While pedagogical models evolve and learning pathways diversify, the campus must continue to offer something irreplaceable: the opportunity to come together in-person – to think, explore, collaborate and grow. It should be not only a container for education but also a catalyst.

A resilient campus is not simply efficient or functional but distinctive and memorable. It embodies the ethos of its institution, reflects its values and heritage, and nurtures an environment in which students and staff feel connected, supported and inspired. In short, the campus experience matters.

Every institution has a unique DNA – whether rooted in tradition, innovation, global outlook or social mission. The campus should express this identity not only through architecture but through the organisation of space, the choice of materials and the relationship to its setting. When done well, the physical environment becomes a lived expression of institutional purpose.

At Wycombe Abbey School in Hangzhou, we took inspiration from the site's local heritage and geography to create a campus that feels wholly grounded in its place. The campus is anchored by a central lake - both a symbolic and physical focal point - around which the functions of learning, living and community revolve.

The material palette draws from archaeological findings native to the region, with textured stone and clay-based finishes echoing traditional forms while supporting a contemporary educational narrative. Views across water, soft landscaped thresholds, and generous public spaces reinforce a sense of calm coherence, aligning with the school’s holistic philosophy that balances academic achievement with wellbeing and character development.

A resilient campus must do more than serve its immediate academic purpose – it must foster relationships, build trust and cultivate community. Social connection is not a byproduct of good design; it is a central outcome. When learners feel part of a community, their wellbeing, motivation and performance improve.

Communal spaces – both indoors and outdoors – must be intentional, not residual. They should be activated by design and programming, offering students opportunities for both structured interaction and spontaneous gathering. Quiet corners, sunlit atriums, shared kitchens and open terraces – each plays a role in reinforcing social cohesion.

Wycombe Abbey’s boarding houses exemplify this at a residential scale. Clustered around the central lake, the houses are designed with intimate social spaces that encourage daily interaction and provide emotional sanctuary. Whether for international students far from home or younger pupils new to residential life, these environments are critical in establishing trust, connection and a strong sense of belonging. The architectural language is warm, human-scaled and consistent with the wider campus narrative.

Across all campuses, the design of shared facilities – cafés, lounges, collaborative work zones and wellness spaces – must reflect the diversity of the student body and the richness of campus life. These are the places where friendships are forged, projects are born and culture is cultivated.

First impressions shape lasting perceptions. The moment of arrival – how a campus greets students, staff, visitors or prospective applicants – sets the tone for the entire experience. But beyond that initial encounter, the campus must continue to affirm a sense of belonging throughout every stage of the student journey.

The concept of the ‘sticky campus’ is central here. These are campuses where students choose to stay, not because they must, but because they want to. They linger, study, meet, relax and return because they feel ownership, comfort and connection. This stickiness is not accidental; it is designed.

Coventry University often performs strongly in student satisfaction rankings – consistently above the national average according to the National Student Survey (NSS), ranking in the top 15 UK universities for student satisfaction in 2023. Much of this success can be attributed to its intentional investment in learning and social spaces that students value and use. Light-filled lounges, digitally enabled study zones, wellness centres and food outlets are integrated across campus, ensuring that students’ academic and social lives are supported in tandem.

Sticky campuses provide choice. They offer moments of delight and comfort, inviting people to inhabit the campus on their own terms.

Ultimately, the campus is about people. Its success is measured not solely in energy performance, spatial efficiency or digital readiness but in how it makes students, staff and communities feel.

The resilient campus of the future is human-centred by design. It acknowledges that learning is not just cognitive but emotional. That identity is shaped not only by the curriculum but also by the place. That belonging is a prerequisite for ambition and community a precondition for resilience.

As we continue to partner with institutions around the world, we remain committed to creating campuses that are not just places of education but homes for human potential, rich in meaning, memory and connection.