YouWalk-YouReclaim: a co-assessment approach for active university campus environments
Abstract
Purpose
This article introduces the “YouWalk-YouReclaim” mobile application as a transformative tool aimed at co-assessing and enhancing campus environments in a post-pandemic context. It seeks to address the need for inclusive, dynamic and technology-driven spaces within university settings.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a comprehensive assessment framework through a case study at Northumbria University, Newcastle. It involves over 100 students from diverse fields who utilised the application to evaluate significant areas on campus, such as Student Central, Northumberland Road and the Northumbria Library. The methodology places emphasis on direct user engagement and the use of the application’s inbuilt-image library and visual documentation features.
Findings
The application effectively evaluated the functionality, spatial dynamics and user experiences across various campus spaces. Key findings include the importance of adaptability, personalised spaces and enhanced wayfinding to meet the evolving needs of the university community. The study also noted the potential of the app to facilitate multidimensional assessments and support user-centric improvements.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that institutions can leverage technology like the “YouWalk-YouReclaim” app to better understand and optimise their campus spaces, fostering more responsive, user-focused and sustainable environments. The study advocates continuous technological enhancements and user-centred assessments to cultivate efficient and enriching campus experiences.
Originality/value
This study is novel in its integration of digital technology with user-centred approaches to assess and enhance campus environments. By enabling real-time feedback and inclusive participation, “YouWalk-YouReclaim” exemplifies an innovative approach to campus space management.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the 159 participants of the three case studies for their valuable time and for giving consent for their anonymised contributions to be used for this publication.
Funding: This work was supported by the University of Northumbria, Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Internal Funding Scheme (2022–2023).
Citation
Patil, M.P., Salama, A.M., Arnfield, J. and Alvanides, S. (2024), "YouWalk-YouReclaim: a co-assessment approach for active university campus environments", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-06-2024-0228
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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