Without clear clarity, defining a university, in Eurocentric views, fluctuates in architectural history from various building typologies to monumental landmarks; its realm can range from classical architecture to modernistic architectural movements (Edwards, 2014 & Wilkinson, 2020). However, the disappointing end indicates the poignant stagnation of today’s modern architecture of universities that requires revolutions (Edwards, 2014 & Wilkinson, 2020). Fortunately, the new trends in university architecture have provoked imperative design guidelines, with the most substantial typologies of the university campus (Edwards, 2014).
Libraries | Design Guidelines
University libraries, the source of knowledge and research, face enormous challenges in the digital age where the flexibility of space matters (Head, 2016, Latimer, 2011 & Niegaard, 2011). Furthermore, architects should consider the following general design guidelines for how a university library should function (National Institute of Building Sciences, 2017). First, the shelving in university libraries must become flexible at 150 lb per sq ft (psf) to make organizing shelves easier and offset structural load bearing while considering 300psf for compact shelving for space saving (National Institute of Building Sciences, 2017). Secondly, the interior design of the university libraries also needs to have some fluid space avoiding barriers like “columns and load-bearing walls” to accommodate “growth” in every university library (National Institute of Building Sciences, 2017). Lastly, the university libraries need more rooms for “computer workspaces’ & technology to accommodate a combination of “hardcopy” and “notebooks” university students would carry (Edwards, 2000 & National Institute of Building Sciences, 2017). The summary of detailed guidelines is about flexibility & growth of diverse, more expansive spaces that help the university libraries prepare to adapt to today and future architectural trends (Edwards, 2000, & National Institute of Building Sciences, 2017, Figure 1).
Laboratories
University laboratories are fantastic for growth and flexibility, with the following guidelines for a better overall design. (Edwards, 2000, Watch et al., Academic Laboratory 2017). Watch et al. (Academic Laboratory 2017) explained preparing the unexpected events of overconsuming energy, space, and data requirements in the university laboratories accommodated with sustainable design and digital technologies. Furthermore, there is dynamic scheduling for “labs and experimental spaces” in preparation for “scheduling challenges” for diverse academic fields (Watch et al., Academic Laboratory 2017). Many university laboratories will introduce “virtual reality labs,” “special visualization,” and digital technologies that will affect the design and networking of the building architecture with a complete understanding of current and future technology (Watch et al., Academic Laboratory 2017). Finally, University needed teaching and research labs to never be mutually exclusive in addition to flexible and fixed lab casework to accommodate the growing student population to sustain a better future of labs (Watch et al., Academic Laboratory 2017, Figure 2-3). The overall status of the University laboratories is to become flexible within a paradoxical design that might accommodate students to prepare for a better future for academics and their work with better architecture (Watch et al., Academic Laboratory 2017, Figure 4).
Student Housing | Design Guidelines
Finally, university campuses should include student housing as part of a student’s life and the necessity to dwell along other buildings on campus (Edwards, 2000). McCartney & Rosenvasser (2022) noted the importance of designing hierarchical privacy from a private room to a public space within the student university housing. First, there must be a balance between overcrowding and isolation to make this flexible design in diverse forms (McCartney & Rosenvasser 2022, Figure 4). Secondly, there needs to have many features like “Interior community rooms,” “athletic centers” inside, and pleasant “lighting” & acoustic” (HMC Architects, 2020). The mixture of amenities will balance “privacy” & “community” and “reflect the campus culture” of university (HMC Architects, 2020). Lastly, Van Der Veen (no date) does not recommend having a similar, inflexible design. They ensure comfort and support for every university student using an effective program and emphasize context for flexible design on creative learning and accommodation (Van Der Veen, no date). Students have the flexibility to have all the accommodations and balance they feel comfortable with to make university student housing a pleasant place to dwell (Figure 5-6).
Conclusion about Design Guidelines
Though the guidelines on building typologies are not perfect, Edwards (2000) successfully categorizes some common university building typologies. The overall view of design guidelines seemed that flexibility in each university building matters to accommodate students attending every university (Edwards, 2000). The purpose of these university buildings presents the precedence that will accommodate not just only a building typology itself (Edwards, 2000). Integrating these buildings with general interconnected guidelines will help university campuses flourish to set more examples for architects to redefine university as a place for students as memorable places to be (Edwards, 2000).
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