Design elements of a modern university campus
Contenido
El campus goza de un arraigado prestigio como lugar de enseñanza, aprendizaje y crianza. El campus evoca cuadrángulos enclaustrados, soleados prados y bibliotecas con paneles de madera, y es una palabra cargada visceralmente de siglos de tradición académica. Y, sin embargo, es también un lugar de ciencia de punta, vitalidad y energía. Es esta doble naturaleza, esta adhesión simultánea a la tradición y la innovación, lo que hace que el entorno físico de la universidad sea un ámbito tan evocador, duradero y dinámico. Sin embargo, también significa que el campus del siglo es un paisaje difícil y exigente de diseñar y gestionar con éxito.[9].
Existen una serie de conceptois y enfoques significativos, extendidos y sugerentes que configuran la planificación y la arquitectura de las instituciones de educación superior modernas en todo el mundo. A continuación se identifican los patrones actuales y estrategias convenientes de adoptar, como los edificios centrales, las ampliaciones a gran escala, la reutilización adaptativa y los edificios innovadores.[10].
Adopt urban planning strategies
Designing a university campus is like planning a mini-city. Therefore, the scale of the project for an urban public area must be imagined and designed around an axis. As it is one of society's most precious assets, its planning must also adjust to the pace of investments in facilities and the uncertainty of funding sources, so that the design is flexible and in line with future developments.[9].
In a low-lying, dense suburb, there are forty-four buildings following an open-space design at the University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia). The pedestrian-friendly campus is planned axially, directing movement and giving a sense of order and circulation. It also accommodates social and transitional activities in its open gardens.[10].
Express an identity
It's easy for newcomers to get lost in the maze of buildings and pathways on a college campus. A spotlight helps to visually dominate a space by acting as a reference point to help people orient themselves. This focus also has cultural and social significance and can be a center for recreational activities. It is an integral part of the design that draws eyes towards it.[10].
At Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, the pedestrian plaza reflects the college's maple leaf history. The central sculptural element has weathered Corten steel panels with “whispering maple” figures and a low seating area. Subtle color-changing LEDs modify the tones of the sculpture at night.[10] They are landmarks that guide the crossing of the central plaza and create its unique identity.
Rehearse the arrangement of parts and use various scales
From large quadrangles to small connecting spaces such as hallways, the campus must fulfill multiple functions at different scales. Architects must decipher the correlation between activities so that the design fosters their interrelation. This allows the central facilities, such as the social and cultural environment sites, to be seamlessly integrated with the academic blocks (research laboratories, classrooms, studios, etc.).
As seen in the UW campus master plans, the design facilitates an experience that integrates all stakeholders: administration, academia, and industry. With dividing blocks and multiple places for social interaction, the campus fosters serendipitous learning.
The urban design seeks to create outstanding sites that provide and meet a diversity of needs, such as:
• - promote a sense of comfort.
• - nourish and define a sense of community.
• - promote health.
• - facilitate social interactions.
• - contribute to the local economy.
• - have easy accessibility and circulation.
Development of the Digital Repository
The progressive digitization of the century has reduced visits to traditional silent shrines of paper scrolls. But the quality environment that a library offers remains popular among higher education students. Thus, a repository of paper books is not necessary, but rather contemporary multifunctional spaces that promote learning by taking advantage of the technological innovations of the time.[10].
For example, the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library on the University of Chicago campus is the epitome of a state-of-the-art reading nook. By moving the book storage underground and incorporating an automated retrieval system, the designers have harnessed the potential of natural lighting through the clear glass dome. This has increased productivity and allowed sustainability to thrive.
Boost creativity with incubation spaces
With start-up culture on the rise, there is a need for dedicated spaces that spark discussions where students can experiment, fail and start again. These spaces help forge connections from academia to industry. In the advanced technological environment, it is the architect's responsibility to create an environment that promotes a flexible learning environment and encourages the entrepreneurial spirit.[10].
At the University of East London, Knowledge Dock caters to the needs of every user with a seamless work environment. The coexistence of layered active and concentration spaces, as seen in its floor plan, along with adaptable collaboration zones, writable mobile screens and bold graphics, make it a bustling center of electricity and innovation.
The Campus Life Experience
On-campus residence is an integral part of the college experience for students. The design must meet all the accommodation needs of both students and teachers. These residential spaces must adapt to the busy lifestyle of contemporary students and offer all the necessary amenities.
The Phoenix residential facilities for Arizona State University students are an example of first-class planning. Special care has been taken to shape spaces such as the dining rooms with movable furniture and video projection walls, so that students can learn and create in the comforts of their residences, regardless of the time of day. The residence allows students to be seen, but offers them privacy.
The need for an environment in harmony with nature
Scientific studies have shown the therapeutic effect of biodiversity on stressed minds. Therefore, taking care of the campus landscape is essential because it offers a sense of calm to students who are busy with multiple deadlines. A lush green lawn is always a welcome sight for people of any age. Dotted with plants, these spaces generate a healthy mindset for the entire community.
The Espace Bienvenüe on the Cité Descartes campus in Paris is an innovative project focused on ecology. In contrast to the flat terrain, the 200-meter-long undulating gardens built on a concrete structure offer lush panoramic views. They bring fresh air to the dense complex, thus reinforcing a spirit of relaxation and peace.
Holistic design
The campus must be barrier-free. The designer must ensure that all areas, whether recreational or institutional, and all pedestrian routes follow inclusive design guidelines. All paved roads must have contrasting edge markings, provision of handrails and curb recesses. In public spaces there must be separate toilets for the disabled.
The University of Texas at Arlington has been a pioneer in building an accessible campus. They have replaced all the door handles with levers throughout the university. With the creation of an Adaptive Resource Center, UTA has sent the message to the entire world that integrative architecture is not about installing ramps in the design.
Focus on sports and health
Planning sports fields, gymnasiums and even rejuvenating spas is of immense importance to the University. They must follow Olympic rules and guidelines. Healthcare facilities must also be meticulously planned. This building must be accessible to everyone at all times.[10].
The dynamic gymnasium design of Shanghai University of Science and Technology" is situated at the starting point of residential quarters for teachers and students. It is a dominant landmark whose scale and landscape harmonize with the surroundings of towering dormitory buildings and foster sports fervor among residents.