Enhancing Courtyard Spaces in Architecture Student Housing: Analysing the Factors Influencing Usage Efficiency

Abstract In today's technology-driven world, college students often find themselves immersed in redundant distractions, neglecting the potential benefits of spending time with nature. This paper proposes a solution to this issue by investigating of underutilized courtyard spaces in student housing which can be a versatile area for recreational activities. Specifically focusing on architecture student housing, this study investigates the efficiency of courtyards and the perceptual factors that influence their usage. Through the benchmarking method, the existing courtyards of student housing are analyzed to understand their current usage patterns. Furthermore, individual interviews are conducted with students who are residents of a National level architecture school in Vijayawada to gain insights into their perspectives on the existing courtyard and their views on efficient usage. The findings reveal that local students highly value functional and aesthetic courtyard elements, emphasizing the significance of privacy and comfort for promoting efficient usage. By identifying these influencing factors, this study contributes to the development of a more student-centric approach to courtyard design in architecture student housing, fostering a greater connection between students and nature for enhanced well-being and academic performance