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COMMENT


Developers are creating spaces where tenants can both work and play – with mental health and wellbeing at the heart of it


‘Fresher’s Flu’, the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of maintaining rigorous hygiene standards within student populations. It is therefore crucial that accommodation facilities are taking the necessary steps to mitigate the risks. With this consideration in mind, designers must select materials and furnishings that are durable, robust and can withstand repetitive cleaning. However, creating a considered balance to ensure the overall aesthetic of the development, and students’ comfort are not lost, is of paramount importance.


Sustainability With the continued supply chain shortages resulting from Brexit, interior design teams have continued to prioritise UK suppliers of materials. Not only does this minimise transit times, but also lowers the carbon footprint of the material, making it more sustainable. At a number of KKAI-designed interiors, local artists have been commissioned to create a statement piece – using only recycled materials – bringing sustainability to the heart of the accommodation. Also, for example at developments by True Student, pop-up events are hosted, inviting local restaurants and artists to educate and inspire students, also encouraging them to buy local and engage with local communities.


Space Mental health and wellbeing


The impact of physical space on improving mental and physical wellness has become more important than ever. This is something that – even before the pandemic – was a pivotal element of student accommodation designs. For many students, their time at university will be their first proper experiences away from their home, and how we use design can play an important role in making this important stage feel as safe and welcoming as possible. For example the last year has taught so many to appreciate the green spaces that are near them, whether that is back gardens or local parks.


Such considerations have already been factored into designs, with architects and designers incorporating biophilic design into their plans for student accommodation – like at the Bricks Development at Salford Quays. Such design is proven to improve mental health, relieve stress plus encourage creativity and connectivity, all of which are key factors in the life of a happy and healthy student.


Cleanliness


Designers of student accommodation have always factored in the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, but the impact of the pandemic means we’re now seeing more and more students talking about it too. The fact that student living quarters can be a hotbed of passing on germs is not new. Yet, while there are jokes about


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Designing communal spaces that are open-plan can encourage peers to collaborate through their studies, socialise more with one another, and even foster creative thinking. It is equally important to have pockets of space for reflection or private study. This evolution of communal areas has created environments that have a scalable interactivity, making it a versatile experience with a strong sense of community.


Each development’s interior also draws inspiration from its surroundings, whether it is a biophilic design embracing its environmental roots, ‘earthbound’ textures, or drawing on cultural inspiration. An example is how the River Street Tower development in Manchester draws from that city’s great musical and media heritage. For many, the student experience is one that shapes the rest of their life, personally and in their studies, and helps form their outlook on the world. It’s also increasingly the case that the higher standard of accommodation they’re now exposed to during this period will mean they won’t want to settle for less in future years. Many will expect similar standards in post- graduation accommodation.


As these tenant expectations continue to rise, more co-living projects are expected to become increasingly common, and we will see the care given to improving student experience transferred into more environments and influencing accommodation types for residential projects for people from all walks of life. With a boom in quality currently visible across student accommodation, this can only be a good thing.


Nicola Ball is associate interior designer at KKAI ADF JUNE 2022


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