behavior by enhancing accessibility and creating social and cultural engagement opportunities. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the vital role of entrance zones in cultural institutions, indicating that these spaces can serve as more than just functional passageways but also vibrant social centers. Findings of the comparative analysis for three case studies suggest that well-designed in-between spaces with high connectivity and integration values, like those at Istanbul Modern and ACC, enhance spontaneous social interaction and visitor engagement. In contrast, spaces with lower connectivity and integration values, such as Arter, show limited social interaction. Future research could extend the findings of this study to other public institutions, such as educational institutions, or expand the survey to additional cultural spaces to gain broader insights into the role of spatial design. By doing so, urban and architectural design can continue to evolve, ensuring that transitional spaces are optimized for functional and social purposes, transforming them into essential elements of the visitor experience.