Objective The quality of pedestrian environments is a crucial component of campus planning for comprehensive universities. As contemporary higher education increasingly emphasizes interdisciplinary communication, well-designed pedestrian environments can help foster interaction, strengthen campus identity, and promote active mobility. However, a great deal of research has identified the pedestrian-unfriendly conditions of university campuses in China, particularly those constructed in recent decades. Most empirical research has focus on sidewalks in campuses, while overlooking the characteristics and qualities of pedestrian spaces within squares, green spaces, and void spaces, revealing the limitations of quantitative evaluation. The lack of systematic characterization in existing studies also limits their applicability as practical guidances for campus pedestrian planning, in which urban design plays an integrative role. Therefore, a systematic spatial and design analysis of exemplary cases is needed. Singapore stands out for its well-developed pedestrian networks that effectively respond to tropical climatic conditions, support placemaking, and integrate with campus and urban systems. These qualities are particularly evident in its two comprehensive universities: the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). This research examines the spatial and design characteristics of pedestrian spaces in NUS and NTU, aiming to extract strategies applicable to campus regeneration. The research first establishes a framework through a literature review that synthesizes key factors related to campus pedestrian environments and distinctive characteristics of Singapore’s pedestrian planning. Building on this framework, the research combines quantitative spatial analysis with qualitative mapping, on-site observation, and design analysis to identify the configurational and design characteristics of pedestrian spaces in the campuses of the both universities mentioned above. The findings further inform a discussion on design and management strategies for improving pedestrian environments in other universities.

Methods This research employs a mixed-methods approach for analyzing the design characteristics of pedestrian spaces. First, the research establishes an analysis framework based on a literature review. The review summarizes key spatial factors related to pedestrian on the campus from the perspectives of international research and distinctive characteristics of Singapore’s pedestrian system. The framework comprises four dimensions: overall spatial layout, public space design and placemaking, landscape integration, and infrastructural application. Second, on-site observation, spatial analysis and design analysis are conducted to unpack the characteristics of the campuses of the both universities. Specifically, observation comprises photography, measurement, hand sketching and mapping. Design characteristics are summarized in an inductive approach, according to the four-dimensional framework. In particular, to analyze the overall spatial layout, comprehensive mapping and configurational analysis are conducted. Mapping overlays walking spaces with campus functional layout and transportation systems. Based on the space syntax theory, a configurational analysis is conducted to measure the spatial relationships between one pedestrian space to another. This research employs two classical parameters, integration and choice, to measure to-potential and through-potential of each pedestrian space in relating to other spaces at local (400 m radius) and district (2,000 m radius) scales.

Results The analysis reveals that both NUS and NTU develop comprehensive pedestrian systems characterized by the above four aspects, overall layout, public space, landscape integration, and infrastructural application. First, continuous networks of covered walkways connect academic, residential, and service functions, as well as public transport nodes. The compact built form of the campuses of the both universities shortens pedestrian distance, promotes pedestrian activities, and makes pedestrian systems more efficient. Public transport routes are accessible to the campuses and share stops with campus shuttle, well-connected with covered walkways. Major covered walkways are laid out effectively to support local pedestrian activities, shown by high 400 m Choice values. While campus roads are supportive to the public transport for accessing to the campuses, shown by 2,000 m Choice. Besides, special attention should be paid to relations between multiple types of pedestrian spaces and campus roads and the configurational legibility of pedestrian spaces. Second, pedestrian spaces at NUS and NTU are characterized by their public space design and placemaking, which extend pedestrian nodes into multifunctional places that support studying, social interaction, and leisure. These node spaces are equipped with diverse forms of seats, lights, plants and equipment for better thermal comfort, encouraging encounter and stay. In particular, maintaining pedestrian spaces, both paths and nodes, at a human scale is crucial not only for users’ comfort while staying, but also for minimumizing impact on nature. Third, landscape integration balances aesthetic design with ecological and environmental performance. Shaded corridors, rain gardens, and terrain-responsive pathways enhance thermal comfort, support stormwater management, and strengthen ecological sustainability, while preserving the natural terrain and reinforcing campus identity. Fourth, infrastructure application comprises pedestrian-friendly elements and climate-responsive design. Natural ventilation, canopies, and semi-open transitions enhance microclimatic comfort, while durable materials, modular drainage systems, and traffic-calming measures improve accessibility, safety, and long-term maintainability. Despite these strengths, challenges persist, such as narrow pedestrian routes and limited connectivity with adjacent neighborhoods. Nevertheless, the two Singapore examples illustrate how progressive infill and adaptive design renewal can transform pedestrian systems into cohesive, efficient, and socially vibrant pedestrian environments.

Conclusion NUS and NTU demonstrate effective coverage of pedestrian spaces for core university functions with limited investment. Moreover, design strategies integrating pedestrian spaces with campus functions, public spaces, landscape resources, and transport systems can create walkable, vibrant, multi-functional and thermally comfortable pedestrian environments. Beyond spatial layout and design, the study offers more insights for universities subject to regeneration, particularly in China. First, despite different campus form, pedestrian space can be incrementally integrate with teaching and research spaces, amenities, and public transport. Second, creating vibrant pedestrian spaces and fostering placemaking of public space require accessible campus for pedestrian and open building public and transport spaces. A new Town & Gown relationship comprising accessible campus, shared facilities and open buildings means new management paradigms. Third, a compact building layout combined with human-scale public spaces forms the spatial foundation for active pedestrian space. This is achievable through the innovation of climate-response design elements, even under the current sunlight code of China. Fourth, digital analytical tools, such as behavioral tracking and environmental monitoring, can support participatory planning and performance evaluation. Successful campus pedestrian systems emerge from the coordination of spatial design, institutional management, and functional programming.