Separations are those changes in which the inhabitants of the physical space separate spaces formerly together to achieve some behavioral outcomes. The creativity displayed by students in developing separations in the traditional residence hall room to achieve privacy and a sense of territory is a clear example. Important campus needs are often expressed through the development of separations. Connections are physical adaptations that connect settings allowing for different behaviors. The need for this connection was due to the failure of the original design to place a rear entrance to the building.
Physical connections can also produce symbolic connections.
A campus bridge was built to link two parts of a campus that had been separated by an irrigation ditch. Identification or the use the physical environment to enable others to identify them. The Greek letters on fraternity and sorority houses is a clear example. Fraternity houses that display banners regarding an upcoming kegger send a clear message regarding the use and abuse of alcohol. The last category for Zeisel is public messages.