Self-Build Practices on University Campus: Socio-Psychological Effects on Care and Intention to Spend Time in Outdoor Spaces

Andrea Manunza;Alessandro Lorenzo Mura;Marco Lauriola

;Emanuel Muroni;Silvana Mula;Giulia Giliberto;Donatella Pirina;Ferdinando Fornara;Oriana Mosca

2026-01-01

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Abstract

This study investigates the impact of a self-built architectural intervention implemented in three areas, two intervention sites and one control site of a university campus, focusing on howsuch interventions can influence the use and care of open spaces. Surveys were administered before and after the intervention to a purposive sample of 54 habitual campus users, recruited through peer referrals and contacted via informal channels such as in person interactions, phone calls, and shared student groups. The surveys were completed anonymously using Google Forms. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models to evaluate changes over time, across sites, and time x site interaction. Results showed a significant increase over time in participants’ intention to care for the whole campus. Intentions to spend time in outdoor areas varied significantly across sites but did not change over time, and no time × site interaction was detected, indicating that observed changes were not confined to intervention sites. These findings highlight the potential of user-centered design interventions to enhance the quality, accessibility, and usability of openareas byproviding empirical insights relevant to urban planning and the management of public spaces. Overall, this research suggests that self-build initiatives within university campuses can serve as scalable models for fostering sustainable urban environments, promoting citizen engagement, and improving urban well-being.