<span lang="EN-GB">Quantifying the Role of Spatial Quality in Campus Belonging Formation: A Regression-Based Study in a Semi-Arid University Environment

Campus belonging plays an important role in student engagement and academic persistence; however, the contribution of physical campus environments to belonging formation remains insufficiently examined in higher education research. This study investigates the relationship between perceived spatial quality, psychological attachment, and campus belonging within a semi-arid university environment. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among students at Garmsar University of Iran, resulting in ۱۳۰ valid responses from a population of approximately ۶۵۰ students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression modeling. Results indicate that spatial quality significantly predicts psychological attachment (β = ۰.۵۸, p < ۰.۰۰۱), while psychological attachment strongly predicts campus belonging (β = ۰.۶۵, p < ۰.۰۰۱). Spatial quality also demonstrates a smaller but significant direct effect on belonging (β = ۰.۲۰, p < ۰.۰۱), confirming a partial mediation relationship. The regression model explains ۵۹% of the variance in campus belonging (R² = ۰.۵۹). Findings suggest that architectural quality, environmental comfort, and spatial organization contribute meaningfully to students’ emotional connection with campus environments. The study highlights the importance of climate-responsive campus planning and evidence-based spatial design strategies in strengthening institutional belonging within higher education settings.

کلیدواژه ها:

Built environment ، Campus belonging ، Environmental Perception ، Semi-arid campus ، Spatial Quality