The Impacts of Green Space on Student Experience at an Urban Community College

Book excerpt: This book presents a rich case study examining physical and spatial factors of urban campus design that influence student experience and wellbeing. The text details important historical context illustrating the foundational concepts and purpose of college sites in the United States and maps economic reforms and policies which have driven the development of today’s inner-city campuses. Focusing on Bronx Community College, New York, and looking specifically at how the presence or absence of green space impacts students, the text then draws on diverse student voices to examine how students use open spaces, and how this influences their sense of belonging, stress reduction, and scholarly identities. The author’s historical and qualitative research presents original insights and relies on a rich body of textual and on-site investigation. This book will be a valuable resource for researchers and academics with an interest in urban education and higher education. It will be of particular interest to those with a focus on multicultural education and education policy.