Measuring the perceptual differences towards to the public spaces of different user groups, lens model example

Architecture is in relation with the normative and positive sciences, as it includes both technical and artistic concepts. Therefore, public spaces, which are products of architecture, should include this diversity. The aim of this study is to investigate how the qualitative and quantitative parameters that should be used while designing the public space reflect on perceptual space readings created by user differences. Space readings are experiences realized through senses and perceptions. Spatial consciousness is formed by evaluating physical components in the light of conceptual components. For this reason, the question "How do we measure perceptual differences in space readings?" constitutes the starting point of the study. This study explains the relationship between perceptual evaluations resulting from spatial stimulation and measurable physical components. The dynamic relationship of space and body, which forms the basis of this relationship, has an important place in determining the perceptual organization. If we define the user as the body that perceives, making the relationship between the body and space visible and examining the interaction between the two forms the main backbone of the study. Within the scope of the study, the problem was defined first and the field of study was limited to certain parameters. Then, the conceptual and descriptive qualities of public space were examined with the literature research. With the concept of perception in the context of perception of space, the perceptual differences formed in the multi-user environment were evaluated to be used in the field study. Finally, in the field study,the perceptual differences of different user groups towards the public space were revealed with the Lens-Model. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the perception of the components that make up the public space differs depending on the user groups. Since this situation is thought to reduce the definition of publicity of the public space, it has been suggested that the developing and differentiating user masses and the descriptive evaluation of the public space should be reconsidered on the scale of semantic differences. Key Words: Public Space, Spatial Perception, Lens-Model Method