EDUCATIONAL MIXED-USE BUILDING DESIGN AND ITS CONNECTIONS TO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Education and extracurricular activities play a critical role in improving individuals’ personalities and building a healthy community. Lack of educational facilities, unapproachable educational resources and invalidity of space for physical activities is a great obstacle to strong community building. Pakistan has been going through several economic and political crises that are making it difficult for the government to provide educational resources and opportunities for sports and physical activities to its people. Therefore, this study aims to explore how mixed-use educational buildings can facilitate individuals in gaining knowledge and education easily along with other recreational activities. Mixed-use building design will enable individuals to socialise, community engagement, and fulfilling educational needs. This study utilized a survey by a questionnaire to understand the needs of individuals that can be fulfilled by a mixed-use space. The study participants were 100; mostly academics and school coaches took part in the study to evaluate the efficacy of mixed-use buildings. This study has a novel contribution to knowledge as it enhances the role of building design and architecture for mixed-use spaces in urban and rural areas of Pakistan to empower communities. The study results suggested a strong impact of mixed-use building design on community engagement.