No abstract

We were consulted to respond to complaints from library users regarding the lack of workspace in a university library hall during busy periods. A behavior mapping study and a survey involving 78 students suggested that the tables in the library hall were used inefficiently, mainly due to a need for territorial markers. Accordingly, we proposed the design and use of new tables that provided dividers (among other improvements), and this design was implemented by the university administration. Follow-up research with 86 students indicated that the design improvements not only led to changes in seating preference trends toward more efficient use of the study hall, but also increased user satisfaction.

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the association of neighborhood location with place attachment and residential satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach First, the authors reviewed the literature on place attachment and residential satisfaction, and then generated a questionnaire based on the scales from the literature. The authors surveyed 135 respondents in two neighborhoods of Ankara, a metropolitan city in Turkey: one in the city center, the other in a suburb. To analyze the data, first, factor analysis, and later, multivariate analysis of variance and correlation tests were conducted. Findings The results indicated that place attachment and residential satisfaction were positively correlated, in congruence with the related literature; however, neighborhood location appeared to be associated only with residential satisfaction. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed with respect to the recent issues on housing. Originality/value The effects of neighborhood location on place attachment and residential satisfaction (by comparing two different residential areas of the city) have not been adequately examined in earlier studies. The study results provide an understanding of the effectiveness of residential location on improving place attachment and residential satisfaction and contribute to the existing literature. Although the study findings may not be generalized to other locations in Turkey, this study contributed to the previous studies on place attachment and residential satisfaction by providing data from Turkish residents, which is less often examined.

ABSTRACT. In this paper, the authors aim to (a) explore attitudes toward and preferences for living in the newly emerging place type of assisted living facilities in comparison to nursing homes, and (b) assess the possible impact of familiarity on those attitudes and preferences. Ninety-eight respondents (with a mean age of 62) were surveyed. Respondents were found to be more favorable toward assisted living facilities than nursing homes. A three-factor model was proposed in which attitudes mediated between familiarity and preferences. Increased familiarity seemed to predict enhanced favorable attitudes in the case of assisted living facilities, as opposed to unfavorable attitudes in the case of nursing homes. However, positive attitudes seemed to predict preferences for living in either place type. Results are discussed with regards to the literature on the mere exposure effect and long-term care for older adults.

The authors present the results of a case study conducted at the Sadberk Hanim Museum in Istanbul, which explored the relationship between gender and locality (being a native resident or foreign tourist) of visitors and their circulation behavior. Results indicated that visitor characteristics, particularly locality, had a significant impact on range and duration of circulation, but not on general patterns of route selection, such as the right-turn bias. Results are discussed with respect to the related literature