Enhancing outdoor campus design by utilizing space syntax theory for social interaction locations
Ingy I. El-Darwish
Abstract
Education is mainly the process of facilitating learning which includes teaching, training, and other methods. To accomplish education, learning space whether indoor or outdoor must be suitable to empower students to reach that goal. Universities must integrate more outdoor space to encourage social interaction. Social interaction in university campuses can boost the sense of belonging and enhance wellbeing. In this study, the social spaces of a governmental University campus in the Delta area (Egypt) are investigated. Students are asked if they spent time between and after lectures/practical work together and where they spent it. They are also asked in a form of questionnaire to evaluate both the sensory and physical features of the space and to list their priorities. This is followed by an analysis of integration and choice based on the space syntax theory of outdoor spaces and routes. This study points out to the importance of students’ participation in providing suitable social interaction locations, paths, and routes in campuses that meet their needs. Space syntax theory is then applied to optimize decision-making. The research aims at providing responsive spaces in existing campuses and for guiding the design of new ones in future projects.