27 Jun 2025
by Anne-Marie Payne
The physical environment plays a central role in shaping how students experience university life. Every element, from signage to public realm, influences how people move through the space, form connections, and feel a sense of belonging. Through intentional placemaking, the campus supports wellbeing, identity, and inclusion as part of everyday student life.
Republic offers a compelling case study in how thoughtful, participatory design fosters inclusion across a diverse student body. Led by Trilogy Campus, placemaking is approached with intention, aligning design choices with strategic goals.
The environment speaks
Students at Republic consistently highlight the value of the campus environment. In the 2024 Republic Student Survey, students gave the campus an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, praising its peaceful setting, accessible design, and high-quality green spaces.
- 73% of students said public realm contributed to their wellbeing
- Many noted the benefits of outdoor spaces for study and reflection
Features like the Water Garden and Lakeside Sandpit exemplify this thinking. Both were created through community consultation and have been widely embraced by students and local families alike:
- The sandpit has hosted over 16,000 visitors, generating an estimated £1.7 million in social value
- 87% of visitors to the Water Garden described its impact as “very positive”
These spaces function as interventions that actively influence how people feel about being on campus, going well beyond their practical use.
73% of students said the public realm contributed to their wellbeing
Designing with, not for
The Campus Experience Team has embedded a participatory ethos across its placemaking strategy. Rather than imposing a design vision from above, students and community members help shape the environment.
- The Inspirational Figures vinyl project, co-created with local people, brings visibility to underrepresented cultural icons
- The 2024 Ground Floor Brand Refresh was informed by occupier and student feedback, resulting in a more vibrant and student-friendly visual identity
These projects signal to students that their presence matters: that the campus reflects their stories, cultures, and needs.
Wayfinding for confidence and inclusion
In a multi-university campus, finding your way matters. 52.8% of students at Republic identified as international. Ensuring their first impressions are positive and navigable is key to making them feel at home. For new students, especially those from abroad, unclear navigation can be a major barrier to belonging.
The Campus Experience Team has implemented:
- Totem signage with accessible, clear maps
- Playful “breadcrumb trails” leading from the DLR to key locations
- Simplified routing based on real student movement patterns
The Common Room: Belonging by deisgn
The Common Room, launched in mid-2024, is a flagship example of participatory design in action. Located at the heart of Republic, it transforms an underused space into a flexible, student-responsive social hub.
It was created in direct response to student feedback:
- Many students cited a lack of spaces to socialise or unwind
- 73% said campus friendships were important, but organic social spaces were limited
Designed with modular furniture and an open layout, The Common Room is easily adapted for events, study groups, or solo downtime. It also hosts community groups after hours, reinforcing Republic’s civic ethos.
The Common Room addresses a common challenge in higher education: creating spaces that encourage students to remain on campus, connect with peers, and engage in campus life beyond the classroom.
Placemaking as civic strategy
Placemaking at Republic is rooted in civic intent, using physical space to foster cross-institutional interaction, local engagement, and student agency.
From wayfinding to programming, the physical environment becomes a tool for inclusion, connection, and impact.
Trilogy Campus continues to refine this model, positioning Republic as a national exemplar of student-centred, civically engaged placemaking.
To explore placemaking and partnership opportunities at Republic, contact community@republic.london
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