The Art of Community-Building: Insights on Building Communal Spaces in the Student Union Around Artwork
Art and community-building are intrinsically linked, and the campus setting is no exception, according to recent doctoral research from Adriane Reilly, associate director of the Sykes Student Union at West Chester University.
“Based on the findings of this study and my professional experience, physical elements such as lighting, art, color, layout, furniture, and upkeep can enhance or diminish students’ sense of belonging in addition to the people who use the space,” Reilly, who also serves as a member-at-large on ACUI’s Board of Trustees, writes in “Familiar Faces and Comfortable Spaces: The Role of the College Union in Fostering Sense of Belonging on a College Campus.”
