The Effect of Spatial Configuration of Student Dormitories on the Students’ Space Preferences

Today, universities play a key role in the development and excellence of the society, meaning that many societies are taking steps to elevate the quality and quantity of higher education institutions. An important issue for the development of these centers is the importance of amenities and, above all, the provision of accommodation for students (dormitories). Therefore, it seems that evaluating residents’ satisfaction in dormitory spaces with regard to spatial configuration can be useful in improving the quality of life for students. Therefore, this research explains a method for determining the effect of spatial configuration of student dormitories on students’ spatial preferences and their satisfaction. Assessment of student satisfaction in dormitory spaces can be useful in improving the quality of students’ life environment. Hence, many studies have been done to assess satisfaction. One of the most effective indicators of satisfaction is the physical environment in which the spatial configuration is a main component of the physical environment. The syntax of space can be divided into three concepts: convex space, field of view, and axial line. These concepts are linear when it comes to research on motion, and when the subject of research is social interactions. Convex spaces are visible areas when the subject of the study is complex patterns of behavior. On the other hand, satisfaction from the built environment, especially when the length of stay is prolonged, is very important. Student dormitories are also a place where students stay for a long time, considering the conditions of the course. Therefore, their satisfaction with the temporary environment of their life is important. For this reason, many researchers have researched the students’ satisfaction with the dormitory space, which will be discussed further. The purpose of this article is to explain a method for determining the effect of spatial configuration of student dormitories on students’ space preferences and their satisfaction. In this study, two blocks of dormitory, which differ in terms of spatial configurations, were selected. Then, these two blocks were simulated in the space syntax software, based on the shape of the spatial arrangement and its distinction from the configuration point of view. In the next step, a series of spatial layout indicators that could be effective on students’ spatial desirability were evaluated. Subsequently, to find the effect of the spatial configuration of the dormitory on the spatial desirability and satisfaction of the students, two blocks were analyzed by the space syntax through field research and questionnaire (so that the questions directly influenced the effects of the syntax of space on the students’ spatial desirability Measure). Finally, the similarity and dissimilarity of the results show the research hypothesis that the spatial configuration of student dormitories is adapted to the students’ spatial preferences. To achieve this, in the first stage, two types of dormitory blocks (Shahid Beheshti Girls’ Dormitory) that were different from the spatial configuration (Block 5, Linear Shape and Block 6, Apartment) were first selected. Then, two blocks in terms of spatial configuration were evaluated by UCL Depth map space software for specifications, depth, field of view and compaction of the field of view. In the next step and the second stage, according to the characteristics, a questionnaire (Block 5, Linear, 160 questionnaires and 6 blocks, residential, 65 questionnaires) was prepared for the dormitory and then evaluated furtherly. At the end, in order to see the compatibility, the results of the two stages were compared and showed that there is a compatibility between the spatial configuration of the student dormitories and the students’ spatial preferences and their satisfaction. According to the above points, the proposed methodology has been confirmed in some way to understand the spatial configuration and spatial preferences of students in the dormitory, and its compatibility has been proved with the main purpose of this research. The results of this study showed that three factors of depth, access (physical and visual) and spatial hierarchy influenced the spatial configuration of dormitories. The results reveal that living in dormitories is more desirable for students than linear dormitories. In the next stage, this study suggests that the relationship between the personal and personality characteristics of students in their process of understanding the spatial layout of student dormitories in the form of satisfaction concepts can be considered as an independent research in the continuation of this paper.