Space Syntax Analysis of the Konya Meram AKD Kids Preschool Education Building

Examining the relationship between the spatial uses anticipated during the design phase of preschool education facilities and the patterns that emerge during actual use is important for evaluating design decisions. This study examines the overlaps and differences between design intentions, spatial configuration, and post-occupancy findings at the Konya Meram AKD Kids facility, which was designed specifically for early childhood education and serves children aged 2–5. This exploratory case study, conducted within the framework of a post-occupancy evaluation approach, combines on-site architectural surveys, behavior-mapping-based observations, interviews with educators, and spatial layout analysis. The basement, ground floor, and first floor were modeled separately to calculate isovist area, isovist perimeter, circularity, connectivity, average depth, and integration values. According to the usage findings reported by the principal, the use of niches in classrooms for play and conversation aligns with the goal of creating sub-spaces tailored to children’s scale. It was noted that the inner courtyard, originally designed for natural lighting, has acquired additional functions over time, such as play, storytelling, and exhibitions. Although the inner courtyard stands out in the reported usage distribution, the fact that it is not the activity space with the highest integration value on the basement level points to the limitations of explaining usage solely through the integration ranking. However, the distributions reported in the interview are approximate estimates and do not measure children’s independent spatial preferences. The study presents an approach that evaluates design intentions and usage through site-specific comparisons; it emphasizes that spatial measurements must be interpreted in conjunction with activities and usage conditions. The findings are limited to the sample examined and should be tested comparatively across different preschool building typologies.