Campus Resting Area and Observation Deck Design Considerations

Campus Resting Area and Observation Deck Design Considerations

        Designing a multifunctional campus resting area and observation deck has been a long journey to realize the final vision. The project focused on improving user experience, celebrating the cultural significance of the Yellow Duck Festival, and maintaining a healthy lake ecosystem. Reflecting on this process, here are the most important lessons and takeaways.

1. Identifying Different User Needs

        User research, conducted through surveys and interviews, provided valuable insights into the diverse needs of users:

    • Students, as frequent visitors, require quiet areas for studying, shaded spaces, and functional seating.

    • Faculty and staff need comfortable seating for short breaks and informal meetings.

    • Visitors look for cultural elements and sustainable designs to enrich their experience.

        Each user group brought a unique perspective, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and multifunctionality in design. Successful spaces accommodate diverse needs while maintaining balance.

2. Promoting Eco-Sensitive Design

        The lake posed an ecological challenge, as it serves both as a scenic space and as a habitat for wildlife like ducks. Balancing user needs with ecological preservation required careful consideration.

Key eco-friendly measures included:

• Selecting sustainable building materials.

• Increasing greenery around the lake.

        This reinforced my understanding of the responsibility to design spaces that honor and protect the natural world while meeting user expectations.

3. Integrating Culture into Design

        The Yellow Duck Festival is an integral part of the campus culture, and its elements were woven into the design.

Key features included:

• Interactive cultural displays.

• Observation decks.

• Scenic photo-op points.

        Integrating local culture into design instills a sense of pride and belonging among users, enhancing their connection to the space.

4. Tackling Real-World Obstacles

        User feedback highlighted several practical challenges:

• Poorly designed walkways led to crowding.

• A lack of shaded areas made the space unpleasant on sunny days.

• Insufficient lighting reduced usability after sunset.

        Innovative yet realistic solutions addressed these issues:

• Redesigned walkway layouts to reduce congestion.

• Introduced shaded pavilions for user comfort.

• Installed eco-friendly lighting for nighttime use.

        This process significantly improved my ability to solve real-world design problems and understand the impact of user personas.

5. Visualizing Through SketchUp Modeling

        SketchUp modeling was a transformative tool in visualizing the project. It provided:

• Clarity on spatial layouts and functional zones.

• Integration of natural and cultural elements.

        This hands-on approach enhanced my technical skills and proved the feasibility and attractiveness of the design concept.

6. The Joy of Collaborative Learning

        This project was far from a solo effort. Collaboration played a vital role at every stage:

• Gathering survey responses.

• Engaging with students, faculty, and visitors.

• Iterating the design based on diverse feedback.

        The variety of perspectives guided the project’s development, making it a collective achievement.

Looking Ahead

        Designing the campus resting area and observation deck was a fulfilling experience, blending creativity, practicality, and empathy. I hope this project inspires more initiatives to create spaces that are:

• Inclusive.

• Sustainable.

• Culturally enriching.

        For those embarking on similar design journeys, my advice is simple:

Listen to users, adapt to challenges, and remain true to your design principles. Every challenge offers an opportunity to learn, and every user insight brings you closer to a valuable solution.

        This project wasn’t just about designing a structure—it was about creating an experience that connects people with nature, culture, and themselves. For that, I am deeply grateful.