A Discussion on Space Quality in Educational Building (Northern Cyprus)

Space quality in places that learning takes place is an ongoing debate. It can impact on the construction of meaning within education and dynamic of learning. It is suggested that there are different learning goals and expectations and consequently a need for different learning environments. However, result in everyday experience is not always responsive. This study contributes to a navigation of the realities of learning space. It recognizes that the literature may be leaving the profession behind and that for many educators the opportunities of design are merely aspirations. The main aim of this thesis is to test the space quality indicators (Space and Proportion, Functional Spaces, Openings (Size, Proportion, shape, direction and visual access), Flexibility and adaptability, Color and texture, Physical Accessibility, Ergonomic) in two different types of educational buildings in North Cyprus as one of the well-known educational destinations. For this reason, two different types of existing educational buildings selected. One in camps university buildings (Girne American University (GAU)) and the other as converted building to university (University of Mediterranean Karpazia (UMK) as cases. Educational spaces in each of the cases is analyzed and compared. The findings reveal that converted spaces to schools and universities are not providing students’ needs and expectations in most of space quality indicators. On the other hand, although educational spaces in Campus based are designed and equipped to provide and support educational needs however still there are many criteria that literature implied and in professional world they are neglected. iv The result of this case would not be limited to case of Cyprus or selected cases it is kind of precaution to designers, constructors, investors of educational sector and students to advance knowledge regarding this subject and to help them design and build better educational buildings in future. Keywords: Educational Buildings, Space Quality, Northern Cyprus