Evaluation of university campus open areas in terms of space quality; Example of Kastamonu University Kuzeykent Campus

Universities and campuses; they are places that have equipment such as education, scientific research, accommodation, social and cultural services, and sports services and support the city with this equipment. The number of universities and therefore campuses is increasing due to its impact on the development process of cities and the education policy implemented in our country. As the number of users increases and universities become important for the city, spatial quality parameters need to be included in the planning and design process of these spaces. Creating quality spaces; will activate these areas and increase the academic success of universities and their efficiency for society and the city. Purpose of the study; to evaluate university campus open spaces, which are of great importance for cities and societies, with spatial quality parameters and to ensure that quality criteria are included in the planning and design processes that have been and will be made. For this purpose, the kastamonu university kuzeykent campus, which is still being developed, was chosen as the study area. Campus open spaces were evaluated regarding space quality in line with the data obtained using spatial area analysis, survey, and cognitive mapping methods. It has been concluded that there is potential in the open spaces of kuzeykent campus to increase the quality of space, but the existing potential cannot be used due to basic problems such as not defining the space in line with the purpose of use and not taking user needs into consideration. It has been observed that there are deficiencies in the campus area in matters such as connectivity, access for everyone, social areas, appropriate planting, equipment, and landscaping elements. As a result of the study, suggestions such as making proper designs to ensure easy and comfortable access for each user profile in the campus area, studies that support plant-user-activity interaction, creating active and passive recreational areas in the campus area, and creating nature observation areas were created. The results and recommendations made; ıt has provided references and qualities that can guide the designer for kuzeykent campus and other campus areas.