Thesis Defense - Uzay Topal (MSARCH)

Uzay Topal – MS.c. Architecture

Prof. Dr. Alper Ünlü– Advisor

Date: 23.05.2022

Time: 09:30

Location: AB4 #G25 (Classroom)

“Examining the Effects of Sequential Polyhedron Visibility on Wayfinding and Evacuation”

 Thesis Committee:

Prof. Dr. Alper Ünlü, Özyeğin University

Prof. Dr. Orhan Hacıhasanoğlu, Özyeğin University

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nevşet Gül Çanakçıoğlu, Özyeğin University

Prof. Dr. Erincik Edgü, Maltepe University

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Şalgamcıoğlu, İstanbul Technical University

Abstract:

This thesis presents the understanding that the basics of the human wayfinding process can be substantially illuminated by the correlations between space-syntactic variables and kinesthetic data of individuals roaming in a spatio-temporal environment. Although two-dimensional syntactic concepts offer a perception of place to some extent, they may neglect to capture the volumetric effects of space on human perception, especially during movement. Therefore, besides 2D syntactic variables, this master thesis essentially focuses on polyhedrons as 3D isovists to explore the impacts of the sequential volumetric visibility data on human behavior in terms of the spatial decision-making process in the wayfinding and evacuation issues. In this framework, the research discusses the results of a series of wayfinding and evacuation experiments implemented in a virtual building environment consisting of randomly arranged and dimensioned circulation areas. While the evacuation experiments contain legal egress signages at properly designated doors and spots, wayfinding experiments present no signboards. 

On the other hand, the virtual building model is designed with a couple of architectural 3D modeling software and transferred into a simulation environment. The experiments are conducted with forty-four (44) respondents over an online meeting platform. Then, the respondents’ routes and kinesthetic data are retrieved from the experiments, and the correlations between behavioral and syntactic data are investigated. The primary findings demonstrated that participants in the regular exit group tended to be around the zones with higher integration values. In contrast, the signages and volumetric visibility data are highly influential on the emergency exit group when evacuating the building.

Bio:

Graduated from Ted Alanya College high school in 2014. Started studying architecture at Özyeğin University Faculty of Architecture and Design in 2014. Accepted by the Master of Science in Architecture Program of Özyeğin University in 2019. Currently involved in the researches on Space Syntax Theory and Environment-Behavior Studies as a graduate student in architecture and practicing architecture profession as a freelance architect.