Evaluation of Lynch’s Qualities in Image Elements; In Campus Settlement Sample

 

ABSTRACT Legibility in the campus settlement is important for users to find their ways on campus, to make them feel safe and to help them appropriate to the campus. Also a legible campus settlement design strengthens the meaning and identity of the campus. Based upon Lynch's '' The Image of the City'', this study concentrates on the legibility of KTU Kanuni campus as one of the campuses, like cities, that contains numerous functions in itself. It discusses the prominent qualities of the image elements for all grades of students, the difference;or lack there of, on these prominent qualities among different grades of students and whether or not these qulities coincide with the qualities Lynch asserted in his study to guide the designers.This study consists of two parts. The first part reviews the literature on legibility and imageability, Lynch's image elements and his qualities. In second part architecture students are asked to create mental maps of the Kanuni campus and based on these maps, the most effective or strong image elements for all grades of students are determined. Afterwards students are asked to evaluate these qualities by taking a questionnaire. The final section of this study examines and analyses the datas and reach to conclusion.This study will show that even though there are differences in quality because of experience differences among the different grades of students, there are also some common qualities. These common qualities coincide with Lynch's form qualities.