Abstract

This study examines the effects of window view on perception of spaciousness, brightness and ultimately, on room satisfaction in a campus building. Eighteen identically sized offices in the three-story Department of Landscape Architecture at Ankara University were chosen for this case study. Within a case study research design, the openness and naturalness characteristics of the window views were assessed by expert reviewers as well as room occupants. Eighteen single-room occupants were interviewed to assess their perceptions of spaciousness, room brightness and satisfaction with rooms and window views. As predicted, the rooms on the upper floor were perceived larger due to expanded open window views, and lower floor rooms were perceived darker. During winter, users in rooms with open and natural window views perceived their rooms larger. Findings revealed that occupants in offices that have more open and natural views rate their room satisfaction more highly. The aim of this investigation is to contribute to the knowledge base needed to design more effective offices and to establish a basis for further research in this area.

Key words: Window view, user satisfaction, natural environment, office space.