A Participatory Model for Urban Design on University Campuses: A Map-Based Approach.

The built environment significantly shapes perceptions and behaviors in public spaces, including university campuses. However, institutional fragmentation and limited participatory planning often create gaps between research and practical application. This article introduces a Participatory Model for Urban Design on University Campuses, which employs a Map-Based Approach emphasizing collaborative interactions with physical maps during in-person workshops. Tested at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), the model inspired a participatory approach that engaged participants, leveraged collective intelligence and generated new perspectives for campus planning. By integrating maps with design thinking, this study connects theoretical concepts and practical challenges, synthesizing expertise from a multidisciplinary team to address spatial complexities dynamically. Beyond presenting the model, the article provides a replicable framework for participatory processes and advances research in collective intelligence and mapping activities. These findings offer valuable guidance for planners, architects, administrators, and researchers seeking to implement inclusive and impactful urban design practices.