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By: Gautam Krishna M, Pooja Singh, Samreen S . Siddiqui, and Dr. Deepti Pande Rana.
1. Student, Department of Architecture, Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
2-3 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
4. Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
University campuses today are evolving beyond traditional classrooms into dynamic environments that nurture learning, collaboration, and well-being. With changing pedagogical approaches that emphasize creativity, teamwork, and mental health, there is a growing need for interactive and informal learning spaces that complement formal education. These in-between zones – neither entirely academic nor purely recreational – play a vital role in shaping campus life and fostering a sense of belonging among students and faculty alike. In this context, bistro decks emerge as vibrant multifunctional spaces that blend social, academic, and leisure functions. They act as flexible outdoor hubs where students can study in groups, engage in discussions, share meals, or simply unwind between classes. By integrating nature, comfort, and connectivity, such spaces enhance both the physical and emotional landscape of a campus. The research adopts a qualitative and design-oriented methodology, combining site analysis, user surveys, and spatial evaluations to understand existing patterns of use and gaps in current campus environments. Insights from student preferences, environmental factors, and space usability inform the framework for developing design strategies. The study also reviews reference cases and design precedents that highlight innovative approaches to outdoor social learning spaces. The expected outcomes include a comprehensive set of design guidelines and strategies for creating effective bistro decks – spaces that are adaptable, sustainable, and inclusive. These recommendations aim to enhance campus connectivity, promote well-being, and encourage spontaneous interaction and learning beyond classrooms. Ultimately, the research envisions bistro decks as key elements in reimagining campus design – bridging the gap between learning and leisure to create holistic, human-centered educational environments.
Keywords: Architecture, biophilic design, environmental psychology, spatial organization, sustainability
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Citation:
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