Physical vs virtual: A multi-layered perception experience on memory through historic buildings

Yekta Özgüven; Asena Kumsal Şen Bayram; Nadide Ebru Özkan

doi:10.47818/DRArch.2025.v6i2167

Physical vs virtual: A multi-layered perception experience on memory through historic buildings

Authors

Yekta Özgüven Short Bio Maltepe University

Yekta Özgüven is currently an Assoc. Prof. Dr. at Maltepe University Faculty of Architecture and Design. She received her BArch degree in Architecture (1999), MSc degree (2002) and PhD degree (2009) in Architectural History and Theory Program at Yıldız Technical University (YTU). She worked as a research assistant at YTU between 2002 and 2011. Since 2011, she has been working as a full-time faculty member at Maltepe University, Faculty of Architecture and Design. She is the author or co-author of many research and publications on architectural and urban history, women architects, early Republican Turkish architecture, late Ottoman architecture, and contemporary architectural education.
Asena Kumsal Şen Bayram Short Bio Maltepe University

Asena Kumsal Şen Bayram is currently an Assoc. Prof. Dr. at Maltepe University Faculty of Architecture and Design. She received her BArch degree in Architecture (2007), MSc degree (2009) and PhD degree (2015) in Architectural Design Program at İstanbul Technical University (ITU). Since 2019, she has been working as a full-time faculty member at Maltepe University, Faculty of Architecture and Design. In addition to her works focused on digital design, she continues her architectural design and construction works under in various projects. Her recent studies are about robotics in architecture and alternative materials for design with the information of vernacular/traditional architecture.
Nadide Ebru Özkan Short Bio Maltepe University

Nadide Ebru Özkan is currently an Assoc. Prof. Dr. at Maltepe University Faculty of Architecture and Design. She received her BArch degree in Architecture (2001), MSc degree (2005) and PhD degree (2015) in Surveying and Restoration Program at Yıldız Technical University (YTU). She has held academic positions since 2015. Her recent studies are about conservation of historical buildings and environments, industrial heritage, and architectural geometry.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47818/DRArch.2025.v6i2167

Keywords:

historic buildings, memory, perception, physical experience, virtual reality experience

Abstract

This study investigates the layered relationship between memory and perception through the experience of historic buildings in both physical and virtual environments. Drawing upon theoretical foundations in memory studies and architectural history, the paper aims to explore how architectural elements, spatial perception, and sensory engagement contribute to individual and collective memory formation. The selected case study, Bostancı Primary School building in Istanbul, designed by Mimar (Architect) Kemalettin in the early 20th century, provides a historical context with its architectural and socio-cultural significance. The building has maintained its structural integrity and unique architectural characteristics for years and continues to be used as an educational building today, albeit with a different function. Therefore, it has a strong place in urban memory and provides a strong foundation for exploring the relationship between memory and space through in-situ observations and experiences as a part of daily urban life. The methodology involves a three-phase experiential framework incorporating physical experience (PE), virtual reality experience (VRE), and memory representation through photographs, screenshots, and sketches. Twenty senior architecture students participated in structured experiences within the real and virtual building environments. Data were collected through their drawing of route mapping, image capture, written expressions, and memory sketches. Then they were analysed using a dual thematic framework of Architectural References (AR) and Sensory References (SR), interpreted through episodic and semantic memory models. Findings show that while architectural references were more frequently recalled in both physical and virtual reality environments, VRE yielded higher rates of episodic memory activation due to its ability to eliminate physical barriers and enhance spatial comprehension. Conversely, PE experiences more strongly activated semantic memory, as the embodied tactile nature of physical space provided deeper sensory engagement. Additionally, sketch analyses revealed that participants predominantly recalled historical architectural features, with minimal reference to recent alterations, underscoring the dominance of collective memory imagery over present-day functions. This research contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on memory and perception by proposing a comprehensive model that evaluates how historic buildings are perceived and remembered differently depending on the mode of experience. It also highlights the potential of virtual technologies in architecture by facilitating complex, layered memory engagements beyond physical constraints.

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Published

2025-08-30

How to Cite

Yekta Özgüven, Asena Kumsal Şen Bayram, & Nadide Ebru Özkan. (2025). Physical vs virtual: A multi-layered perception experience on memory through historic buildings. Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning, 6(2), 252–272. https://doi.org/10.47818/DRArch.2025.v6i2167