Randall, Joshua

English

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Randall, J. (2020). Relating green space characteristics to student housing habits. Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research, 10,87–88. AGRICULTURERelating Green Space Characteristics to Student Housing HabitsStudent researcher: Joshua Randall, SeniorGrowing psychological and sociological evidence points to humans desiring and benefi ting from living and working in green spaces. University campuses off er a unique combination of both, as well as profes-sionals in landscape and horticultural sciences. Do certain characteristics of these green spaces have an impact on the desirability of housing on campus? Using data from student housing records and pub-licly available arboretum data, I attempted to create a simplistic model to test this question. Diversity of species, density of canopy cover, duration of fl ow-ering time, and relative area of green space were tested against the number of students who remained in the same dorm at Purdue University for more than two semesters. Shreve, Earhart, and Harrison represented low-retention dorms; Cary and Hawkins represented high-retention dorms. Data beginning in 2008 and 2011 were used to fi nd statistically signif-icant groups of dorms. A generalized linear model was created; percent of green space and canopy area had the largest eff ect on the rate of retention. This initial step toward examining the relation-ship between student choice in dorms and the built environment supported the initial hypothesis that green spaces keep stud ents in the same spaces lon-ger. Green spaces off er many diff erent features and functions to students, and in this instance seem to be included in the choice of living arrangements for students.Research advisor David Nelson writes: “Consid-erable resources are invested in Purdue’s ‘green spaces’ with implied benefi ts for student well-being, but no empirical inquiry exists about the utility of the spaces. Joshua combines his expertise in horticul-ture with institutional data to examine the infl uence of green space in on-campus housing retention.” The view south of Lilly Hall of Life Sciences. The greenhouses and parking lot decrease green space and species diversity. The area surrounding this courtyard has several new buildings but little pedestrian tra  c (photo by Joshua Randall).http://dx.doi.org/10.7771/2158-4052.1459

Relating Green Space Characteristics  to Student Housing Habits

https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1459&context=jpur

Relating Green Space Characteristics to Student Housing Habits

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