| Title |
The Effects of Spatial Configurational Characterisitics on Social Interaction in a University Library Reading Room |
| Authors |
유우상(Yoo, Uoo-Sang) ; 김지후(Kim, Ji-Hoo) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.2.227 |
| Keywords |
University Library; Reading Room; Seating Arrangement; Social Interation; Affordance Theory; User Behavior |
| Abstract |
This study examines how the spatial configuration of seating in a university library reading room affects users’ social interactions, drawing
on affordance theory to support the design of collaborative learning environments. Seating in the reading room was classified into five types
based on arrangement style and the degree of territorial partitioning. The affordance characteristics of each seating type were then compared
with actual user behavior through surveys and behavioral observation. The survey results indicate a strong relationship between the perceived
affordances of seating types and observed user behavior. Seating arranged in a face-to-face configuration demonstrates high social affordance,
and behavioral observations show that social interaction occurs most actively in layouts centered on face-to-face arrangements. In addition,
spatial partitioning enhances social affordance by supporting territorial occupation and reducing external visual intrusion, which strengthens
interaction within groups. These findings empirically demonstrate that physical seating cues play a critical role in shaping users’ perceptions
of social affordances and guiding their behavior. The results provide foundational evidence for designing future libraries and public learning
environments that encourage social interaction. |