From living machines to social hubs: a comparative study on student residences between Barcelona and Shanghai
The rise in international student numbers has led to an increased demand for student housing. However, the approaches to student residences in Shanghai and Barcelona differ significantly in their design philosophies and management models. Barcelona’s student residences, typically dispersed throughou...
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| Formato: | tesis de maestría |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2024 |
| País: | España |
| Recursos: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositorio: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/413836 |
| Acesso em linha: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/413836 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palavra-chave: | Dormitories -- Spain -- Barcelona Dormitories -- China -- Shanghai Student residence Comparative study Shanghai Barcelona Urban context Communal space Col·legis majors universitaris -- Catalunya -- Barcelona Col·legis majors universitaris -- Xina -- Xangai Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Arquitectura::Tipologies d'edificis |
| Resumo: | The rise in international student numbers has led to an increased demand for student housing. However, the approaches to student residences in Shanghai and Barcelona differ significantly in their design philosophies and management models. Barcelona’s student residences, typically dispersed throughout the city and managed by private entities, integrate seamlessly into the urban fabric. This model promotes a balanced lifestyle and robust engagement with city resources, providing students with opportunities to immerse themselves in the cultural and social milieu of the city. In contrast, Shanghai’s on-campus, university-managed student residences prioritize proximity to academic facilities, fostering a convenient and focused study environment. This comparative study aims to derive insights from Barcelona’s experience to enhance the design and management of student residences in Shanghai, with the goal of transforming these living spaces from utilitarian accommodations into dynamic social hubs. Part I of the study examines the differences in student residences between Barcelona and Shanghai through the lenses of urban environment and architectural space, and their impacts on students’ lives. The analysis of the urban context encompasses spatial distribution, resource utilization, and urban fabric, highlighting how each city integrates student residences within its broader environment. For instance, Barcelona’s model of dispersed residences facilitates students’ engagement with diverse urban amenities and cultural resources, contributing to a more enriching living experience. Conversely, Shanghai’s concentrated, on-campus residences create a more insular environment, primarily focused on academic convenience. The architectural space analysis delves into the design of ground floors, communal areas, and living units, revealing the different priorities in the design of student housing in these two cities. Barcelona’s student residences often feature inclusive ground floors, interactive communal spaces, and privacy-prioritized living units, fostering social interaction and community building. Shanghai’s residences, however, tend to emphasize functional communal spaces and shared living arrangements, designed to accommodate a larger number of students efficiently but often at the expense of personal privacy and social engagement. Part II of the study explores how Shanghai can learn from Barcelona’s student residence design experience, providing suggestions from both urban and architectural design perspectives. The author uses the Southwest No.1 Student Residence at Tongji University as a case study to propose enhancements that could transform this utilitarian living machine into a vibrant social hub. Recommendations include integrating student residences into the urban fabric to foster engagement with city life, enhancing connectivity with public transport, promoting mixed-use developments to create dynamic living environments, encouraging community engagement through events and activities, and utilizing urban green spaces to improve the quality of life for students. This comprehensive comparative study underscores the importance of considering the broader social and urban contexts in the design and management of student housing. By adopting a more integrated and inclusive approach, Shanghai can develop student residences that not only meet the functional needs of students but also support their social and personal development. This transformation from living machines to social hubs can foster a more supportive and dynamic student community, enhancing the overall educational experience. |
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