Explore how thoughtfully designed campus spaces enhance student and faculty wellbeing.

Wellbeing in higher education is very important today. Students and educators face many challenges, such as mental health issues and pressure from school and social life. Studies, including those from Steelcase, show that the physical environment greatly affects wellbeing and the quality of education. With careful design, campuses can become places that support not only learning but also emotional, physical, and mental health.

What Is Wellbeing?

While often associated with emotional health, student and faculty wellbeing encompasses more than just feeling good. Steelcase defines wellbeing as the combination of physical, cognitive, and emotional factors, each of which is critical to personal health. Importantly, wellbeing is also shaped by our interactions with the environments and communities we are part of. For students and educators, this means that a campus designed with wellbeing in mind can provide the support needed to thrive in both their educational and personal lives.

Six Pillars of Wellbeing in Learning Spaces

Steelcase’s research highlights six universal pillars of wellbeing that can be applied to educational settings: meaning, belonging, authenticity, mindfulness, optimism, and vitality. Each pillar offers a framework for designing learning spaces that actively support the holistic development of students and educators.

1. Meaning: Discovering Purpose in Learning Spaces

Having a sense of purpose is important for both personal and academic growth. Campus spaces should help students see their learning as part of something bigger. Areas that encourage collaboration with the community—like guest speakers, partnerships, or online connections—can create this feeling. Flexible spaces that can be used for different activities also help students and educators find purpose in their daily work.

Design Strategies:

  • Create community-integrated spaces, both on campus and virtually.
  • Offer environments where students can engage with diverse ideas, perspectives, and activities.
  • Incorporate natural elements and biophilic designs to inspire awe and connection with the environment.
Example: Information Hub
Example: Information Hub

2. Belonging: Fostering Inclusivity and Connection

Belonging is key to a supportive learning environment. Students need to feel accepted and valued in their school community. Campuses that show diversity and celebrate student achievements can help build this feeling. Spaces that promote both planned and casual interactions can build a strong sense of community. In these spaces, everyone feels seen and heard.

Design Strategies:

  • Infuse spaces with elements that reflect student identities, values, and accomplishments.
  • Incorporate spaces that support various group sizes, from large gatherings to intimate one-on-one connections.
  • Provide platforms for students to express themselves and share their work, whether through physical displays or digital mediums.
Example: Corridor in-between space
Example: Corridor in-between space

3. Authenticity: Empowering Self-Expression

When students and educators can express their authentic selves, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. Authenticity in campus design allows for flexible spaces that encourage exploration, discovery, and personal growth. Students should be able to change their environments to fit their learning styles. At the same time, teachers need spaces that support different teaching methods.

Design Strategies:

  • Include flexible elements that allow students to modify their spaces based on personal needs and learning preferences.
  • Provide a variety of environments to encourage diverse expressions of ideas, creativity, and learning.
  • Celebrate and display the contributions of students and educators to the academic community.
Example: Personalized learning classroom
Example: Personalized learning classroom

4. Mindfulness: Creating Campus Spaces for Focus and Reflection

Mindfulness is important for both mental and emotional health. Schools can create spaces that help students and teachers manage stress and stay focused. Using natural light, plants, and calming designs can help people relax and concentrate. Spaces for quiet reflection give them a place to recharge when needed.

Design Strategies:

  • Incorporate biophilic elements such as natural light, plants, and flowing water to promote relaxation.
  • Design quiet, comfortable spaces for reflection, meditation, or relaxation.
  • Provide areas where students can engage in empathetic discussions with peers and educators.
Example: Student commons
Example: Student commons

5. Optimism: Cultivating a Positive Learning Mindset

Optimism drives perseverance and hope, which are important for academic success. Spaces that encourage a growth mindset help students handle challenges and believe in their ability to improve. Displays of student progress, makerspaces, and group learning areas can highlight how students learn. They celebrate both effort and success.

Design Strategies:

  • Develop makerspaces where students can engage with hands-on projects and receive formative feedback.
  • Use visual displays to showcase the process of learning, celebrating effort and progress.
  • Create environments that encourage positive thinking and growth through flexible design elements.
Example: Digital makerspace lab
Example: Digital makerspace lab

6. Vitality: Supporting Physical and Mental Health

A healthy body and mind are key to doing well in school. Campuses should encourage movement and healthy habits. Spaces like standing desks or areas for walking meetings help people stay active during the day. Access to outdoor spaces, healthy food, and places to rest can boost energy and wellbeing.

Design Strategies:

  • Provide a range of seating options, from standing desks to casual lounge areas, to promote movement.
  • Incorporate playful design elements, such as musical stairs, to encourage physical activity.
  • Ensure spaces allow students and educators to rest when needed
Example: Respite lounge
Example: Respite lounge

The Future of Wellbeing on Campus

As higher education evolves, focusing on wellbeing in campus design is essential for supporting the next generation of students and educators. By embracing the six pillars of wellbeing—meaning, belonging, authenticity, mindfulness, optimism, and vitality—schools can create spaces that encourage both academic success and personal growth. This approach helps make campuses more vibrant and supportive, enhancing the overall experience for everyone.

If you want to create a campus that supports wellbeing, we can help you make your vision a reality!

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