Designing Student Lounge at University: Fostering Place Attachment, Socialization, and Restoration"

Author

Associate Professor, Department of Interior Design, Faculty of Basic Education General Authority for Applied Education and Training, Kuwait

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study is to investigate the student center needs and activities of undergraduate students in the College of Basic Education in Kuwait.
Methodology: A quantitative research approach was implemented in the study by employing a survey questionnaire. An online questionnaire was distributed to undergraduate students through WhatsApp messages. Of the one thousand and twenty-six (N=1,026) undergraduate students who completed the survey questionnaire, ninety percent (90%) were females.
Results: The findings of the study illustrate that the top first Third Place for college students to spend off time is coffee shops. The key findings regarding the expected activities at the student center included: eating and drinking (60%), hanging out with friends (59%), prayer (48%), taking a nap (27%), school assignments (25%), group study (15%), and hosting small parties (6%). The most essential facilities to be the smartphone charging stations (61%), sleeping areas (60%), lockers (46%), couches (42%), study rooms (42%), kitchenettes (41%), dining room (35%), computer labs (35%), and entertainment areas (33%). Based on the findings of this study, twelve interior design students designed student lounges proposals, then they were submitted to the school administration for implementation.

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