Student Housing – Student Homes?: Aspects of Student Housing Satisfaction
Abstract
The main objective of this thesis has been to examine socio-cultural and architectural aspects that influence student housing satisfaction.
The study applies case study methodology with focus on three selected student housing projects in Norway and a survey conducted among the student population in Trondheim. Students in the three case-study buildings were interviewed on how they perceive their specific housing situation. The survey reviewed housing preference and satisfaction on a general level, and tested also differences in satisfaction between institutionally provided accommodation and other types of student housing.
Three articles (Part II) constitute the empirical section of the thesis, while part I presents the theoretical background and describes the methodology applied. Moreover, findings from all three articles are summarised, discussed and compared here. From these findings, conclusions and implications for future research are drawn.
The findings show that important general indicators for student housing satisfaction were the location and the type of tenancy. Further that the possibility for identity building through personalisation and sufficient privacy and social life also played a vital role together with the perceived degree of an institutional character.
Architectural aspects that the students found important for housing satisfaction and for a home experience were the buildings exterior and the use of materials and colours, in addition to the spatial organisation of circulation areas and entrances. The usability of common facilities and private rooms, and their interconnection were also regarded as important in this context.
Has parts
Thomsen, Judith; Tjora, A. Changeable Space as Temporary Home. Nordisk Arkitekturforskning. 19(3): 13-22, 2006.Thomsen, Judith. Home Experiences in Student Housing: About Temporary Homes and Institutional Character. Journal of Youth Studies. 10(5): 577-596, 2007.