Local Cultures – Global Spaces

Abstract

In contemporary times, universities have evolved into ”small cities” because of their large size, population, and diverse activities. Therefore, the quality of the spatial campus environment plays a core role in shaping both the environmental impact and the mobility experiences of students. Notably, the ease and safety of navigating university campuses, particularly in hot regions, significantly affects the overall quality of life and wellbeing of students. Despite its importance, the assessment of walkability on university campuses is frequently overlooked, leaving a significant knowledge gap regarding how to overcome its challenges. This study is proposed to fill in that void by evaluating the walkability of the UAEU campus, serving as a comprehensive case study to shed light on both its challenges and opportunities. It will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection tools to analyze both the physical attributes and the perception of walkability on campus. This analysis involves the examination of existing maps, surveys, a review of relevant case studies, and a space syntax analysis. The study outcomes are expected to contribute to the improvement of the campus’s spatial urban design quality by identifying possible solutions to enhance walkability, thus positively impact the well-being and experiences of the UAEU students.