THE EFFECT OF ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION ON SPATIAL ABILITIES

Mesut DURAL; Ufuk DOGRUSOZ; Rifat Gökhan KOCYIGIT

doi:10.29105/contexto20.32-576

Authors

Mesut DURAL Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9283-259X
Ufuk DOGRUSOZ Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9748-7913
Rifat Gökhan KOCYIGIT Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29105/contexto20.32-576

Keywords:

architectural education, spatial perception, mental imaging

Abstract

Abstract

This study aims to investigate how architectural education influences the development of spatial abilities. It specifically examines whether architectural education enhances spatial abilities and how performance differences between high-achieving and low-achieving students evolve when exposed to the same training. A correlational method with a single-group, pre-test-post-test design was used. This approach measured the spatial ability development of the same sample group (n=264) over a training period. Participants, selected through convenience sampling and quota sampling methods, were administered a spatial ability test at the beginning of their architectural education and again at the end of the first semester to evaluate the educational impact on spatial abilities. Comparing the initial and final tests revealed a statistically significant improvement in spatial ability (µPre-test=18.83, µPost-test=22.56, p=0.00). Students with lower pre-test scores exhibited greater improvements than those with higher initial scores. Correlation analysis between pre-test scores and score increases revealed a strong, inverse relationship (R=-0.523, Sig=0.000). A visual graph categorizing students into five groups based on pre-test success demonstrated the same trend. This study provides novel insights into how architectural education enhances spatial abilities, specifically focusing on the contribution to the development of the mental rotation component, which has not been addressed in previous studies.

Keywords: Architectural education, Spatial ability, Mental rotation, Cognitive development.

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