The impetus for this study arose from the pressing demands from students for a more condusive campus environment, not so much of a formal amount of study time or a place in which to study as a total experience but one of a systematic knowledge devlopment through classroom activities, reading, informal talks with friends and faculty members, moments of leisure and happy relaxation etc. The immediate need for a better interaction between the campus physical environment and human activity contain in it had also inspired me to deal with greater depth. With these demands and needs in mind on overview of recent trends and developments in campus planning was needed as a firsthand knowledge of the latest ideas on the subject. An assssment in retrospect of the strengths and weaknesses of the various campus-plan concepts was done as to provide pointers to the most promising methods of approach from among the alternatives open to the planners and architects of a new campus. The general campus planning methodology is seen in its 3 stages of development i.e. the evolution of the philosophy behind the university, the interpretation of that philosophy by the architect and finally the translation of this interpretation into the buildings. The sequence of the various planning tools in these stages would have the greatest influence on the actual design of the campus itself. In context of the master design methodology, the campus clearly dealt with two major spatial divisions i.e. (i) spaces that conform to fixed functions (classrooms and areas for scheduled training and study); (ii) Public spaces to accommodate unscheduled activities. It is the latter division which would be the secondary part of the study which would lead to pointers and conclusions as promising methods of approach to a campus design employing the theme of public spaces. The prevalence of public spaces where people spontaneously congregate depict its importance in generating campus life. Its accessibility and helping control movement and space relationship with the whole spatial system would add to its frequency in user's participation. The public spaces which includes the stations, corridors, malls, plazas, arcades etc. absorbs many architectural ideas and are therefore architectural spaces. A case study of the campus in the MARA Institute of Technology, Shah Alam was needed in appraising and assessng the availability of these public spaces, the planning methodology, the general students' response towards the physical environment, current usage and other problems connected therewith. A critical appreaciation of the "user needs requirement" was done as an attempt to assess the physical environment that was designed in conforming to the various criterias stated for human needs and wants. In conclusion, various pointers and methods were provided as an approach to a new vision for the future campus accommodating the educational and social needs of a student.