Assessment of Open Spaces and Landscape Planning on Users’ Social Interaction and Productivity in Caleb University

Abstract

Background: Campus open spaces are widely associated with enhanced well-being, social interaction, and academic productivity. However, empirical evidence within Nigerian universities remains limited and inconclusive.
Methods: This study assessed the relationship between landscape elements, social interaction, and perceived productivity at Caleb University, Lagos. A quantitative survey design was adopted. Using Yamane’s formula, 333 respondents were selected from a population of 2,019 users; 308 valid responses were analyzed (93.3% response rate). Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.
Results: Students reported positive perceptions of green areas, seating, and shaded walkways (mean > 3.0). Landscape features were associated with improved concentration (3.85), stress reduction (3.96), and motivation (3.93). However, indicators of structured academic interaction were weaker (2.21–3.52). Correlation results suggest that landscape elements have a limited direct statistical effect on productivity, while demographic factors—particularly age—and likely contextual variables such as maintenance quality and institutional culture may play a stronger role.
Conclusion: Campus open spaces at Caleb University contribute positively to well-being and informal interaction but demonstrate limited measurable influence on academic productivity. Landscape planning alone is insufficient to significantly improve productivity without complementary institutional and environmental support systems.