Fostering Belonging in Higher Ed with Local Landscapes

By Sara Hudson

According to The Institute for College Access & Success, one in five students choose to go out-of-state for college. These students are thrown into a new community, environment, and also a new geographical setting. It is crucial for their academic success, emotional well-being and sustained involvement with the institution that they feel a sense of belonging on campus. 

Creating a college campus that reflects the beauty, biodiversity, and unique features of its geographical setting can foster a sense of pride and identity for students. Research supports the idea that additions of familiar local landscape elements can significantly increase people’s place attachment toward a new built environment. The surrounding landscape of an environment can contribute to people's attachment to a place. Scenic views, natural landmarks, and unique geographical features often become symbols of local pride and identity.  

The physical characteristics of a biome, such as landscapes, weather patterns, and natural resources, can shape people's daily lives and activities. Shared experiences related to navigating the challenges and benefits of a particular biome can foster bonds among individuals and strengthen their sense of belonging to a broader community. 

As we shared in our Education Reflections Insights journal, students who feel like they belong are more likely to engage in academic activities, seek support when needed and persist in their studies. Furthermore, according to a 2019 study, having a greater sense of belonging in college students is associated with higher academic success, and persistence and is protective for mental health. This means they are also more likely to stay enrolled in and graduate from their chosen institution of higher education. 

The textural biophilic patterns of our Local Landscapes carpet tile collection effortlessly bring the outside in, reflecting the essence of local natural environments and creating a harmonious atmosphere that fosters well-being and productivity.  

Whether you're aiming for serene spaces for reflection, dynamic hubs for collaboration, or efficient areas for wayfinding, Local Landscapes features three distinct styles that work together and offer a world of design possibilities. A clean neutral palette acts as a canvas for your vision, enhanced by rich accent colors that add depth and character to your space. This versatility allows you to create unique installations that cater to various purposes, from fostering quiet reflection to promoting impactful collaboration.