A multi-method approach to the analysis of pedestrian mobility in campus morphology: The case of Yozgat Bozok University central campus

This thesis seeks to answer the question, 'How does the morphological structure of Yozgat Bozok University Erdoğan Akdağ Campus affect users' orientation behaviour and spatial perception?' Its theoretical framework is based on a combined reading of Henri Lefebvre's tripartite theory of space and Kevin Lynch's model of the city image. The originality of the study lies in its simultaneous measurement of the 'designed, perceived, and experienced' spatial layers by integrating Space Syntax analysis, POE (Post-Occupancy Evaluation), cognitive maps, and heat maps obtained from Unity-based digital simulations within the same analytical framework. Two opposing hypotheses were initially proposed: H₀ posits that there is no meaningful relationship between axes with high integration and connectivity values and users' actual routes; H₁ assumes that these axes align with both the pedestrian routes recorded in the digital simulation and the orientation structures emerging in cognitive maps. Analyses supported H₁ (Research Hypothesis) and invalidated H₀ (Null Hypothesis) by revealing that the cafeteria–library–conference axis produced the highest integration value (mean 2.21) and the heaviest pedestrian traffic (38%) in the simulation. Additionally, POE results showed that wayfinding was generally perceived as 'moderately easy,' but that deficiencies in housing–academic connections, night lighting, and security concerns reduced satisfaction. The findings prove that the campus's potential largely aligns with user preferences, providing a basis for data-driven design recommendations such as strengthening pedestrian infrastructure, developing micromobility, and creating social attraction hubs in low-integration areas. Although single-term data collection and a student-heavy sample limit generalisability, the proposed methodology provides a unique contribution to the literature on sustainable and user-centred campus design.