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Assessment of Interior Alcoves as Functional Spaces in Public Buildings

Abstract

Interior alcoves are recessed or partially enclosed areas within buildings that can provide additional functional space without requiring a completely separate room. In public buildings, alcoves may serve as waiting areas, informal meeting points, reading spaces, display zones, resting areas, information points, or temporary activity spaces. Despite their potential to support multiple functions, alcoves are sometimes treated as residual spaces with limited consideration during architectural planning. Assessing their functionality is therefore important for improving the effective use of interior space in public buildings. This study assesses interior alcoves as functional spaces in public buildings, focusing on their location, dimensions, accessibility, spatial configuration, and suitability for different activities. The assessment considers alcoves located along corridors, entrance areas, lobbies, circulation zones, and other interior spaces. Attention is given to how these spaces are used by building users and whether their design adequately supports the activities for which they are intended. The study examines architectural characteristics such as alcove depth, width, enclosure, visibility, ceiling height, access, furniture provision, and relationship with adjacent spaces. Well-proportioned alcoves can provide useful extensions to primary spaces while maintaining connection with surrounding activities. However, poorly dimensioned or inaccessible alcoves may become underused areas, obstruct circulation, or provide limited functional value. The relationship between alcove configuration and surrounding movement patterns is therefore considered. Environmental conditions are also examined, including natural and artificial lighting, ventilation, acoustics, thermal comfort, visual privacy, and interior finishes. These factors can influence whether users perceive an alcove as comfortable and appropriate for occupation. The availability of seating, electrical outlets, storage, signage, display surfaces, or other supporting features is also considered according to the intended function of each space. The assessment further considers the flexibility and adaptability of interior alcoves within changing public-building requirements. A well-designed alcove may accommodate different activities throughout the day, allowing buildings to make more efficient use of limited floor area. However, inappropriate furniture, insufficient clearance, poor maintenance, or excessive exposure to circulation traffic may limit usability. Careful planning is therefore required to balance functionality, accessibility, privacy, and efficient movement. The study aims to identify the architectural and environmental characteristics that determine the effectiveness of interior alcoves as functional spaces in public buildings. The findings are expected to contribute to improved spatial planning by demonstrating how seemingly small recessed areas can provide valuable additional functions when appropriately designed. The research may assist architects, interior designers, facility managers, and public-building planners in creating flexible, accessible, comfortable, and purposeful interior spaces.

Keywords: Interior alcoves, public buildings, functional spaces, spatial planning, interior design, space utilization, circulation areas, waiting spaces, flexible spaces, accessibility, spatial configuration, user comfort, architectural planning, public architecture.