Investigation of the relationships between the spatial characteristics of design studios and the interaction and communication aspects in the studio environment

Studio courses form the foundation of architectural design education. The design studios where the courses are conducted stand out as environments where theoretical and practical knowledge merge and transform into design, impacting the education of design. Simultaneously, educational spaces are characterized by the usage and behavioral patterns of the students. While the interaction with the space is carried out dynamically during the course in the studio, the interaction between the students and the instructor continues simultaneously. This study aims to examine the effects of the spaces used by architecture and interior architecture students in design studio courses on the following factors: (i) physical characteristics of the space, (ii) space organization, and (iii) education style and in-studio communication/interaction. Additionally, students' opinions about ideal studios were collected and evaluated. A survey was conducted with undergraduate students enrolled in design programs at various universities in Turkey that have architecture and interior architecture departments. The data gathered from the digitally distributed survey were analyzed using descriptive and correlational analyses, yielding insights into the design of educational environments. The findings of this study aim to contribute to improving the physical, spatial, and social conditions in design studios.