Land use–based spatial planning structure of the MULS Campus in the urban ecosystem

In the Strategic Development Plan of the Mongolian State University of Agriculture for 2018–2028, one of the eight priority directions is the improvement of the university environment and the enhancement of the quality and accessibility of buildings and facilities. The primary objective of our study is to develop a scientifically grounded spatial planning solution to create a comfortable, favorable environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Within the framework of the research, an assessment of the land-use structure and the current state of the “KHAAN” campus of the Mongolian State University of Agriculture was conducted. Based on field measurements, aerial imagery obtained through unmanned aerial vehicles, and remote sensing methods, we developed an environmentally oriented planning proposal aligned with the requirements of an urban ecosystem and integrated into an optimized land use scheme.

The results of the study allowed us to compare the current condition of the campus with model examples of campuses at several international universities, thereby identifying the potential for developing a territorial plan based on functional zoning. The “KHAAN” campus occupies 22.25 hectares, with land use distributed as follows: educational facilities — 30%, green infrastructures — 14.1%, road infrastructure — 8.3%, office and administrative buildings — 6%, and residential areas — 10.1%.

As a result of the planning analysis, which considered the existing land-use structure, the areas designated for economic activities, residential zones, parking lots, and educational facilities were partially reduced. Instead, the project includes new functional elements such as a pedestrian “light street,” expanded green areas, a student development center, bicycle parking facilities, an agricultural innovation and technology center, as well as public spaces for recreation and leisure.