Effects of hospital circulation spaces on users: case of Suleyman Demirel University Hospital

Hospitals are complicated buildings and space allocation is important. Wrong space allocation makes space usage difficult in terms of social and functional perspective as well as it causes economic loose. Paths preferred by users, user selected spaces and all dynamic and static movements are important parameters of measurements and evaluation of spaces.When hospitals are considered, the situation become more difficult and users are affected negatively. In recent literature, studies on hospitals are about perceived quality and quality of care. In this study, social side of space configuration is analyzed and positive quantitative data is provided. The case study is accomplished in the Suleyman Demirel University Research Hospital on ground and first floor. Space syntax and visibility graph analysis are utilized. Components of both analyses are compared with space usage patterns (natural movement and explatory movement). Natural movement patterns are gathered by counting of users in circulation areas. Explatory movement patterns are gathered by certain users are given duty to find certain target spaces. The study is also supported by cognitive practice by subjects.As a result, users have been affected by global and local features of space but local features are found most effective. Information gathered from visibility graph analysis of space, also affects global interaction of space. Accesibility is important for perception of space but every accessible point is not perceived. Visual information is important in locality. The outcomes of this study can be used in new hospital designs and refurbishments of existing hospitals.