How the Physical Environment Communicates Nonverbally

     The physical environment of a college campus influences students’ attraction to and satisfaction with that particular institution (Strange & Banning, 2001). Initial attitudes are shaped by everything from the basic campus layout, open spaces, and landscape, to the classroom buildings and fitness center. Several of the students I interviewed mentioned that artwork hanging in campus buildings tends to send a message as to whether or not the campus is inclusive. If there is very little minority representation in the artwork, for example, it can make students feel like they do not matter. In addition, a student mentioned that derogatory graffiti on restroom walls can communicate messages to African American students that they do not belong at the institution. These nonverbal, symbolic messages represent how physical environments can impact behavior and students often consider them more truthful than verbal or written messages (Strange & Banning 2001). One student I talked to also mentioned that marketing materials used by the campus send a message of inclusion or exclusion. He said he likes to thumb through the metals to see if minorities are represented in brochures and booklets promoting the college. There are also symbolic messages centered around the location of different offices. One student I talked to said he wished that the multicultural center could be centrally located in the student union, rather than squeezed into an area with several other offices on a higher floor of a tall building. He felt that the office was not conveniently located and thus sends a message that diversity is not a priority on campus. He went on to mention that the office is comprised of a series of cubicles and does not provide any space for students to lounge and converse.

Strange, C. C., & Banning, J. H. (2001). Ch 1: Physical environments: The role of design and space.  In Educating by design: Creating campus learning environments that work (pp. 9-32). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.