Trans-Nationalism and Place Attachment in Universiti Putra Malaysia Campus Planning: A Critical View from Figure Ground Morphological Perspective

Transnationalism countenances connection between individuals and societies across borders which necessitates changes in the planning approach of higher learning institutes’ destinations. Within the changes, the sense of physically being and feeling ‘in place’ or ‘place attachment is essential for the international students to survive the new experience. The planning of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) campus facilities is observed as not well-planned where wide and dispersed planning approach has generated little excitement in sustaining the attraction and meaning of place resulting in negative impact on students’ life and educational experience. The aim of this study is to investigate the physical facilities planning characteristics of UPM through figure ground study and the manner it influences the place attachment amongst the international students. A morphological figure ground study of 8 most highly ranked location of place attachment in UPM was conducted and followed by a narrative analysis. Results from study demonstrates that the overall planning based on Administrative Centred Approach shared similar characteristics that triggered the sense of place attachment amongst the international students. The building and street pattern were originally implemented without specific intention to facilitate the place attachment but can be potentially exploited to improve social interactions, safety and human comfort necessary for the place attachment and creating the identity. The results are imperative in formulating strategic planning strategies framework to establish UPM as international education hub.

Keywords:

Campus Planning , Figure Ground Study , Place Attachment and Trans-nationalism