Evaluating Landscape Design Features and Their Influence on Social Interaction in Postgraduate Hostels in South-Western Nigeria

References

[1] Adams, M., and Nelson, R. (2021). Personalization and engagement in campus landscape design: Enhancing student connection and satisfaction. Journal of Environmental Design, 35(1), 55-68.

[2] Adebayo, A. (2020). The expansion of higher education and the evolution of hostel architecture in Nigeria. Journal of Nigerian Architecture, 18(2), 33–45.

[3] Akinola, A. A. (2017). Landscape architecture for hostel developments in Nigerian universities: Case study of Obafemi Awolowo University. Journal of Nigerian Architecture, 12(1), 45–55.

[4] Ali, S., and Bawa, K. (2023). Integrating sustainable design principles in hostel landscapes. International Journal of Sustainable Design, 29(2), 112-128.

[5] Ayeni, D. A. (2012). Emphasizing Landscape Featuress as Important Components of a Sustainable Built Environment in Nigeria Developing Country Studies ISSN 2224-607X (Paper) ISSN 2225-0565 (Online) Volume 2, No.8, 2012

[6] Baur, J. (2022). Campus community gardens and student health: A case study of a campus garden and student well-being. Journal of American College Health, 70(2), 377-384

[7] Bell, A., Cheng, T., and Li, Q. (2019). Restorative effects of campus green spaces: A study on studentwell-being.Environmental Psychology Journal, 64, 120-134.

[8] Brown, S., and Dissanayake, E. (2018). The arts are more than aesthetics: Neuroaesthetics as narrow aesthetics. In Neuroaesthetics (pp. 43-57). Routledge

[9] Chiesura, A. (2004). The role of urban parks for the sustainable city. Landscape and Urban Planning, 68(1), 129–138.

[10] Hartig, T., Mitchell, R., de Vries, S., and Frumkin, H. (2014). Nature and health. Annual Review of Public Health, 35, 207–228.

[11] John, F. and Mamuzo, G. (2024). The Role of Key Landscaping Featuress on Enhancing Social Interaction in Tertiary InstitutionsStudents Center. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation. 05. 526-530.

[12] Kellert, S. R. (2018). Biophilic design: The theory, science, and practice of bringing buildings to life. John Wiley and Sons.

[13] Kaplan, R., Kaplan, S., and Ryan, R. L. (2018). Restorative environments: A theoretical and empirical overview. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 59, 1-13.

[14] Lorinc, M., Sinha, K., and McQuaid, N. A. (2020). The role of green roofs in mitigating urban heat: A review. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 48, 126592.

[15] Mendoza, A., and Venables, A. (2023). Attributes of blended learning environments designed to foster a sense of belonging for higher education students. Journal of Information Technology Education. Research, 22, 129.

[16] Su, J. (2022). The influence of learning environment and learning pressure on the studentdevelopment of university--based on the mediating role of learning orientation and engagement

[17] Tongyun, W and .Wei, Z. and Fei, X. (2024). The Role of Landscape Design in Enhancing Environmental Sustainability and Human Well-being. 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4180380/v1.

@article{1709866,
      author = {Atolagbe A. M. O., Amao F. L., Ijiyode B. O.},
      title = {Evaluating Landscape Design Features and Their Influence on Social Interaction in Postgraduate Hostels in South-Western Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {9},
      number = {1},
      pages = {1738-1751},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1709866.pdf},
      abstract = {This study evaluates the landscape design features in promoting social interaction, comfort, and well-being among postgraduate students in selected universities across South-western Nigeria. While landscape design is increasingly acknowledged for its aesthetic and environmental value, its role in shaping the social experiences of postgraduate hostel residents remains underexplored in Nigerian higher education contexts. The research employed a quantitative approach using structured questionnaires distributed to 334 postgraduate students across five purposively selected universities. Descriptive statistical tools, including frequency counts and average mean values, were used to analyze responses. The findings revealed that features promoting social interaction particularly green spaces and informal gathering zones were the most valued, followed closely by accessibility and aesthetic features. However, challenges such as poor drainage, inadequate shading, and limited recreational amenities negatively affected user satisfaction and overall landscape performance. The study concludes that landscape design in postgraduate hostels is not merely a visual enhancement but a crucial contributor to student well-being and community building. The study recommends the intentional integration of socially engaging, climate-responsive, and inclusive landscape design features in hostel environments, along with regular maintenance and participatory planning involving student users. These findings provide insights for university administrators seeking to improve the liability and social function of postgraduate hostels through effective landscape design.},
      keywords = {Postgraduate Hostels, Landscape Design Features; South-western Nigeria; Green Spaces; University Environment.},
      month = {July},
  }