Public spaces for community campuses and universities

A university campus—or more broadly, the physical sites of a university—mirrors the functions of a city on a smaller scale and, like a city, requires large open public spaces. These spaces are crucial not only for academic training but also for fostering socialization among students, faculty, technical-administrative staff, and members of the broader community, including families, maintenance workers, and service staff. The well-being of a university community is closely tied to the liveability, accessibility, inclusiveness, and healthiness of its spaces. Properly designed public spaces, particularly open areas, can significantly enhance the quality of life for all university users, fostering more effective learning and a richer social experience. Historically, university campuses were conceived as isolated environments dedicated exclusively to academic pursuits, separated from the surrounding urban fabric. Medieval universities in Europe, such as Oxford and Cambridge, were characterized by cloistered designs that emphasized separation from city life, fostering intellectual solitude within controlled settings (Turner, 1984; Gumprecht, 2007). This architectural model mirrored the medieval worldview, where scholarly activity was considered distinct from the practical concerns of urban existence. The evolution towards more open and accessible campuses began in the United States, influenced by landscape architects such as Frederick Law Olmsted. Institutions like Harvard University, founded in 1636, and the University of California, Berkeley, exemplified this shift by incorporating open green spaces and pedestrian paths, promoting interaction between universities and broader communities (Fassi, Galluzzo, Rogel, 2016). This model of the "extroverted campus" emphasized the university’s role as a public resource, blending academic, social, and civic functions (Lester, Piore, 2004). In the contemporary era, university campuses continue to evolve from places of mere attendance to environments designed for full inhabitation. Campus design increasingly focuses on creating connections between interior common spaces—such as residences and study areas—and exterior landscapes, including parks, plazas, and gardens. These spaces are designed to foster greater engagement, interaction, and a sense of community. Universities are now recognized as pivotal social, cultural, and economic actors within cities, contributing significantly to the urban landscape and promoting collective well-being (Haar, 2011). The concept of liveability—encompassing safety, accessibility, comfort, inclusivity, and community engagement—has gained prominence in campus planning (Gehl, 2010; Sepe, 2025a-b). Universities today aim to create environments that not only support academic activities but also enhance the everyday experiences of students, staff, and urban residents (Sepe, 2023; Soares et al., 2020). Public spaces on campuses serve multiple functions: they are arenas for informal learning, relaxation, cultural expression, social interaction, and sustainability initiatives (Ali, Kim, 2020). The challenge for modern universities is to balance their traditional academic mission with an expanding civic role. Public spaces are increasingly viewed not simply as infrastructural necessities but as vital instruments for social inclusion, urban liveability, and sustainable community development.