We know that our campus is about more than the buildings and facilities. The moments in between can spark happiness, create calm and make us feel at home.
How can we reimagine our campus to bring more of these moments, building a picture of a lively, joyful place where everyone feels they can belong?
Making the most of our green spaces
21% of our campus is currently public realm – streets, squares and outdoor spaces you can hang out in. This is more than many other major university campuses. However, some of these spaces could feel more welcoming, better designed and more enjoyable to spend time in.
Some green spaces feel tranquil and restorative, even if underused. St George’s Field and the Roger Stevens Pond Garden are described as calm, natural spaces that offer a contrast to busier parts of campus.
Identifying joyful places
The Precinct and areas near new buildings, such as the William Henry Bragg building, consistently score highest for positive experience.
Positivity and joy thrive where sun, seating and activity overlap, showing how joy on campus is created by conditions coming together. A detailed sunlight study looked at the entire campus, checking sunlight at over 250,000 points to show which spaces have the best potential for outdoor studying, sitting, and socialising.
