Walking in the Rain: Exploring a More Inclusive and Sustainable Campus at Linköping University

On May 13, Linköping University Sustainability Transformation hosted a hands-on workshop as part of the ULALABS Distributed Learning pilot. Despite persistent rain, eight participants, master’s students and PhD candidates, gathered on Campus Valla of Linköping University to explore what it means to design a campus that is more inclusive, sustainable, and alive.

Learning by Walking, Seeing, and Sensing

The workshop was structured around a simple but powerful idea: go outside, look closely, and reflect on place. Participants were invited to walk across campus, identify spaces in need of improvement, and document their observations through photos and short reflections.

The task encouraged participants to think beyond surface impressions and consider both human and non-human perspectives, asking:

• How does this space feel?

• What is missing or not working?

• How could the space be transformed?

  
  

Even in the rain, this embodied and exploratory approach sparked rich discussions about everyday environments that are often overlooked.

Identifying Unsustainable and Uninviting Spaces

The collected reflections reveal recurring themes about the current campus landscape. Many participants described spaces as underutilised, hard, and lacking life:

• “Too many hard surfaces, not enough plants.”

• “A wasted space with a lot of potential.”

• “The space is uninviting… I won’t be here at night.”

Large paved or gravel areas, parking spaces, and vehicle-dominated environments were frequently identified as barriers to inclusivity and sustainability. These spaces were often perceived as functional but not welcoming, with limited opportunities for social interaction, rest, or engagement with nature.

Participants also noted the lack of biodiversity, shade, and varied seating, elements that are essential for creating environments that support wellbeing and community life.

At the same time, the walk highlighted potential: even the most overlooked corners of campus were seen as sites for transformation.

Imagining Alternatives

Participants actively reimagined the campus, proposing ideas such as:

• Introducing urban greenery and biodiversity

• Creating social meeting spaces and outdoor seating

• Rethinking parking areas and reducing car dominance

• Using rooftops for solar panels or urban agriculture

• Designing more inclusive and accessible pathways

One of the documented sites illustrates the transformative potential clearly. Initially perceived as “dead” and lacking activity or biodiversity, the area was analysed and reimagined through the ULALABS AI-assisted urban design tool.

The proposed redesign introduced:

• Diverse planting and greenery

• Beehives

• Public seating and social spaces

• Improved lighting and pathways

• A central water feature to enhance biodiversity and wellbeing

This transformation demonstrates how small, overlooked spaces can become vibrant, inclusive environments that support both ecological and social sustainability.

Original photo we worked with in the AI tool.

 The results in the AI tool.

Looking Ahead

The May 13 workshop is a small but meaningful step in the Distributed Learning pilot.

It demonstrates how participatory, place-based methods can open up new ways of seeing and transforming university campuses.

The ULALABS team at Linköping University, together with LiU Sustainability Transformations (LiUST), will continue to explore more inclusive and sustainable campuses at Linköping University on May 27 when a second workshop using the ULALABS AI-assisted urban design tool will be held.