ASSIGNMENT 2 - SPATIAL DESIGN

 ASSIGNMENT 2 - SPATIAL DESIGN 

For this assignment, we were assigned to walk around the campus and pick a space that we can further develop according to the student activity in that particular area. 

PART A - SITE VISIT 

The site that I chose was the lake of the campus. The lake is surrounded by greenery and is an open air space. The ground/steps are pebble-like flooring with sections of grass in between it. 

Figure 1: Lakeside

Figure 2: Lakeside

Existing Structures and Amenities: 

1. 3 flights of stairs leading to the Common Ground area of the campus. Equipped with cafes and lounging space.

2. A total of 4 trash cans located at the stairs area. At every flight of stairs.

Figure 3: Trash Can

3. Washroom located at the right side of the stairs for easy access.

Figure 4: Washrooms

4. Cafes and sofas available at the Common Ground area (limited seating)

Figure 5: Cafes and sofas

5. Student Life Centre located at the bottom right of the stairs. Containing interactive activities and VR games.

Figure 6: Student Life Centre

6. Coffee trucks located both at the bottom and top of the stairs (ZUS Coffee & Kopikku) 

Figure 7: Zus Coffee (truck)

Figure 8: Kopikku (truck)

Accessibility:

The lake is easily accessible as it is located at the center of the campus and links to every walkway.

Environmental Analysis:

• As it is located near the lake and an open area, it has frequent wind breeze and a soothing environment. Hence, a popular relaxing area for students.
• Surrounded by trees in the area to provide a limited amount of shade during sunny days.

Social Context: 

• The area is frequently visited for students to relax and refresh from the busy environment. Either in social groups or individually.
• The peak usage hours would be exam season and late evenings. Students use that space to refresh on their notes and cool their nerves during exams.

Figure 9: Peak hours usage of the lakeside.

• The lakeside is in most use during peak hours (2-7pm).
• Recorded to be the highest temperature of the day.
• The lake is frequently visited by students throughout the day.
• As the amenities at the lake area is mostly food related, the peak hour is during lunch period.

SWOT ANALYSIS: 

STRENGTH: 

• Open- air concept
• Scenic view.
• Calming surroundings.

WEAKNESS:

• Limited seating space
• No shade for sunshine and rain.

OPPORTUNITY:

• Build a overhead shelter along certain paths.
• Add chairs and benches for seating.
• place more recyclable trash cans to encourage recycling.

THREATS: 

• Unpredictable weather.
• Possibility of overcrowded.
• No hand railings, higher fall risk.

DATA ANALYSIS

• To further understand the space, I had made a questionnaire.

• This allowed me to interact with users of the space and know their wants and needs.

• In this questionnaire I was able to understand the user experience throughout the space.

• I was able to get 38 responses from students, visitors and staffs of the university.

Based on the provided data, the majority of respondents (64.3%) fall within the age range of 21–24, indicating this as the primary demographic engaging with the questionnaire. The age groups 17–20 and 25–27 form smaller proportions, at 28.6% and 7.1%, respectively. Furthermore, most respondents identify as students (57.1%), while visitors constitute a significant portion (42.9%). This suggests that the campus is frequented by individuals beyond its enrolled students, including visitors from other universities.

The survey primarily includes fashion students, followed by those in architecture, engineering, and a few visitors. Most respondents (92.9%) have sat by the campus lake, which is near the architecture and fashion design studios. A small proportion (7.1%), likely visitors, prefer other spots like Syopz Mall or the Student Life Centre.

Most respondents rarely visit the lakeside (50%), with 42.9% visiting weekly and only 7.1% daily. The primary reason for visiting is relaxation (64.3%), followed by socializing (57.1%), exercising (14.3%), and studying/reading (7.1%). The lake's calming greenery is appreciated, but the seating is not ideal for studying or prolonged activities.

The average rating for lakeside facilities is 3.08. This is due to the lack of seating and shaded areas. Not much activities that can be done. Majority activities suggested include music event, study place, sleeping lounge, art installations to display students work. Students want a good balance of rest and relax. 

86.8% support the implementation of sustainable practices. This can help to enhance a healthier campus environment. Most respondents recommend adding seating area. There are also some that want outdoor classroom. Addition of plants to improve greenery and adding to the shaded areas.  

Qualitative Methodology: 

I had conducted 3 interviews to gather more information required to enhance the utility and experience in the space that I was going to create. 

Interview 1: 

Name: Naaih

Course: Fashion Design

Age: 22-years-old

Interview Summary:

The student from Taylor's University frequently visits the lakeside area, valuing it as a peaceful and refreshing space ideal for relaxation after classes. They envision the area as a calm spot to unwind, perhaps with a book and coffee, and prefer it as a place for relaxation rather than active recreation. They suggest adding diverse seating options like benches, picnic tables, and hammocks to enhance the experience. While not a priority for them personally, interactive elements such as educational installations or art displays could add value for others. To promote sustainability, they recommend providing more recycling bins and planting additional trees for shade.

Interview 2: 

Name: Sanjay

Course: Accounting

Age: 21-years-old

nterview Summary:

A non-student who frequently visits Taylor’s University lake area enjoys it as a vibrant hangout spot to relax and connect with friends through picnics, study sessions, or jam sessions. They envision the area as a balance between a serene space for tranquility and an engaging hub for activities like yoga, live music, or workshops, promoting both individual relaxation and community interaction. While they prefer an active recreational area, they believe having a mix of active and relaxing spaces would be ideal. They suggest versatile seating options like benches and round tables, with additional features like hammocks or cushioned seating for comfort. Interactive elements such as art displays or educational installations aren’t a priority but could enhance the experience for others. For sustainability, they recommend using eco-friendly materials for infrastructure and incorporating more plants in the design.

Interview 3:

Name: Harshinii

Course: Business Management

Age: 20-years-old

nterview Summary:

A student at Taylor's University visits the lake area more frequently as the semester progresses, using it as a space to relax and clear their mind during busy times. They envision the lakeside as a calm area for studying or unwinding, favoring relaxation over active recreation while acknowledging the potential for a dual-purpose space. They suggest incorporating hammocks to enhance the relaxed, outdoor vibe. They find interactive elements like outdoor classrooms important for fostering a more engaging and dynamic study environment, as they prefer not to work in absolute silence. To promote sustainability, they propose adding solar-powered lights for nighttime use to create a pleasant ambiance while being eco-friendly.

Based on these information, I combined the data and analysed it and proceeded to create my persona and user journey map for the space. 

PERSONA 1: 

PERSONA 2: 

USER JOURNEY MAP FOR PERSONA 1: