THE IMPACT OF CAMPUS SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR SPACES QUALITY ON STUDENTS’ SOCIAL NEEDS, BEHAVIOR AND SATISFACTION

Abstract

Universities have an important role in shaping the student’s future and character. This influence extends to the social, academic, and cultural aspects of student life, by providing them with the information, capabilities, and experiences necessary to engage in practical life and positively impact their communities. The study reviewed many previous studies and concluded a set of quality indicators to evaluate (students' outdoor spaces). These indicators were applied in three different Egyptian universities campuses (Cairo University, Ain Shams University, and the British University in Egypt), to evaluate students’ satisfaction with (campus outdoor spaces), and to identify the strengths and weaknesses that led to satisfaction or dissatisfaction. The study uses three different methods to evaluate (students' outdoor spaces) characteristics and their impact on student behaviors and satisfaction; 1- Behavioral observation and monitoring the effects. 2- Conducting interviews with groups of students. 3- conducting an online questionnaire to estimate student satisfaction and their opinions to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the outdoor spaces design. The study concluded that the quality of space design and furniture affected student behaviour positively and negatively. The study recommends using the previous methods that the British University gained the highest student satisfaction rate, which enhances students’ social interactions.