Linking ecological design and user preferences for climate adaptation on university campuses

Abstract

The process of adapting to changing climatic conditions has become a central theme not only in climate science but also in urban planning and various other fields. Given the unique characteristics of each urban area, it is crucial to tailor planning decisions to facilitate climate adaptation in accordance with local needs. College campuses, with their distinct administrative structures and diverse activities, provide an ideal context for formulating and implementing climate adaptation strategies. Campuses boast ample open-green spaces, rendering them potential catalysts for enhancing urban resilience to climate change and setting a model for broader urban planning practices. This study aims to establish a relationship between design decisions on campuses and user preferences within the context of urban climate adaptation. To achieve this, satisfaction levels, preferences, and expectations of 373 students and 400 employees using the & Idot;zmir Katip & Ccedil;elebi University (IKCU) campus were gauged through questionnaires. Drawing insights from the survey's data results, a campus model is proposed to foster climate change adaptation and the creation of a resilient campus capable of withstanding potential climatic challenges in the future. The overarching objective of the study is to provide guidance to campuses facing similar challenges, assisting them in identifying specific problems and matching them with appropriate ecological design solutions.