A Bibliometric Review of Research on the Perceptions of Campus Public Spaces

Abstract

With the rapid development of information and sensory technology, the construction mode of universities and the planning of campus public spaces are confronting great challenges and opportunities. It also brings about new perspectives for reconsidering the relationship between users’ perceptions and the campus environment. This paper reviews the research on the perception of university public spaces over the past 20 years and summarizes the research hotspots by using co-citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and burst detection analysis through CiteSpace software. The results demonstrate that the overall development of this field experienced three stages: the initial development stage (2000–2007), the rapid growth stage (2008–2017), and the stable development stage (2018–2021). In terms of research content, hotspot studies are emphasized from the perspectives of thermal perceptions, health impact perception, spatial configuration perception, and user activity perception of on-campus space. In addition, this literature review concluded the emerging research tendencies and new quantification methods in recent years, proposing an enormous potential for quantifying campus space research based on new perceptual technologies. It also encourages the research and optimal design of campus spaces for a more student-oriented campus environment based on the study of the student’s perception of the spaces.

Evaluation and Optimization of Sense of Security during the Day and Night in Campus Public Spaces Based on Physical Environment and Psychological Perception

“…They highlighted the significance of public spaces in influencing student behavior and perception. Dong et al [15] provided a comprehensive overview of the development of perception research on university campus public spaces over the past 20 years. They identified three stages in the evolution of perception research: initial development, rapid growth, and stable development.…”

“…Campus public spaces, outside of the physical buildings, encompass open outdoor areas such as green spaces, squares, courtyards, and roadways [12,13]. These public spaces serve functions like recreation, outdoor exercise, gatherings, rest, sightseeing, and transportation, acting as essential conduits linking the faculty and students' learning, work, and lives [14][15][16][17]. Safe campus public spaces foster a welcoming and nurturing environment, nurturing a sense of belonging and identity among faculty and students, aiding in their integration into the campus environment, and facilitating effective teaching activities [18].…”

Exploring the Multi-Sensory Coupling Relationship of Open Space on a Winter Campus

“…Students are the primary users of campus outdoor spaces, and enhancing the comfort of campus spaces can directly affect their well-being [44]. Most studies on the perception and comfort of campus outdoor space are two-factor interactions [14,[45][46][47][48], and there is a lack of exploration of the combined effects of multiple perceptions [49,50]. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the relationship between thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, and visual comfort in campus spaces to improve students' satisfaction with campus outdoor spaces and promote healthy living.…”