Building is composed of structural and design elements. In this study, the symbolic meanings of all architectural elements and the relationship between these meanings and the personalities of people were searched. In addition to this, the order of these elements were searched due to their importance and accordingly it was intended to find out the order of importance of the values for people. In the scope of Design and Behavior course, 32 interior architecture students participated to the survey. In the questionnaire, the questions “Order the architectural elements due to their importance. (5 elements)” and “Which one of these elements would you like to be? Why?” were answered. For analyzing the data, content analysis method was used. It was found that foundation was the most important element. Roof, wall, door and window followed this respectively. The answers showed that symbolic meaning with the high percentage of foundation was firmness, it was protection for roof and wall, novelty for door and breathing for window. The students who participated to the survey, wanted to be window (50%) and door (18.8%) at most. Window and door, which were found to be the least important elements, were the elements the participants wanted to be the most. Related to the symbolic meanings of these elements, it was found that the participants wanted to be free, open to novelties, experiences and to be a person who makes someone feel good but at the same time they wanted to be in contro and safe.

Keywords: Architectural elements, Psychology, Symbolism, Association, Meaning