Smart interactive environment on campus for pedagogical stimulation: a focused analysis of open spaces on campus

Purpose With the advancement of technology, pedagogical practices in universities are continuously evolving in their delivery of smart education. However, the question of how the physical environments of campuses can be reshaped to foster students’ smart learning based on collaboration has not been explored in depth in research. Considering that the concept of “collaboration” is key to contemporary pedagogy, this study aims to examine the significance of creating open spaces as part of smart interactive campuses. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this aim, a research framework for a smart interactive campus context was designed to measure the interactivity of open spaces on campus. This framework encompasses interactive characteristics of space and interactive behaviours of users. Hanyang University in Seoul was selected as the case study campus and observational fieldwork was conducted for evaluation and analysis. Findings The lack of spatial design factors of open space, such as integrity, spatiality and tangibility, are realised and that limits the usability and interactivity between students. These characteristics closely correlate to fostering interactive behaviours of students. Originality/value This study addresses that open spaces on campus play a core role in creating a collaborative educational environment. Configuring open spaces with situational components that have integrity through their connection with their surroundings is critical.