Delta College wants you to feel connected to its campus

Public art displays. New, modern furniture. Graphics of students adorning the walls.

Students of Delta College might have noticed some new features on campus this semester, as the school has implemented a new initiative designed to create a sense of place throughout its halls.

The placemaking project includes colorful murals and interactive spaces such as digital signage, ambient learning murals, and exterior entry graphics. College programs like art, history, health, trades, and business are assigned designated colors.

The installations were made to provide students and visitors a stronger connection to Delta.

According to the Project for Public Spaces, a non-profit organization dedicated to the philosophy, placemaking is about "strengthening the connection between people and the places they share, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared value.

"More than just promoting better urban design, placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution."

The initiative is the result of a 2-year study held by the college, which included surveys, focus groups, and site visits facilitated by a group of faculty, staff, and community members. It’s said that group met with over 500 students when researching the project.

"National studies and our own research showed us that students who have a sense of belonging at their college demonstrate more intention and motivation to persist past their first year," says Delta College President Dr. Jean Goodnow.

"It’s in their best interest to do all we can to make Delta a place where they feel they belong – from their first visit right on through to graduation."

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