FEATURE FOCUS: MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
education spaces and can impact the productivity and wellbeing of students. Excessive noise levels are closely associated with discomfort, irritation, headaches and stress-related characteristics, so it’s important to prioritise acoustic performance, in order to minimise discomfort and create a calm atmosphere.
positions, as well as adjustable monitors for computer-based studies, to allow students to alter their position throughout lessons, will support comfort.
Naturally different age groups and subject areas will have varying requirements, so comfortable carpeted areas with cushions and beanbags may be more suitable for younger children, for example. Whereas in further education, more formal settings are likely to be more appropriate.
• Lighting
The importance of appropriate lighting in education spaces cannot be underestimated. Research has shown that access to natural light has a multitude of positive effects on peoples’ physical and mental health, enhancing alertness and cognitive skills. It helps balance circadian rhythm, which plays a crucial role in improving sleep quality, as well as regulating moods and behaviours, which can result in students being more engaged, motivated and comfortable.
The natural solution to this is to strategically locate areas where students spend the majority of their day, such as classrooms or university libraries, near to windows and sources of natural light. This is particularly important for younger school children who are in their developmental years, as natural light is essential for their cognitive development. In areas where it’s not feasible to make daylight the main source of lighting, controllable and flexible solutions should be considered. Depending on the setting, different types of lighting should be used. For example, areas where students are likely to require high levels of concentration should be bright and well-lit to aid focus, whereas ambient lighting helps to create a comfortable environment and is ideal for use in breakout out spaces, or wellbeing rooms and relaxation areas, to encourage individuals to take time out and unwind.
The use of skylights and atriums is also increasing popular. Utilising glass for internal walls where appropriate is also a good way to keep a space light and bright, and helps minimise the need for additional lighting.
• Acoustics High noise levels, among other stressors, can irritate,
Loud talking, scraping chairs and echoing hallways are common unwanted noises in
September 2023
Features such as acoustic panels, walls, ceiling tiles, flooring, using sound-absorbing materials and even furniture, can limit sound movement through a space, and reduce external noise. For instance, incorporating curtains in seminar rooms and classrooms can effectively absorb sound and minimise echo. In larger spaces like lecture halls, the strategic application of acoustic panelling on high ceilings will minimise reverberation. By methodologically integrating acoustic solutions, educational spaces can be transformed into tranquil and focused learning environments, which support the wellbeing of those using the space.
• Air quality
Clean, fresh air is the bare minimum we should be providing to ensure student health. Poor air quality has been linked with negative impacts on students’ health, leading to increased absenteeism and reduced academic performance. Yet studies have shown that air quality in school buildings can often fall below World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Many factors contribute towards indoor air quality, for example the location of the facility (urban or rural), building layout, access to natural ventilation, and even building materials and finishes such as carpets and paints. Pollutants caused by all of these factors can trigger a host of health issues, including allergies and asthma.
Ventilation is one key factor in improving air quality, but just opening windows isn’t enough and isn’t always appropriate. For example, urban schools should not open their windows to increase natural ventilation because they are more than likely located next to busy roads, making them more vulnerable to air and noise pollution. A design and build partner with in- house M&E expertise will be able to advise on an appropriate ventilation strategy for your facility.
• Temperature
Thermal comfort in education design is vital in creating an effective learning environment; too hot or too cold, students’ focus will shift to the source of discomfort rather than the task at hand. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which applies to all workplaces and schools, states that the temperature should be at least 16°C. That said, thermal comfort in an education setting can be challenging to navigate due to the combination of environmental factors, such as outside air temperature and humidity, and personal factors, like clothing and preference. Ensuring your facility is designed with a controllable heating and cooling system throughout, can support with this. The installation of thermostats and sensors in strategic locations throughout various learning spaces, corridors and social areas allows temperature to be monitored and regulated,
ensuring it remains within the optimal range for the comfort of students, as well as complying with health and safety regulations.
• Interior design
Colour psychology, which refers to the way people feel when exposed to certain colours and how they influence our emotions, actions and decisions, plays more of an important role in education design than some might realise. For example, blue is known to trigger productivity and focus, so is a natural choice, while red is associated with feelings of urgency and can also cause fatigue, so its overuse could have a negative impact.
An age-appropriate colour palette must be considered. Younger children prefer primary colours such as red and yellow, which promote high-energy and creativity, whereas older students typically prefer pastel, cooler shades that create a calming atmosphere, perfect for focussed studying.
• Connecting to nature
Research has shown that green spaces and access to nature positively supports students’ mental health and wellbeing, which translates into improved focus, creativity and mood. In younger children, being outdoors has also been linked to better emotional development. Outside learning spaces will require a combination of permanent weather-resistant furnishings, as well as lightweight, moveable furnishings, such as whiteboards. In primary schools, play equipment is typically a central feature, whereas within colleges or universities, outdoor space may focus on quiet gardens, or areas with comfortable seating. In addition, the use of biophilic features such as planting and water features, can bring the outside indoors, and provide access to nature even when being outdoors isn’t possible.
Final thought
School, college or university is usually the most important indoor environment for young people outside of their home. With this in mind, education providers have a responsibility to ensure the facilities they offer enhance not just students’ educational needs but support their health and wellbeing too. By understanding that designing for education is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and taking the time to consider the wants and needs of students, providers can create transformational environments which inspire and nurture the next generation.
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