Article

The Impact of University Campus Design on Students’ Walkability: A Case Study

SPACE International Journal of Space Studies in Architecture and Urban Design

Volume: 3

Issue: 1

Zakaria Khabbazeh

Architecture Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia

Omar S. Asfour

Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Construction and Building Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia

https://doi.org/10.51596/sjp2022.v3i1a1

Received January 12, 2022 – Accepted February 15, 2022 – Published December 30, 2022 – Available online December 20, 2022

Abstract

Walking is an essential human activity that improves people’s mental and physical well-being. It is vital to encourage this activity in our daily lives, including places of work and study. This includes universities, which help shape students’ lifestyles. This study aims to investigate the impact of university campus design on students’ walkability. The study discussed the design aspects that encourage students to walk and the obstacles that repel them from walking. The study achieved this aim by conducting a case study analysis in Saudi Arabia using direct observation and a questionnaire. The study summarised ten design aspects that could be used to assess and improve walkability at university campuses. The study concluded that having a pathway system that encourages walkability is essential in university campus design. However, this could be enhanced using street furniture, elements of visual interest, and lighting elements along pedestrian pathways.

Keywords

campus design, hot climate, sustainability, walkability

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, for funding this study.

Conflict of Interests

The author declares no potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Endnotes

This paper has been presented at the SPACE International Conference 2022 on Sustainable Architecture, Planning and Urban Design and selected to be published in this Journal.

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Web References

[1] ArchDaily (2022). Shade structures for outdoor spaces. Available online at: https://www.archdaily.com/906449/shade-structures-for-outdoor-spaces-6-tips-to-incorporate-into-your-next-project (Accessed 5 Jan. 2022).

[2] KFUPM, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (2014). KFUPM Map. http://www.kfupm.edu.sa/committee/tsc/SiteAssets/Lists/ContentPages_Arabic/EditContentPage/KFUPM%20MAP.pdf (Accessed 23 Mar. 2021)

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