Kamusal bir alan olarak otel lobisi: Al-Firdos Meydanı'ndaki Sheraton Ishtar Oteli örneği

This thesis is a study of the hotel lobby as it is perceived in the light of its similarities with the public space in function and significance. The hotel lobby is often considered a miniature version of the public urban space in the city and holds significant importance in hotels. Any building has different types of spaces, divided into public and private spaces. The lobby is one of the important public spaces and nodes in buildings. The present study aims to establish the relationship between the hotel lobby and the public space by examining each individually and identifying their common features. Finding accessible and inviting public spaces can be a challenge. However, the hotel lobby can be viewed as an unexpected urban oasis that exists hidden amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets of the city. Conventionally associated with transient visitors and travelers, hotel lobbies are emerging as vibrant and dynamic urban public spaces that transcend their primary function. Often grand and architecturally appealing, these spaces have evolved beyond mere waiting areas for hotel guests. They have become microcosms of urban life, drawing in a diverse cross-section of the community, including tourists, locals, business professionals, and artists. This transformation is driven by various factors, including design innovations, the need for communal gathering places, and the recognition of these spaces' economic and cultural potential. The thesis not only discusses the physical dimension but also focuses on the nature of the systems that govern the lobby and the philosophical dimension. It aims to know the psychological impact of the nature of this important space in the building on the users or visitors. The thesis will discuss in detail the multifaceted role that hotel lobbies play in our urban landscapes. It will examine how they function as meeting points, culinary destinations, cultural hubs, and even impromptu workplaces. Furthermore, it will highlight the social, economic, and cultural implications of this transformation, shedding light on how hotel lobbies are contributing to the evolution of public spaces in the 21st century. The case study of the present thesis investigates the interconnectedness between the Sheraton Ishtar Hotel lobby and Al-Firdos Square in Baghdad, Iraq. ensuring superior spatial experiences. Through a comprehensive analysis of its layouts and its relationship to the urban context, this study seeks to enhance the overall design and functionality of hotel lobbies.