The spatial perception effects of café designs on users: The case of Dudu firin-kahve in Konya

Today, coffee shops have become public interior spaces that go beyond being mere consumption areas; they stand out with their multidimensional functions such as socializing, relaxing, experiencing, and aesthetic satisfaction. In this context, the relationship between users' perception of a space and the physical elements used in interior design constitutes an important research area in the discipline of interior architecture. This thesis aims to evaluate the effects of coffee shops on user preferences in terms of spatial and visual perception components. The coffee space named "Dudu Fırın-Kahve" located in the Karatay district of Konya province was selected as the sample for the research. The space was chosen because it is located at an important point within Konya's historical environment, it forms a unity with its surroundings, it is heavily preferred by users, and it was directly involved in the design process. The thesis analyzes how the physical characteristics of the space (design parameters such as form, proportion, texture, color, and light) are reflected in user perception. As a method, the spatial analysis of the existing space was first conducted using on-site observation, identification, photography, and drawing techniques. Subsequently, a quantitative research approach was adopted to test the hypotheses formulated in line with the research objectives; the Dudu Bakery-Coffee space was evaluated through a survey based on spatial perception parameters (shape/form, proportion/measure, material/texture, color, light/illumination, heat, sound, and smell). A face-to-face survey was conducted with 388 people who used the space, and the data obtained was analyzed using SPSS software. The findings revealed that users' spatial perceptions are directly related to the physical design components of space. It was found that interior design decisions, especially in concept spaces, play a decisive role in user satisfaction and preferences. The study highlights the importance of structuring design decisions with a user-centered approach and provides data that can contribute to the field of interior design.