Exploring the ways in which campus open space design influences students’ learning experiences

Peker E., Ataöv Demirkan A.

Landscape Research, vol.45, no.3, pp.310-326, 2020 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 45 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/01426397.2019.1622661
  • Journal Name: Landscape Research
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, CAB Abstracts, Environment Index, Geobase, Index Islamicus, Veterinary Science Database, DIALNET
  • Page Numbers: pp.310-326
  • Keywords: Learning, learning space, campus design, open space design, PLACE, HEALTHY
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2019, © 2019 Landscape Research Group Ltd.Recent research conducted on campus learning environments suggests that more learning takes place outside of class time than ever before; thus, students seek alternative learning spaces in campus settings. This research focuses on open spaces within university campuses, defined as ‘campus open spaces’, as alternative learning settings and aims at answering the following questions: 1) How is learning experienced in campus open spaces? 2) What are the design attributes of learning in campus open spaces? 3) Do design attributes significantly affect learning in campus open spaces? The paper presents an exploratory inquiry conducted with 60 students from the campus of Middle East Technical University, Turkey. By using qualitative and quantitative techniques, the paper validates that learning is experienced not only in formal learning spaces but also in informal open spaces. It presents the ways in which campus open space design influences students’ learning, offering recommendations for campus open space design.