Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate the student center needs and activities of undergraduate students in the College of Basic Education in Kuwait. A mixed method approach, both quantitative and qualitative, was implemented in the study, employing questionnaires, interviews, post-occupancy evaluations, and still images. An on-line questionnaire was distributed to undergraduate students through their phone messages; face-to-face interviews were conducted with students occupying the student lounge; and a pictorial case study was conducted to investigate current issues existing at the student lounge. Of one thousand (N=1,000) undergraduate students who completed the survey questionnaire, ninety percent (90%) were females. The findings illustrated that students’ preferred places to spend time were a coffee shop, shopping malls, restaurants, a cinema, a gym, and other places. The majority of the students tended to spend most of their free time on campus. The main expected activities at the student center were eating and drinking, hanging out with friends, prayer, taking a nap, school assignments, group study, and hosting small parties. Participants considered the most essential facilities to be the smart phone charging stations, sleeping areas, lockers, couches, study rooms, kitchenettes, dining rooms, computer labs, and entertainment areas. Based on the findings of this study, twelve interior design students designed proposed interior environments and submitted them to the school administration for implementation. Conclusion: By understanding the design features that best accommodate students on the college campus, designers will be better informed when designing similar spaces.