Insights
Jun 4, 2024 _ insights
Space Proxemics: Mixed-use Strategies for Improved Student Outcomes
Research shows that, for students, a sense of belonging—of feeling connected to people around you—translates into better academic performance, higher retention, and stronger engagement. Even through the pandemic, a sense of belonging has remained an important predictor of student mental health. Using our University of Cincinnati (UC) Marian Spencer Hall project as a case study, I recently presented at Tradeline’s 2024 Space Strategies Conference with UC Assistant Vice President for Housing, Carl Dieso, and shared how UC’s housing strategy gives students choices and helps them find community.
Over a two-decade period, UC engaged in the development of an initial masterplan and two updates to that plan to adapt to evolving campus needs and University goals. The realization of the plans led to a transformation of the campus from one of a commuter campus (dominated by roads and parking lots) to a pedestrian-oriented campus with new buildings and open spaces that created a dynamic campus that now promotes the quality of student life.
Understanding how space can impact a student’s well-being, especially when it comes to residence life, UC works to ensure that growth in the number of beds doesn’t cloud the importance of space beyond sleeping rooms. Their strategy is having an impact. In 2022 for example, retention rates for UC housing were 94% versus 83% for non-UC housing.
“The role of housing has changed over time,” says Carl. “What was once called dorms meant to provide access to campuses are now vibrant living-learning communities that facilitate engagement and holistic support of the active learners they contain.”
View the presentation here.
Zachary Zettler, AIA, LEED AP is GBBN’s Director of Higher Education. With over 20 years’ experience designing campus spaces, Zachary is a trusted advisor to our university clients and a recognized leader in higher education design. Zachary’s work includes University of Cincinnati’s Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati’s Marian Spencer Hall, Case Western Reserve University’s Susi First-Year Experience Lab, and University of Pittsburgh’s Hillman Library Transformation. He has published insights on repurposing campus spaces and predictive analytics in university masterplans and is frequently invited to speak at regional and national conferences.
