The effect of restoration and functioning of historical buildings on spatial perception, example of Gaziantep

The space communicates with the user through perception and is in constant interaction. Either or both can change in course of time. Over time, historical buildings are not used for various reasons such as functional invalidity or insufficiency. In this case, the buildings should be given a new function while preserving their original character. In the thesis study, how the user communicates with the spaces conceptually, physically, psychologically and perceptually in the refunctioned historical buildings was investigated, and how the spaces affect the spatial perception with their new function was discussed. The factors determining the spatial perception have been studied over the two inns in Gaziantep, "Bayazhan" and "Hışvahan", which have been transformed with a new function. These buildings, which were used for commercial and accommodation purposes in the period they were built, have been transformed into uses that include various functions in their new function. The same functions given for both buildings were analyzed by comparing them with personal observations made by supporting with photographs through different or similar spatial features. In addition, a survey was conducted to determine the spatial perception for various users, and the findings were analyzed using two different methods. As a result of the observations and the survey, the positive and negative aspects affecting the spatial perception for these two historical buildings, which are used with the new function, were discussed and suggestions were made on the improvements that could be made.