Campus Open Spaces Research Articles

Sustainability Optimization Method of Built Environment with Integrated Physical Environment and Virtual Perception Simulation: A Case Study of Campus Open Space

High-quality built environments significantly enhance residents’ health, urban livability, and sustainability. However, the lack of precise pre-evaluation of designs and user perceptions during the design phase often results in suboptimal improvements. This study proposes a method for evaluating and optimizing design schemes based on multidimensional physical environment simulations and virtual perception, using a university campus as a case study. Initially, we establish simulation models for sound, wind, thermal, and light environments and analyze the current state of virtual perception in the campus environment. Subsequently, we integrate the evaluation results of the physical environment and virtual perception to identify three priority intervention areas and develop corresponding design strategies. Finally, we reapply the method for pre-evaluation of the design schemes and further optimize the designs. The results show that the optimized schemes receive positive feedback in virtual perception evaluations. This study leverages the combined use of multidimensional physical environment simulations and VR technology to create an immersive virtual environment with measurable physical perception experiences, providing a new approach for guiding the sustainability of built environments.

Comparative analysis of visual-thermal perceptions and emotional responses in outdoor open spaces: Impacts of look-up vs. look-forward viewing perspectives.

Horizontal and vertical viewing perspectives exert varying influences on the environmental perceptions and emotional states of college students. Despite this, scant research addresses the impact on this demographic. We selected typical campus open spaces for comprehensive physical parameter assessments, encompassing meteorological and spatial characteristics. A cohort of 36 healthy college students participated in a questionnaire survey designed to ascertain shifts in visual comfort, thermal comfort, and emotional responses when viewing landscapes in look-forward and look-up orientations. Key findings following both viewing modalities included: 1) a notable rise in mean visual comfort vote (MVCV), by 1.22 for look-forward and 1.01 for look-up, with a pronouncedly higher sunlight sensation vote (SSV) for the latter orientation; 2) a significant increase in thermal comfort vote (TCV), although the difference in increments between the two viewing angles was minimal; 3) Positive affect (PA) exhibited considerable improvement in both viewing conditions, while negative affect (NA) was markedly reduced in the look-up condition relative to look-forward viewing; 4) The SSV was predominantly influenced by the trunk ratio and canopy-to-trunk ratio, with substantial weights of 31.47% and 32.15%, respectively. Landscape element diversity emerged as the most critical factor affecting visual comfort vote (VCV) and aesthetic assessment score (AAS), with overwhelming weights of 70.67% and 63.15%, respectively. Moreover, the leaf ratio was identified as the chief determinant of emotional responses. Our results provide insights into the design of campus spaces for enhanced student well-being.

Toward a framework for the design of fair shared open spaces case study: Effat University, Jeddah

PurposeThis research aims to shed light on the utilization of open spaces at Effat University through a gender lens. By eliminating gender segregation, the study seeks to examine how these spaces are equitably shared between genders, while also delving into the realm of gender sensitive urban design (GSUD). Furthermore, the research strives to gain valuable insights into the experiences of female students in open spaces to propose a framework for the design of fair shared open spaces.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve these objectives, a multi-faceted approach was adopted. First, the research started by reviewing the literature about gender sensitive urban design and inclusive urban design to conclude the indicators examine how open spaces are shared fairly between both genders; second, an online questionnaire was administered to gather comprehensive data. Third, meticulous observations were conducted, involving the study, analysis and mapping of students' activities using maps and photos. Lastly, a walk shop was organized, with a focus group comprising of female participants. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS descriptive statistics and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, enabling the identification of key patterns and evaluating female students' satisfaction levels.FindingsThe findings unearth a distinctive perspective on the perception and needs of females within a unique subset of open spaces, referred to as “campus open spaces,” in the context of a gender sensitive urban design. This exploration provides valuable insights into the intricacies of gender dynamics within public spaces, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable environment for all individuals at Effat University, framework shows some of significant indicators that effect on other indicators strongly as sense of safety and security and the diversity of activities that increase visiting rates, sense of belonging.Originality/valueThis research presents a framework aimed at improving the concept of equitable and inclusive, open spaces, particularly on campuses within significant communities like KSA. The focus is on creating fair shared places that facilitate interaction and cater to the social and cultural needs of students, with a particular emphasis on supporting female students. By enhancing their sense of belonging and addressing their unique requirements, this framework aims to positively impact their academic performance while fostering an inclusive and engaging campus environment.

Comparative literature review of student preferences and activity patterns on the use of campus open space before and during The Covid-19 Pandemic at the ITB Ganesha Campus

A campus is a place where students can spend most of their time. There are various activities carried out both academic and non-academic, for self-development and positive socialization. Campus open space is one area that can accommodate these activities. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on the loss of various activities on campus. After the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic began to diminish, campus activities have slowly started to becarried out again offline, including activities in campus open spaces. Therefore, it is necessary to review the possibility of changes to preferences and activity patterns in campus open spaces related to the limitations of joint activities as a form of prevention of transmission during the Covid-19 Pandemic. This article would like to review various literature studies related to preferences for the use of open spaces and student activity patterns before the onset of Covid-19, including literature studies related to landscape elements that form spaces that can support student activities in open spaces. This article also reviews the literature on changes in the use of open spaces during the Covid-19 pandemic which was influenced by activity restrictions from the application of strict health protocols.

Comparing avians diversity between two university in Indonesia

IPB University and the University of Indonesia (UI) are two of the many campuses in Indonesia that take part in the UIgreenmetric ranking every year. In 2018, The two campuses were ranked in the top two of UIgreenmetric for national campuses and were committed to going to green campus. This study is important because the campus area in both universities is an area used by students as a place to study, the location of field practicums and research. Besides that, this research can be used as a reference for evaluating and improving environmental conditions at each campus. This study aims to compare the avian diversity on both campuses. Avian data was conducted at the green campus open space using the Ten Species List of MacKinnon and Variable Circular Plot Method. The observation was recorded every morning and afternoon with repetition. The comparison of bird species diversity between IPB Darmaga Campus and UI Depok Campus is included in the same classification, namely the moderate. The higher the number, the higher the species diversity classification. Still, the diversity value is higher in IPB Darmaga Campus at 2.7 compared to UI Depok Campus, which is 2.3.

Thermal Comfort Analysis Study At The Faculty Of Sports Science, Cenderawasih University, Jayapura-Papua

The area of the Faculty of Sports Science, University of Cenderawasih is the embodiment of Campus Open Space that must consider comfort for the needs of local users. This area consists of lecture buildings, entrepreneurship buildings, football stadiums, as well as several sports arenas such as volleyball, futsal, basketball, tennis and badminton arenas. The Campus of the Faculty of Sports Science has an area of 5 hectares in which there is open space. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of comfort in campus open spaces through measurements of air temperature, air humidity, wind speed influenced by land cover (vegetation, pavement, water elements and building orientation) in the campus environment. The theme of the study is the Comfort Zone which focuses on user comfort to achieve the goal or criteria of thermal comfort of the environment based on the placement of space and human activities in the campus landscape. This research method uses quantitative descriptive methods. Observations were made in several locations on campus open spaces by purposive sampling on each different land cover characteristic using quantitative methods to obtain the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) value. The results showed that uncomfortable locations according to THI value standards were in all locations due to the use of pavement materials that did not absorb heat or vegetation that grew not optimally. This research shows that the presence of vegetation that shades a location can have an impact on decreasing air temperature in that location.

COMBINED EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ELEMENTS ON THE PERCEPTION AND COMFORT OF URBAN PUBLIC OPEN SPACE USERS: A UNIVERSITY CAMPUS CASE

Aim: This study examines the effects of urban public spaces, which have physical environmental elements (heat, light, sound, etc.) that vary according to seasons and time of day, on the environmental assessments and quality of life of city residents. Objectively and subjectively investigating the combined effects of such multiple physical environmental elements on people's environmental perception and thermal, auditory, visual and general comfort can make significant contributions to the design and application fields. Method: The study is based on a field study conducted in two open areas with different physical environmental elements on a university campus in Eskişehir. In this context, the difference between objective parameters of various physical environmental elements on the campus (temperature, humidity, sound pressure level, brightness level, etc.) and subjective evaluations obtained from surveys about users' perception and comfort of the physical environment (thermal, auditory, visual and general comfort evaluations). The relationship was examined with statistical analysis. Results: Research results show that horizontal-vertical brightness level, temperature, relative humidity and sky visibility have a significant effect on general comfort. However, the effect and type of effect of sound pressure level and wind speed on general comfort have not been determined. Conclusion: As design input, overhead cover elements and mobile seating units are recommended as improvement strategies that can be developed to increase the general comfort level of campus open spaces. This study can provide valuable guidance in the design and management of urban public spaces.

Effects of Acoustic Perception on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Campus Open Spaces in China’s Cold Region

To explore the effects of acoustic perception on outdoor thermal comfort, acoustic perception in five typical open spaces in a campus in China’s cold region with common soundscapes was evaluated by using meteorological measures, sound level devices, and a questionnaire survey. Eight adjectives were used to evaluate an individual’s acoustic perception, and the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) was selected as a thermal index. The correlations between acoustic perception and thermal comfort in these typical open spaces were further analyzed. We demonstrated that: (1) Acoustic sensation and comfort varied significantly among sound types (STPs). Respondents reported pleasant perceptions of broadcasting music, running water and birdsong, and wind (a gentle breeze) and insects. (2) Although there was no significant difference in the thermal sensation vote (TSV), we found large differences in the thermal comfort vote (TCV) among STPs. (3) The respondents’ neutral PET (NPET) varied among STPs. In autumn, the ranked order of NPET was machines > running water and birdsong > crowds > broadcasting music > wind (a gentle breeze) and insects. In winter, the order of the NPET was machines > wind (a gentle breeze) and insects > crowds > broadcasting music > running water and birdsong. (4) When people perceived “acoustic comfort”, their TSV improved, and vice versa.

A Spatial Adaptation Strategy for Safe Campus Open Spaces during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Korea University.

Open spaces on campus offer various opportunities for students. However, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected students’ comfort when occupying open spaces on campus. The purpose of this study is to investigate possible spatial adaptation strategies for safe campus open spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this research, a case study was conducted using a mixed methodology with behavioral mapping that investigated students’ perceptions at Korea University, Seoul, Korea. A qualitative approach was first conducted with behavioral mapping; the results show that despite some behavioral and spatial changes, people still occupy open spaces on campus for various meaningful activities. A quantitative approach with structural equation modeling (SEM) was also conducted to understand the required spatial modifications to improve the safety of open spaces on campus. The positive correlation between (i) social distancing measures, (ii) health protocols, and (iii) accessibility and occupational comfort with (iv) individuals’ fear of COVID-19 as a positive moderation are the four hypotheses proposed in this study. The results suggest that social distancing measures have no correlation with occupational comfort, while accessibility has the largest positive correlation. Suggestions are presented for providing accessible and equally distributed open spaces on campus to avoid overcrowding. Spatial health protocols are also found to positively correlate with occupational comfort, and the perception of the severity of COVID-19 strengthens this correlation. Tangible physical measures to prevent the spread of the virus are necessary to improve students’ sense of comfort and safety in open spaces on campus.

Effects of Acoustic Perception on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Campus Open Spaces in China's Cold Region

Effects of Acoustic Perception on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Campus Open Spaces in China's Cold Region

Measuring place satisfaction by university campus open space attributes

Measuring place satisfaction by university campus open space attributes

Combined effects of visual-acoustic-thermal comfort in campus open spaces: A pilot study in China's cold region

To investigate the combined effects of thermal, acoustic and visual comfort in open spaces, this study selected five typical spaces on a university campus with five common sounds (broadcasting music, running water & birdsong, wind (a gentle breeze) & insects, crowds, and machines) in a cold region of China. 418 volunteers were asked to complete a subjective sensory questionnaire in a randomly combined audio-visual environment while meteorological measures were taken on-site. Four primary outcomes emerged. First, broadcasting music improved individual subjective thermal comfort votes (TCV). Under the moderate heat stress (0.5 ≤ thermal sensation vote [TSV] ＜ 2.5), a comfortable acoustic environment helped reduce individuals' subjective TSV and increase TCV. Second, the subjective acoustic comfort vote (ACV) of broadcasting music, wind & insect sound and machine noise decreased with the increase of Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI); respondents perceived crowds, machines and wind & insects louder when TCV = 2 and −2. Third, under no thermal stress (−0.5 ≤ TSV ＜ 0.5)/moderate heat stress (0.5 ≤ TSV ＜ 2.5), TSV increased with increasing illumination intensity (LUX). Under the strong heat stress (2.5 ≤ TSV ≤ 3), there was no significant difference in TCV among subjective visual comfort vote (VCV) levels. Finally, when the LUX class was neutral/slightly bright, respondents felt darker in thermo-neutrality. Additionally, VCV and TCV were positively correlated under each LUX class.

Towards Meaningful University Space: Perceptions of the Quality of Open Spaces for Students

This study investigated students’ attitudes towards the use of outdoor open space in universities, identifying the most comfortable conditions and favourable factors, including urban layout, physical features, and outdoor thermal conditions, as well as the students’ needs and behaviour. A quasi-experiment was used to assess the quality of the outdoor spaces. Three outdoor open spaces on the university’s campus were used for the case study. A spatial analysis employing space syntax was used to determine the integration, agent, and connection factors. For the microclimate conditions, simulations were conducted. The students’ actions were recorded, and a questionnaire concerning their preferences was disseminated. According to the respondents, the key advantages of campus open spaces are that they provide places in which to socialise and rest and to pass by. The data revealed a correlation between microclimate conditions and the use of outdoor spaces. However, the students use outdoor venues even in unfavourable microclimates. The visual factor and spatial configuration of the site have a significant impact on the use of open spaces; hence, visibility is an important feature in campus layouts. This study established a baseline of data to integrate social and contextual factors for the creation of meaningful spaces in universities.

The Interrelationship Between Restorative Environments and Visual Preferences in University Campus Landscapes

Educational settings are considered some of the most mentally depleting environments since they require high concentration, creativity, and efficiency. University campuses clearly portray these environments. Therefore, there is an immense need for campus settings where users can take outdoor breaks to restore and redirect their attention. Well-designed outdoor landscapes can have restorative effects on users, and in turn increase their concentration and overall productivity. This interdisciplinary research explores key literature on restorative concepts and visual preferences from the field of environmental psychology. It also examines the restorative campus landscape character from an urban design perspective. However, there are no coherent frameworks that correlate the three dimensions: restorative landscape design concepts, visual landscape preferences, and appropriate campus planning strategies. Therefore, the research summarizes the key literature findings, and merges the three parameters into a comprehensive assessment tool designed explicitly for university campuses. The paper concludes with a proposed tool (framework) that can provide guidelines to help landscape architects and planners to design restorative campus open spaces and recognize their insufficiencies.

Towards a Greener University: Perceptions of Landscape Services in Campus Open Space

Universities are showing a growing interest in becoming green institutions and improving campus open space management. Well-designed urban landscapes guided by green criteria integrate eco-friendly infrastructure which may be effective in facing urban challenges in the context of climate change. Student preferences and uses of campus outdoor environment should draw the attention of campus landscape planners. This study aims to analyse how the university community perceives landscape services provided by the Spanish Universitat Politècnica de València’s campus open space. An online questionnaire was sent to the university community to check its opinions, level of satisfaction, and their demands related to the current situation of the outdoor areas. Campus open spaces with different urban green infrastructure have a high potential to provide cultural, provisioning, and regulation landscape services. Respondents perceive the main benefits provided by campus open spaces to be that they are a place to relax, meet friends, and pass through. Their needs related to the welfare of outdoor areas and their preferences differ according to age, occupation, and time spent at the campus. This paper intends to help the university to meet environmental guidelines and to help other universities in their endeavour to reach sustainability and ensure the university community’s well-being.

Summertime physiological and thermal responses among activity levels in campus outdoor spaces in a humid subtropical city

We identified physiological and thermal responses to different activity levels on a campus during summertime in Xi'an, a humid subtropical city in China. Physiological responses and thermal comfort of 54 healthy college students while undertaking different physical activities (light, moderate and vigorous intensities) in six campus open spaces were investigated using meteorological measures, longitudinal questionnaire surveys and physiological parameters. Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) were chosen as the thermal indices, while blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and skin temperature (ST) were selected as physiological evaluation measures. Results demonstrated that: 1) Types and proportions of thermal symptoms were positively related to outdoor spatial characteristics and physical activity levels. The proportion of thermal discomfort increased 33, 50 and 83% as activity intensities increased from light through moderate to vigorous. 2) BP and HR reflected human activity levels. HR clearly represented metabolic trends. 3) ST accurately represented physiological responses among spaces across activity levels. However, mean skin temperature (MST) was poorly related to thermal sensation vote (TSV). 4) As activity intensity ranged from light through moderate to vigorous, neutral UTCI declined by 27.6 °C, 25.6 °C, 22.0 °C, and neutral PET declined by 26.1 °C, 22.1 °C, 11.9 °C. 5) Outdoor spaces shaded by trees or pavilions were more comfortable for outdoor activities than these with low or middle SVF during summer.

WALKABILITY FACTORS FOR A CAMPUS STREET

It has been reported that translating walkability is complicated, particularly the execution of its theory in planning practices. This study untangled the queries by presenting factors that makes campus interesting, walkable, and more importantly to be characterised as ‘pedestrian friendly campus’. For this purpose, campus street walkability factors were analysed using factor analysis to find out the most significant measures of street walkability in the campus and its underlying items. All data has been run through SPSS beforehand and have met the assumption required for factor analysis that were formulated with the sample size of 500 respondents. The result from the study reveals that walkability factors of the campus were gratified from four significant factors that are classified as comfort, connectivity, safety and accessibility. The study reveals that proper streetscape design uncovers various potentials of the streets in forming part of a successful campus open space in the future. Moreover, the empirical findings in this research have provided a new understanding of the street function. Aside from functioning as space connectors, the streets offer broader opportunities for various pedestrian activities, which consists of passive and active activities that would contribute to the students’ social and physical enhancement.

Cross-cultural differences in thermal comfort in campus open spaces: A longitudinal field survey in China's cold region

This study aims to identify outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) differences between two ethnic groups (Chinese (CG) and Pakistani (PG)) with different thermal perception and thermal adaption backgrounds on a campus in Xi'an, a city in the cold region of China. A thermal comfort questionnaire was conducted simultaneous with meteorological measurements in five typical campus open spaces during winter, spring and summer. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) was approximated as a thermal index to detect differences between CG and PG at a neutral temperature, neutral temperature range, preferred temperature, thermal acceptability range and thermal adaptation behaviors. Results demonstrated that: (1) Clothing insulation of PG was lower than that of CG among seasons. (2) The globe temperature (Tg) was the primary correlate of thermal comfort for both groups (ρCG = 0.866 and ρPG = 0.744). (3) The neutral UTCI of PG (22.4 °C) was higher than that of CG (20.4 °C). The preferred UTCI of PG (19.8 °C) was 3.5 °C lower than that of CG (23.3 °C). The neutral UTCI range of PG (16.2–28.6 °C) was higher and wider compared to that of CG (15.1–25.7 °C). (4) The thermal acceptability range of PG (12.9–28.9 °C) was wider than that of CG (15.8–28.5 °C). (5) PG managed thermal discomfort with clothing and hot/cold drinks as appropriate, while CG preferred changing location and appropriate clothing. Our results show that cross-cultural differences in thermal comfort should affect recommendations for open spaces design on multicultural campuses in China's cold region.

Design toolkits for campus open spaces from post-occupancy evaluations of federal universities in South-west Nigeria

PurposeParticipatory design strategy through post-occupancy evaluation of built assets is a feedback mechanism into the design process. This paper draws upon a wider empirical study that aims at evaluating the University Campus Open Spaces (UCOS) of six federal universities in South-west Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to generate evidence-based design toolkits for UCOS towards spanning of disconnects between designers and users thereby revisiting and revitalizing their design criteria.Design/methodology/approachA sample (n=3,016) of users was drawn in a cross-sectional survey through stratified random method. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire in multiple choice and Likert-type scales. The data obtained were subjected to statistical techniques.FindingsResults show that males use the UCOS for active and passive recreation than females. The UCOS are male dominated because the females have higher concerns for lack of safety and inclement weather. Both genders have equal preference for sitting. “Group academic” activities are at peak in the “afternoon”, while “being alone” takes place in the “evening” and “personal academic” in the “morning”. Safety is primary to zoological and botanical gardens. Social interaction spaces enhance successful recreation parks. Coherence and legibility are the highest cognitive satisfaction factors for pedestrian sidewalks.Practical implicationsThe research generated design requirements for UCOS, and it is important for informing better design solutions in the future.Originality/valueThe results are synthesized into three-in-two new frameworks to guide future design actions for innovative strategies between design and use/operational phases.

Characterizing Campus Open Spaces of University of the Philippines Diliman Based on Utilization and Perception of Outdoor Thermal Comfort

Outdoor open spaces are essential to the physical development of the University of the Philippines (UP) towards its pursuit of academic excellence, especially since the balance between “green” open spaces and built environment is a vital part in designing an urban campus. Specifically, thermal comfort and climate change are important factors to consider in providing a comfortable learning environment. This study aims to determine the perception of outdoor thermal comfort and actual uses by UP Diliman students of selected outdoor open spaces vis-A -vis the intended functions. Upon analysis of the behavior and preferences of UP students regarding the use of outdoor open spaces, several factors related to outdoor thermal comfort, accessibility, convenience, and landscape design have been derived, such as protection from direct sunlight, natural ventilation, lighting, benches for seating, and convenience through accessibility – all of which had been considered by the students in selecting and utilizing the selected outdoor open spaces. Moreover, these outdoor spaces exhibit flexibility in terms of their uses and functions for the students and the public.