Framework of indicators for socially sustainable academic buildings in higher education institutions
Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Abstract
Academic buildings which provide the desired learning environment could enhance students' achievement and positively impact the overall performance of an institution. These buildings are considered to be socially sustainable if they fulfill the learning needs and preferences of students. Currently, studies that specifically and comprehensively address socially sustainable buildings are very limited. The aim of this study is to develop a framework of social indicators for assessing academic buildings for institutions of higher education in relation to students learning needs and preferences. The specific objectives of the study include: exploring students needs and preferences, determining social indicators; developing a framework of social indicators for assessing academic buildings; and validating the indicators assessment. A sequential mixed method research approach consisting of focus group and questionnaire survey was adopted. Initially, a focus group was used to explore students’ needs and preferences. The qualitative data obtained was analysed through thematic content analysis. Six themes representing students’ needs and preferences that emerged from the analysis were access and quality of facilities; comfort; participation and inclusiveness; space provision and adequacy; health and safety; and interaction. Results of the analysis from the qualitative data were used to develop a survey questionnaire. The structured questionnaires were distributed to students in five universities within peninsular Malaysia. Descriptive statistics was used to identify the important variables and the data was further subjected to Principal Component Analysis which led to the extraction of indicators that serve as the basis for developing the framework. Metrics and detailed guideline for assessment were developed for each indicator. To validate the assessment, an academic building was selected to test the indicators. Results show that the developed indicators are suitable for assessing students’ needs and preferences because they would serve as a guide for institutions to have academic buildings that are socially sustainable
Description
Thesis (PhD. (Facilities Management))
Keywords
Sustainable buildings -- Design and construction, Architecture -- Sociological aspects, Building -- Environmental aspects, Sustainable buildings -- Evaluation