scholarly journals Complexity in the Built Environment: Wayfinding Difficulties in the Modular Design of Qatar University’s Most Iconic Building

Smart Cities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 952-977
Author(s):  
Mark David Major ◽  
Heba O. Tannous ◽  
Doha Elsaman ◽  
Lolwa Al-Mohannadi ◽  
Meera Al-Khulifi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Modular Design ◽  
Space Syntax ◽  
Spatial Layout ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Study Support ◽  
Way Finding ◽  
The University ◽  
International Research Program

Constructed in the 1980s, the BCR Corridors complex is the most iconic building at Qatar University (QU). However, it is also notorious for way-finding difficulties. The problem appears to derive from the repetitive similarity of individual parts in its modular design. Elevators, stairwells, screens, and temporary installations also create impediments to user readability and visibility. Collectively, this tends to complicate its relationship to the immediate context of the university campus. Recently, researchers at QU conducted a post-occupancy evaluation (PoE) of the BCR Corridors. It included (1) direct observation of movement flows and static occupation of space in common areas, (2) room use and photographic surveys, and (3) computer modeling of the spatial layout using space syntax. Space syntax is an international research program of academics and practitioners studying the role of built space in society from the single building to entire cities. The purpose of the PoE study was to understand observed patterns of movement and space use with reference to the problems for way-finding in the BCR Corridors. Based on this, researchers developed proposals for design alterations to enable easier use of the complex. The findings of the study support the above hypothesis about navigation problems in the building.

scholarly journals The Role of Trust in Student Perceptions of University Sexual Assault Policies and Services

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-53
Author(s):  
Olga Marques ◽  
Amanda Couture-Carron ◽  
Tyler Frederick ◽  
Hannah Scott
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Student Trust ◽  
The Government ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
The University ◽  
Do So

Many post-secondary institutions are developing policies and programs aimed at improving responses to sexual assault experienced by students. In some areas, such as Ontario, Canada, the government has mandated post-secondary institutions to do so. However significant these initiatives, they are predicated on the assumption that students trust, and want to engage with, the university following sexual violence. This study explores students’ perceptions of sexual assault policies and services on one mid-size university campus focusing specifically on how trust factors into reporting sexual victimization and using services. Findings show that students believe that sexual assault policies and programs exist, but this does not meanstudents are willing to use such resources or that they even trust that their university has students’ needs and interests at the fore. This paper discusses policy and programmatic considerations for building student trust in their post-secondary institutions to encourage student use of campus support.

S-Adenosylmethionine Supplementation May Reduce Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Prospective Evaluation Using the FACIT-F Questionnaire in Colon Cancer Patients Undergoing Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy Regimens

Chemotherapy ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Angelo Onorato ◽  
Andrea Napolitano ◽  
Silvia Spoto ◽  
Lorena Incorvaia ◽  
Antonio Russo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Metastases ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The University ◽  
Oncologic Treatment

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Fatigue is a common distressing symptom for patients living with chronic or acute diseases, including liver disorders and cancer (<i>Cancer-Related Fatigue</i>, CRF). Its etiology is multifactorial, and some hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis are summarized, with possible shared mechanisms both in cancer and in chronic liver diseases. A deal of work has investigated the role of a multifunctional molecule in improving symptoms and outcomes in different liver dysfunctions and associated symptoms, including chronic fatigue: S-adenosylmethionine (SAM; AdoMet). The aim of this work is actually to consider its role also in oncologic settings. <b><i>Patients and Methods:</i></b> Between January 2006 and December 2009, at the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 145 patients affected by colorectal cancer in adjuvant (<i>n</i> = 91) or metastatic (<i>n</i> = 54; <i>n</i> = 40 with liver metastases) setting and treated with oxaliplatin-based regimen (FOLFOX for adjuvant and bevacizumab + XELOX for metastatic ones), 76 of which with the supplementation of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet; 400 mg b.i.d.) (57% of adjuvant patients and 44% of metastatic ones) and 69 without AdoMet supplementation, were evaluated for fatigue prevalence using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illnesses Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) questionnaire, at 3 and 6 months after the beginning of oncologic treatment. Notably, the number of patients with liver metastases was well balanced between the group of patients treated with AdoMet and those who were not. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Among patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, both in adjuvant and in metastatic settings, after just 3 months from the beginning of chemotherapy, mean scores from questionnaire domains like FACIT-F subscale (7.9 vs. 3.1, <i>p</i> = 0.006), FACIT physical (6.25 vs. 3.32, <i>p</i> = 0.020), FACIT emotional (4.65 vs. 2.19, <i>p</i> = 0.045), and FACIT-F total score (16.5 vs. 8.27, <i>p</i> = 0.021) were higher in those receiving supplementation of AdoMet, resulting in reduced fatigue; a significant difference was maintained even after 6 months of treatment. <b><i>Discussion and Conclusions:</i></b> Mechanisms and strategies for managing CRF are not fully understood. This work aimed at investigating the possible role of S-adenosylmethionine supplementation in improving fatigue scores in a specific setting of cancer patients, using a FACIT-F questionnaire, a well-validated quality of life instrument widely used for the assessment of CRF in clinical trials.

scholarly journals A Study on the Quality of Campus Landscape on Students' Attendance at the University Campus

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 950-962
Author(s):  
Mojgan Ghorbanzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Patterns ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Statistical Population ◽  
University Environment ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Considering the expansion of higher education program in Iran to meet the needs of youth in recent years, there have been many institutes of higher education in closed spaces. This need is balanced now and it is time to highlight the importance of the impact of open spaces on higher education and improving its quality. The purpose of this study is to review landscape designing theories in University of Bojnord and investigating the role of these components in students’ attendance in the university environment. The ultimate goal is to extract and prioritize the desirability factors of the open spaces of campus and the students' attendance at the university. -The findings of the extraction have been analyzed based on the access to landscape design patterns. It is conducted by designing a visual questionnaire based on the components of landscape desirability such as understanding, exploration, compatible with the desire for participation and relaxation and enjoyment of the landscape. The questionnaire was given to 55 Students of University of Bojnord. The statistical population was all students of University of Bojnord. The sampling method was random clustering from the faculties of based on their gender and major. The data was stored, analyzed and processed in SPSS software. Data analysis shows the priority of the main factors of the desirability of open spaces on campus. The landscape desirability of Bojnurd University and students’ attendance at university is low and it requires a serious review of the architectural design of the university landscape.

scholarly journals The University Campus as a Learning Environment: the role of a Campus-based Living Lab in a Blended Teaching and Learning Environment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven L. Rogers ◽  
Adam J. Jeffery ◽  
Jamie K. Pringle ◽  
Antonia C. Law ◽  
Alexandre Nobajas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Education For Sustainability ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Teaching And Learning Environment ◽  
Living Lab ◽  
Living Labs ◽  
The University

Abstract. “Living Labs” provide stakeholders with an authentic and spontaneous environment in which innovations and technologies can be developed. This paper highlights the use of Living Labs as an educational teaching and learning environment. We give examples of practice currently used and present a conceptual framework for pedagogic design of activities and assessment in a Living Lab environment. The examples provided are based around current HE under/post-graduate taught assessment and activities. We suggest that Living Labs, particularly campus based Living Labs, are an excellent opportunity for education providers to provide experiences for students that are realistic, promote empowerment of students, and are spontaneous, promoting student inclusivity and sustainability. Living Labs can introduce opportunities for inter- and transdisciplinarity and cross-cultural working and can provide an excellent base for education for sustainability.

scholarly journals TOURISM, BASIC EDUCATION AND UNIVERSITY EXTENSION: A REPORT OF EXPERIENCE

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-54
Author(s):  
Jislane Oliveira de Jesus ◽  
Estefan Araujo dos Santos ◽  
Rosana Eduardo da Silva Leal
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
University Campus ◽  
School Students ◽  
Methodological Procedures ◽  
The University ◽  
Guided Tours ◽  
The Relationship

Extension actions and projects can help maintain the relationship between the university and society, in order to meet the needs of the external community, maintaining connections with social demands, public policies and diverse social movements in order to reduce inequalities and promote social inclusion. The project UFS de Braços Abertos, which is linked to the course in Tourism, is one such project. It offers guided tours for visiting elementary and high school students to the university campus, in order to present the university, its courses, the services offered, and the research and extension projects developed, creating a closer relationship between higher education and basic education. Based on this premise, this work analyzes the relationship between tourism, university extension and basic education, through the guided tours conducted as part of the UFS de Braços Abertos project, focusing on specifically on the participation of the Executive Secretarial course. In terms of approach to the problem, this study used qualitative research. The methodological procedures adopted were bibliographic research, and interviews with the head of the Executive Secretarial department and students of the course. We also sought to identify the perceptions of lecturers of the Executive Secretarial course in relation to the importance of the project, and the visits by school students to the University. The project helps to demystify the widely held perception, among students in basic education, that attending a federal university is a distant reality. The school students often arrive with this view, but after the visit, they are able to understand more how this universe works, and can dream of applying for place at university when they leave school. The report of experience presented clearly shows the important role of the UFS de Braços Abertos project, not only for the school students who may enter the university in the future, but also for students of the Tourism and Executive Secretarial courses, as it gives them an opportunity to promote and publicize the courses, stimulating the curiosity of the visiting students and showing them more about the respective professions, which can help them make future career choices.

scholarly journals LOKALIŲ CENTRŲ VIETA IR VAIDMUO HIERARCHINĖJE DIDMIESČIO CENTRŲ SISTEMOJE: VILNIAUS PAVYZDYS

2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justinas Bučys
Keyword(s):  
Urban Design ◽  
Space Syntax ◽  
Spatial Layout ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Spatial Accessibility ◽  
Urban Structure ◽  
Spatial Features ◽  
Functionally Diverse

The most important factors, functionally diverse local centres, being in a proper location, are the ones that have an impact on urban functioning. The paper aims to reveal some issues concerning the location and role of local centres in Vilnius. The general purpose of the paper is to introduce the results of case study of the urban structure of Vilnius which were obtained during the internship at the enterprise “Space Syntax Limited“. Space syntax is a method for the analysis of spatial structure used in the fields of architecture, urban design and planning and based on the geometrical representation of the spatial pattern. It aims to reveal the effects of spatial layout on social and economic processes in a city. Using space syntax techniques, a spatial accessibility model of Vilnius was created. The measured spatial accessibility values show the importance of spatial features to the formation of local centres in strategic locations as well as their potential vitality and viability. The model of Vilnius created and the results achieved provide for continuing the study at the level of urban blocks which constitute local centres. Santrauka Vienas iš svarbiausių veiksnių, darančių įtaką didmiesčio funkcionavimo kokybei, yra tinkamo dydžio ir reikiamą funkcijų įvairovę turintys centrai tinkamose vietose. Straipsnyje siekiama atskleisti kai kurias su Vilniaus miesto lokalių centrų vieta ir vaidmeniu susijusias problemas. Straipsnio tikslas yra pristatyti stažuotės įmonėje „Space Syntax Limited“ metu atlikto Vilniaus urbanistinės struktūros tyrimo rezultatus. Space syntax (erdvės sintaksė) yra miesto viešųjų erdvių tyrimo metodika, taikoma architektūros, urbanistinio projektavimo ir planavimo veikloje. Metodika paremta urbanistinės erdvės sandaros ir jos elementų tarpusavio ryšių geometriniu vaizdavimu ir ja siekiama atskleisti erdvės savybių ir socialinių bei ekonominių procesų mieste sąveiką. Remiantis space syntax metodika parengtas Vilniaus miesto viešųjų erdvių pasiekiamumo modelis ir nustatytos viešųjų erdvių pasiekiamumo vertės, rodančios erdvės savybių svarbą ir įtaką lokalių centrų formavimuisi strategiškai svarbiose vietose, jų gyvybingumui ir galimybėms plėtotis. Sukurtas Vilniaus miesto modelis ir gauti rezultatai suteikia galimybę tęsti tyrimą miesto dalies ir lokalų centrą sudarančių kvartalų lygmenyje.

scholarly journals Architektura uczelni wyższych. Wybrane kryteria jakościowe przestrzeni współczesnego kampusu w badaniach i projektach studentów Wydziału Architektury Politechniki Śląskiej

2020 ◽  
pp. 31-47
Author(s):  
Dorota Winnicka-Jasłowska
Keyword(s):  
Architectural Design ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Campus Network ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Visual Identification ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Student Projects ◽  
The University

The education of architects at the Faculty of Architecture of the Silesian University of Technology in the field of architectural design is based on scientific research. Researchbased design means asking research questions and formulating answers supported by research methods that students learn during the course of their studies. The paper discusses a student didactic and research project carried out as a part of a semester course. The research concerned the evaluation of the functional, behavioural and organizational criteria indicated on the University campus, carried out using the Post-Occupancy Evaluation method (POE). The scope of the research included the following criteria: way-finding and buildings visual identification, universal design, services on the campus, network of learning and social contact places, design out crime issues, aesthetics of the university campus, and the campus as a space for social integration. The final part of the paper also presents selected student projects carried out on the basis of conclusions from the described research.

scholarly journals Complexity and Use in Building Evaluation (CUBE2): The Modular Case of the BCR Corridors at Qatar University

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaikha Saoud Al-Thani ◽  
Lolwa Al-Mohannadi ◽  
Meera Al-Khulifi ◽  
Doha Elsaman ◽  
Mark David ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Modular Design ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Space Syntax ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Spatial Layout ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Future Design ◽  
Consistent Relationship ◽  
Building Program ◽  
The Relationship

The BCR Corridors at QU are notorious for wayfinding difficulties of end-users in the building complex. These navigation problems appear to arise due to the repetitive similarity of individual parts in its modular design, highly localized impediments to readability and visibility such as shading device screens and temporary installations, and the relationship of those different parts composing the collective whole of the BCR Corridors to the immediate surrounding context of the QU campus (Figure 1). The purpose of the “Complexity and Use in Building Evaluation” research project (CUBE2: QUST-2-CENG-2019-12) is to build on the research success of the post-occupancy cluster in the first demonstration project (CUBE1: QUST-2-CENG-2018-9). It includes continuing to develop a detailed post-occupancy dataset of movement and space use in buildings at QU. The goal is to contribute positively to future design refinements, alterations, and design of new university buildings at QU. We want to help create a world-class center of education and research where space use, interaction, and innovation are tactically ‘woven’ into the design and planning of the campus at various scales of the built environment. In the CUBE1 study, Major et al. (2019) were able to graphically illustrate building program/use and movement/space use patterns. It included quantifying the relationship between movement and spatial layout, and the significance of other end-user activities such as sitting and interacting in the common areas of the QU Women’s Engineering Building. It also included identifying adaptive re-use of classrooms and storage spaces for laboratory and office uses, leading to a shortage of storage spaces in the building. There was a consistent relationship (R^2=0.68, p < 0.001) between sitting and interacting unrelated to accessibility or metric area, i.e., the availability of seating was the dominant factor for casual encounter, mostly of students. Finally, there was a weak but consistent relationship (R^2=0.38, p < 0.001) between spatial layout and movement flows using space syntax modeling when allowing for the strongly programmatic differences (classrooms versus faculty offices) in different wings of the building (Major et al., 2019) (Figure 2). The post-occupancy evaluation findings in the CUBE1 project were largely consistent with previous results of space syntax research over the last 30 years for generative layouts such as office buildings, colleges, and research laboratories. Those results include the generative role of spatial layout for movement and casual encounter in buildings, the prescriptive effects of strong programmatic aspects (in this case, classroom location and course schedules) in causing some spaces to over-perform/underperform for some types of uses, most usually movement, and the singular importance for the provision of seating to facilitate consistent and robust use of spaces whether at the building or urban level (Hillier and Penn, 1991; Hillier, 1996; Hillier et al., 1996; Major et al., 2019; Sailer et al., 2016).

The Role of Higher Education Institutions Regarding Climate Change: The Case of Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral and its Carbon Footprint in Ecuador

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy P. Criollo ◽  
Angel D. Ramirez ◽  
Daniel A. Salas ◽  
Rafael Andrade
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
The University

Abstract A case study of a university campus in a tropical area has been analyzed. Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), one of the leading public polytechnic higher education institutions in Ecuador, is located in Guayaquil in the Guayas province. ESPOL has around 12300 students and 1740 faculty members and administrative staff. The climatic conditions are defined as dry tropical forest and have two main seasons, one with rain and high humidity and one that is dry. Average day temperature is 28°C. Air conditioning is required throughout the whole year. The carbon footprint (CF) has been calculated for the university campus as prescribed by the ISO 14064 International Standard for greenhouse gases (GHG) Emission and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and World Resources Institute (WRI). Results indicate that the major contributor to the CF of the ESPOL campus is electricity generation off–campus with 66%. The CF per student is 0.406 tons CO2e which in comparison with information of other higher education institutions (HEIs) campuses is low. This is mostly associated with the CF of the electricity generated in Ecuador which is above 80% renewable. Additionally, a comparison of HEI cases based on their CF has been done. Further mitigation of GHG emissions is possible by energy efficiency measures at the building and transportation level.

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