Higher Ed Design Adapts and Evolves to Better Support Wellness, Published in Building Enclosure Magazine

In an article published in Building Enclosure Magazine, Spiezle Principal John Wright writes that modern college students need campus environments that support their academic success as well as their mental, physical, and emotional health. Architects are uniquely positioned to deliver spaces where students can “unplug” and feel safe in a welcoming atmosphere. Wright discusses one project, the “Zen Den,” at Rider University, which incorporated student feedback into its design.

“Connectivity to nature is an important component to mental health and wellness, and biophilic design features were implemented in the Zen Den to achieve a sense of calm, including a large mural depicting a forest scene that reconnects students with nature,” he writes. “Sensory touch lights also simulate nature, allowing students to engage with their environment in a calming, rejuvenating manner to take their minds off coursework, tests, and technology.”

Additionally, Wright discusses how schools are taking a longer-term plan for evolving their campuses and attracting student-athletes. As one example, Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) implemented an Athletics Master Plan to update aging facilities, increase the number of competitive sports programs across ACCC’s campuses, and broaden its campus mental health support systems.

“The excitement for architects and designers partnering with colleges and universities is that these institutions are motivated to respond to the true mission of higher education to support and develop the individual student learner,” said Wright. “A holistic approach where all acknowledge the correlation between the mind, body, and soul and how physical spaces can play a prime role in supporting and developing each facet of a student’s wellness will help colleges evolve to meet modern student needs.”

 Read the story in full; click here.