Nicholas Beck

Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Brain, David

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

This paper explores the eclectic campus of New College of Florida, documenting emerging patterns of student perceptions relating to their built and natural environments. The study aims to compile personal accounts with digestible data to guide contributors to future master plans for NCF's campus. Utilizing past research at New College addressing the sense of community across dormitory halls and conducting new surveys and interviews regarding observations, narrative opinions, placemaking values, and the diffusion of engagement. I examine the prioritization of placemaking values and land engagement across spatial planes of the current student body, as well as their interactions, values, connection, and criticism of the campus environment. The findings reveal that students tend to have stronger relationships with the natural environment than the built environment, contributing higher to students’ decision to enroll. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing the campus environment to promote student well-being and a stronger sense of community. Of the emergent qualities from interviews, resident’s autonomy over communal spaces aligns most with NCF’s academic mission and will have the easiest path to fruition.

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