built space and the user experience
campus design
designing for learning through the use of environmental psychology
undergraduate thesis 2021
project abstract
Environmental Psychology, which is the interaction between human beings and their environments, can help in creating better built spaces.
The idea is to create an environment that will encourage interaction, creativity, problem-solving and will enrich the learning experience.
problem
Traditional colleges and classroom environments are often closed, box like spaces, which aren’t the most optimised for promoting student productivity and well being.
solution
To create spaces for learning which facilitate better cognition, concentration and creativity while ensuring a calm and restorative environment.
user research
I surveyed a total of 55 people, and interviewed 5, comprising mainly of students and teachers. I then created empathy maps to better understand and define user needs.
The main insights from the research were as follows:
64%
students said that their college environments often hindered their learning experience.
76%
responders believed that physical spaces could affect their learning and college experience
favourite places on campus
library/quiet places
nooks and niches
canteen/ café
open/ green spaces
pain points
1
Light
The biggest problem that students faced was Poor Light. Classrooms are often designed in ways that inhibit a good supply of natural light.
2
Ventilation
Poor ventilation by way of insufficient windows and openings can make rooms stuffy, which causes discomfort and hinders concentration.
3
Space
Smaller rooms with a more people and rigid internal circulation causes crowding and restricts movement.
4
Open Areas
Campuses without any open/green spaces do not give much opportunity for interaction, which plays a crucial role in a student's college experience.
site surroundings
Location: Thane, Maharashtra
- The site is surrounding with mainly residential clusters.
- It is easily accessible through multiple public transport systems
SITE MARKED IN RED
Residential Blocks
Main Road
Theatre
Bus Stops
design elements
Elements inspired by environmental psychology help in transforming the spatial experience.
Natural Light
Biophilia
Colour
Textures
Interactive Spaces
design solution
design concept: responsive environments
The idea is to create a built environment that provide its users with an essentially democratic setting: enriching their opportunities by maximizing the degree of choice available to them.
Permeability:
There are multiple, alternative, intertwining pathways to access different areas on site.
Variety:
Mixed use open spaces, with pedestrian access, interspersed between various building forms.
design development
volumetric zoning
dispersed program: encourages exploration and circulation
developing courtyards
the courtyards act as centres for interactive activities
staggering the building form
different volumes play with light and shadow, creating interesting internal spaces
arranging of spaces around a void, making it a centre of activities.
protrusions and terraces leading to spaces for interactive activities.
grouping of built forms
final design
site plan
1
2
3
4
library & admin
academic block
cafétaria
playground
5
games & storage
C
courtyards
sectional-elevation: north
academic block
The Academic block is designed with the intent of creating spaces which facilitate learning by way of encouraging interaction and movement.
- Terraces and spill out spaces designed as
extensions to formal learning areas.
- Planning flexible internal circulation which
breaks the stereotype of the rigid classroom.
the stepped terraces
ground floor plan
first floor plan
second floor plan
interactive corridors
Corridors inevitably become gathering spaces in buildings. Hence, designing them with an engaging colour palette, interspersed with informal seating, maximises this potential for interaction.
atrium
It acts as a inlet for ample natural light during the day. It also makes the space appear larger and open.
classrooms
Flexible furniture allows for changing seating arrangements. Access to terraces that are extension of the learning space.
short section
library and admin
The Library is designed with the aim of creating a space that is cheerful and comforting, which can encourage reading and contemplation.
-
Intentional creation of offsets in the building lead small, cozy reading corners.
-
Use of a colour fun, engaging colour palette in the niches to create more informal reading pockets.
-
Materiality of brick and concrete creates a sensorial experience.
ground floor plan
sectional elevation: north-east
long section
reader's wall
An informal and flexible area with niches of coloured seating, overlooking the greenscape outside, flanking each side-wall.
The waffled ceiling helps distinguish the area.
reader's corner
The curved wooden partition creates cozy, intimate areas for more private reading.
Large windows provide views towards the outside green open spaces, adding to the biophilic element of the design.
interaction zones on site
central entrance courtyard
The central area between the Academic and the Library block is designed as an open green space that can be an outdoor waiting area or or a general gathering space.
café-playground courtyard
The irregular stepped seating makes for nice audience seating while watching a performance. It can also double as grounds for meetings, discussions and general interactions.
courtyard at the library
This space is more informal and suited for casual student hangouts. Seating interspersed shrubbs and large trees providing a cool shade makes it a very comfortable spot.
café outdoor seating
The café has an outdoor seating extension, overlooking the courtyard. A vibrant colour palette makes it a very cheerful and energetic place.
thank you!
