Enhancing Cognitive Navigation for Sustainable Campus Environments: Insights from Path Network Evaluation Surrounding Egyptian Universities

Cognitive navigation, crucial in architectural and urban planning, involves the mental processes individuals use for navigation within spatial environments. This study investigates the relationship between a path network design and cognitive navigation experiences surrounding closed-access university campuses, focusing on design optimization’s impact on user experience and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research encompasses site visits, quantitative surveys of 120 randomly selected cases, and qualitative surveys of 60 cases from universities in Egypt. Findings reveal significant factors influencing path choices, such as directness and clear signage, with 77% of participants encountering navigation obstacles. Public universities prioritize clear pathways, while private institutions emphasize scenic views and landmarks. The study highlights the moderate integration of cultural and contextual elements and identifies key challenges, including traffic congestion and signage difficulties. Conclusions underscore the importance of user-centered design, infrastructure improvements, cultural sensitivity, and dynamic campus environments in optimizing path networks. This research aligns with SDGs by promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15), providing valuable insights for enhancing navigable, sustainable, and intuitive educational spaces.