Evaluation of architectural design studios in terms of physical variables

Architectural design studios are the symbol and sharing places of the architectural education. These places have a particular importance in architectural education as they are the places where design alternatives are tested in schools of architecture and they are the environments where design problems are mostly discussed. In this context, design studios as effective communication environments are expected; • to fulfil the requirements of users, • to motivate people to work, • to allow a healthy student-teacher interaction. Physical variables play an important role in fulfilling the requirements of this place. With this aim, a field study has been conducted in order to evaluate the physical conditions of Architectural Design Studios of Department of Architecture of Cukurova University, Dokuz Eylul University, Gazi University, Karadeniz Technical University and Yildiz Technical University and these places. Within the scope of the thesis, accessibility, size of space, noise, air conditioning, light, colour, layout, equipment and condition of feeling safe have been investigated in terms of physical variables. In addition, physical variables of the studios have been analysed by using the data obtained from the surveys on architecture students, the simple observations made in physical spaces and the focus group discussions with lecturers. The results of this study are expected to provide a source for design studios.