Hybrid space use experiences of university campuses: The example of Eskişehir Technical University

This study examines the impacts of crisis situation on spatial experiences and usage, revealing how these periods profoundly influence both social interaction patterns and the functionality of spaces. The transformations prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the relocation of social, cultural, and academic practices within university campuses to digital platforms, necessitating a reevaluation of the functionality of these spaces. University campuses, with their physical and social amenities, are areas where alternative spatial arrangements become essential during crises. This research provides a detailed analysis of the spatial transformations of university campuses in times of crisis and the effects of these changes on user experiences. It aims to understand how crisis periods shape spatial experiences, specifically offering new perspectives on hybrid space usage, where physical and virtual interactions can coexist. Crisis periods, by requiring both physical and virtual forms of interaction, introduce distinct experiential domains, enriching individuals' social, cultural, and academic practices with new dynamics. In this context, the study explores the shifts in social interactions and the evolution of spatial arrangements within university campuses, analyzing these processes deeply from the student perspective. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach is employed as the research methodology. Using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, students' spatial usage experiences are comprehensively investigated through surveys and semi-structured interviews. The qualitative data obtained are analyzed through content analysis using the MAXQDA software, while descriptive statistics are generated through the SPSS program. Based on the findings, this study offers concrete suggestions for spatial arrangements aimed at enhancing the flexibility and resilience of university campuses to better withstand potential future crises.