Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

Presenting Design Indicators for Open Spaces in University Campuses Based on the Controllability Component to Enhance Student Presence

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Delaram Sheikh 1
Hossein Zabihi 2
Farah Habib 3
1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Urban Development, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 Professor, Department of Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/ias.2023.406190.2242
Abstract
The university, as a part of urban architecture, is a social structure. One of the components of spatial quality and one of the most valuable spatial rights of humans is the sense of individual control over space. This research was conducted to identify the dimensions, criteria, and indicators of the controllability component within a conceptual framework and to provide solutions for spatial planning. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, with qualitative content analysis and quantitative survey methods, and is applied in terms of purpose. The statistical population consists of all architecture students from five Islamic Azad University branches in Tehran, and the sample size was estimated at 246 using G-Power software. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed through content validity and confirmatory factor analysis, while reliability was assessed using internal consistency and Cronbach’s alpha. Logistic regression was used to test the effect of controllability on student presence. The findings indicate that the indicators of the "controllability" component, which affect student presence across three dimensions—physical, functional, and perceptual—include: "enclosure," "space maintenance and hygiene," "artificial surveillance," "territorial control," "flexibility in spatial arrangement," "personalization capability," and "participation in space management and maintenance." After data analysis, it was found that the most effective dimension in predicting student presence was, in order, the functional, physical, and perceptual dimensions. Regarding gender differences, enhancing the perceptual dimension of controllability had the greatest impact on increasing female student presence. This study demonstrated that controllability enhances student presence in open spaces, allowing them to exert control over their physical environment and modify their surroundings.
Research Objectives:


Determining the indicators of the controllability component and establishing a new conceptual framework.


Investigating the effect of the controllability component on the level of student presence in open spaces of university campuses.


Research Questions:


What are the indicators of the controllability component that enhance student presence?


To what extent do the indicators of the controllability component affect the presence of male and female students in open spaces of university campuses?
Keywords
controllability
open spaces in university campuse
user’s spatial right
presence
students

Subjects

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