Reaffirming the Campus as a Sacred Space: A Japanese Case Study

Abstract

In light of the considerable transformations in higher education that have had an impact on traditional campus experiences, this paper explores the role of university campuses as sacred spaces for young people. In particular, it examines the significance of the material environment in shaping young peoples’ experiences and social memberships within higher education institutions. Drawing on qualitative research, namely digital walkthrough interviews conducted at a Japanese institution during the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper argues that the physical spaces of a university produce special meaning and unexpected attachments for young people, and thus warrants greater attention as a site for social interaction and exchange. It will be shown that there is a need to look beyond the instrumental and purely pedagogic needs of students and place a greater emphasis on efforts to build more socially supportive campus environments. As universities continue the process of reinventing themselves to better fit the ‘new normal’ in a post-pandemic environment, this paper advocates for more consideration of the everyday needs of young people with regard to meaningful interaction, connection and belonging, and how regarding the campus as a sacred space for practices of placemaking and shared experience offers a pathway to fulfill these needs.