the spatial attributes of higher education environments according to the coordination of behavior and activity space (case study: university of guilan)

Purpose: learning environments can affect education quality and lead to optimal behaviors. this research attempted to modify higher educational environments by increasing creativity, accountability, motivation, self-actualization, and interaction. design/methodology/approach: quantitative and qualitative research through a descriptive-survey method are used in this study. first, the theoretical framework, including a set of environmental and human factors are extracted from published books and articles. using delphi method, environmental and human variables are prioritized by interviewing several architecture and psychology experts. afterwards, a closed-ended questionnaire is distributed among students of university of guilan who are randomly selected. finally, with a semi-structured and an open-response interview with several architecture professors, design suggestions are proposed. findings: the impact of environmental and human factors on each other are identified and ten priorities are concluded to be the most effective on the relationship. factors such as private & public territories separation, cultural elements, curved & combined forms, connections between interior & exterior spaces and possibility of user involvement in design process are important. research limitations/implications: depending on the location, students living conditions and social culture, the findings can be different. originality/value: this topic has not been investigated in non-western countries like iran by professionals. thus, the context of this study and the presented findings can be deemed unique.