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Assessment of Double-Height Spaces in Contemporary Public Buildings

Abstract

Double-height spaces are increasingly incorporated into contemporary public buildings as architectural elements that create visual openness, spatial prominence, and distinctive interior experiences. These spaces, characterized by vertically extended volumes that connect two or more floor levels, are commonly found in entrance halls, atriums, galleries, auditoriums, libraries, and institutional buildings. Their use can influence the perception, functionality, environmental performance, and social character of public buildings. However, the effectiveness of double-height spaces depends largely on how they are integrated with the overall spatial and functional requirements of the building. This study assesses the application of double-height spaces in contemporary public buildings by examining their influence on spatial quality, functionality, circulation, and user experience. It considers how increased vertical volume affects the relationship between different floors, activity areas, and circulation systems. The assessment also investigates the ability of double-height spaces to create visual connections and improve spatial legibility while supporting the functional requirements of different public building types. The study further examines the environmental implications of double-height spaces. Their increased volume can influence daylight distribution, natural ventilation, air movement, thermal conditions, and acoustic performance. In buildings located in warm climates, the vertical arrangement may provide opportunities for stack ventilation and improved air circulation when properly designed. However, excessive volumes may also increase cooling requirements or create thermal stratification, making appropriate environmental control strategies necessary. In addition to environmental considerations, double-height spaces can contribute to the social and aesthetic qualities of public buildings. They can establish welcoming entrances, create focal points, enhance visual communication between floors, and provide spaces for gathering and interaction. The study therefore considers how proportion, material selection, lighting, landscaping, balconies, bridges, and visual connections can be used to strengthen the architectural character and experiential quality of double-height spaces. Despite their potential benefits, double-height spaces present several design challenges, including increased construction costs, maintenance requirements, acoustic control, energy consumption, safety considerations, and difficulties associated with thermal management. Their effectiveness may also vary according to building function, occupancy patterns, climate, and available technological systems. Careful planning is therefore required to ensure that their visual and spatial benefits are balanced against functional, environmental, and economic considerations. The study concludes that double-height spaces can make significant contributions to the functionality, environmental quality, and user experience of contemporary public buildings when appropriately designed and integrated. Their successful application requires consideration of spatial proportion, circulation, daylighting, ventilation, acoustics, thermal comfort, safety, and user interaction. The findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects and building designers seeking to incorporate double-height spaces in ways that enhance both architectural quality and building performance.

Keywords: Double-height spaces, Public buildings, Spatial quality, Vertical volume, User experience, Circulation, Daylighting, Natural ventilation, Thermal comfort, Acoustic performance, Visual connectivity, Social interaction, Contemporary architecture, Interior design.