Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Date of Award

5-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

First Advisor

Todd Ream

Second Advisor

Skip Trudeau

Third Advisor

Tim Herrmann

Abstract

This study explored the impact of shower facility design on traditional men's residence hall floors. This research drew upon previous research in proxemics and residence hall design by looking at three shared shower facility designs in traditional residence halls at a small, liberal-arts, faith-based institution located in the Midwest. The selected shower designs were open showers with no dividers, partially-open showers with chest-high dividers, and divided showers with complete coverage. An online survey with both quantitative and qualitative questions was sent out to male students living in traditional residence halls, and the results were analyzed. This study looked for connections, or lack thereof, between privacy, community, and comfort. In addition, this study explored how shower facility design intersected with men's experiences with community, belonging, vulnerability, nudity, and conversation. This research provides valuable insight into the unique ways that design impacts community in a traditional residence hall.

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