Abstract

The fusion of perceived preferences for outdoor spaces and its influence on architecture students’
performance in studio design projects draws attention to the intricate interplay between the human psyche,
creative processes and educational environments. This synergy underscores the potentials to reshape design
education and pedagogical practices. In the context of Nigeria, where diverse ethnic groups and regional
variations contribute to a rich tapestry of cultural dimensions, architectural preferences become imperative.
Yet literature on students’ choices of garden spaces within architectural departments in Nigeria remains
limited. This study, therefore, aims to explore preference of garden choice’s influence on Nigerian architecture
students’ studio performance and perceived motivations. The laddering interviews of the Mean-end Chain
(MEC) method was used and data were content analyzed. The result shows that aesthetic alchemy, biophilic
symbolism, geometric dialogue, material exploration, and temporal dynamics were the most emphasized
attributes elements for garden preference choice’s influence on studio design performance. Seven (7)
motivating user values of “achievement”, “benevolence”, “hedonism”, “security”, “stimulation”, “self
direction” and “universalism”, were found drivers for this preference. The study’s results have practical
implications for architects, policy makers, and other stake holders involved in designing and managing
educational facilities, as such should take the design of garden space within architecture department as its
key priority as this is aimed at creating physical environment which has its direct influence on the students’
performance