Post-occupancy evaluation of road border crossings: The case of Habur Land Port of Entry

In architectural practice, the design process is typically driven by considerations of form, function, and aesthetics. However, the long-term success and adaptability of a building can only be accurately assessed through the systematic evaluation of user experiences and the actual conditions under which the structure operates. In this regard, Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) serves as a critical tool in assessing the performance of architectural spaces once they are in use. POE focuses on analyzing how well a space meets user needs throughout its operational lifecycle. This thesis applies the POE methodology to a specific typology: land ports of entry. These facilities are not merely customs and security checkpoints; they are also the first architectural representations of a country, spaces of diplomatic significance, and functionally complex public environments. Therefore, the architectural design of land ports of entry must address a wide range of criteria, including functionality, security, aesthetics, wayfinding, and technical infrastructure. Accordingly, aspects such as spatial planning, landscape design, and the efficient coordination of vehicle flow are of critical importance. Land ports of entry serve three primary user groups—travelers, drivers, and administrative personnel—and require an orderly and systematic operational structure to ensure that procedures are carried out swiftly and effectively. This thesis investigates the architectural layout of such facilities through a case study of the Habur Land Port of Entry, located at the Turkey-Iraq border, using the POE method. Within the POE study, the site was evaluated in terms of its functional, aesthetic, and technical performance based on user experience. The research methodology incorporated literature review, photographic documentation, site observations, and survey-based data collection. Survey data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The findings from the POE conducted at the Habur Land Port of Entry indicate that, while the current architectural configuration generally meets present-day requirements, the growing volume of trade and passenger traffic necessitates the continuous and systematic reassessment of spatial solutions. Developing more holistic architectural approaches could significantly enhance the overall efficiency of land port operations. According to the survey analysis, the facility demonstrated above-average performance in terms of user satisfaction across aesthetic, functional, and technical dimensions. In conclusion, the architectural design of land ports of entry should be viewed not merely as transitional infrastructures, but as spaces that enhance user comfort, integrate harmoniously with their surroundings, and carry a strong representational value of the nation. This thesis aims to inform future land port of entry designs through the insights obtained from the case of the Habur facility.