Criteria and Ranges: A Study on Modular Selection in Grid-Type University Campuses

As the core spatial carriers for teaching, research, and academic exchange, university campuses have long been central subjects in architectural design research. As a distinct phenotypic type of university campus, the grid-type campus has gradually gained academic attention due to its modular characteristics, horizontal expandability, and flexible organization—with advantages including improved spatial efficiency, enhanced interdisciplinary interaction, and stronger adaptability. In this study, a typological analysis was performed on 23 representative global grid-type campuses to explore their planning concepts and module selection criteria. Research data were collected from literature reviews, architectural drawings, and Google Maps (Web) satellite images and visualized and analyzed using Origin Pro 2021. Results show that campus module selection is primarily influenced by three factors: walking distance, functional requirements, and structural systems. At the master planning level, module selection aligns with the “five-minute walking radius” standard, and campus scale is generally controlled within 500 × 350 m. At the architectural level, functional needs determine that module sizes typically range from 50–90 m or 7.2–10 m. At the structural level, module ranges are usually 7–18 m, depending on usage requirements and structural systems. This study’s findings can provide theoretical support and practical references for the planning, design, and module selection of future grid-type university campuses.