URBAN
STUDENT HEALTH & WELLNESS
Health and wellness are a key focus for today’s student, and their residential communities need to support their personal, academic, and social experience while aligning with their desire for a well-balanced life
Wellness Concepts
ENGAGING MIND, BODY, & SPIRIT
BKV Group explores health and wellness concepts through eight lenses: SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENT, OCCUPATIONAL, SPIRITUAL, FINANCIAL, EMOTIONAL, INTELLECTUAL and PHYSICAL WELLNESS
We look at how each of these areas translate to student needs and how they affect design trends that can shape the student living environment.
Social Wellness
Social Wellness focuses on students’ relationships with others. How can we use design to help build healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships? How can we make it easier for students to connect with others?
AMENITIES
• Flex spaces for study and collaboration
• Safe and inclusive amenities and programs
• Gender-neutral restroom design
• Variety in amenities (offering spaces for like-minded people to connect)
• Maker spaces to promote creativity
• Spaces for organizations/clubs to meet
• Pet amenity spaces for furry friends to gather
• Indoor/outdoor connections
• Use of social media for marketing
• Focus on safety and security/monitoring
Environmental Wellness
Environmental Wellness is an awareness of the interdependent relationship between people and the earth. How can we create spaces and systems for students that are conscious of the impact to our planet?
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
• Incentivising environment-conscious behavior
• Biophilic design
• Recycling programs
• Smart building technology (lighting/HVAC/security)
• Natural light, LED lighting, and passive lighting
• Operable windows
• Enhanced air filtration
• Energy smart appliances
• Solar panels
• Rain barrels
• Community gardens
• Composting
• Low flow plumbing
TRANSPORTATION
• Reduced parking (increase in walking/biking)
• Ride share and shuttle services
• Eco-friendly scooters, skateboards, and bikes
• Bike share, bike storage, and bike repair
Occupational Wellness
Occupational Wellness ensures a balance between work and leisure. Students need spaces for both study and social activities. How can we create flexible spaces that can help promote this balance?
UNITS
• Increased privacy
• More singles; larger doubles
• Private baths (spa/baths)
• More spacious bedrooms
• Improved study space in unit
AMENITIES
• Flex spaces for both study and social activities
• Social programming and events
• Resource centers
• Spaces for in-person and virtual events
BUILDING SERVICES
• Concierge services to help manage lifestyle
• On-site staff
• 24/7 Package retrieval and package lockers
• Keyless entry and ease of accessibility
• Dry cleaning and laundry services
Spiritual Wellness
Spiritual Wellness focuses on individual’s spiritual health. Spaces should be provided for deepening your spiritual practice.
UNIT / AMENITY DESIGN & PROGRAMS
• Mindfulness programs
• Safe, quiet spaces for reflection and spiritual growth
• More private unit design
• Noise control solutions in units and quiet amenity areas
• Inspiring spiritual spaces that offer solace and respite
• Connection to nature
Financial Wellness
Financial Wellness helps to effectively manage your economic life. How is student housing effectively considering students financials?
• Smaller (more affordable) units, larger shared amenities
• Free programs and events
• Furnished units
• Properties making contributions to charitable causes
• Cashless transactions
• Diverse unit types (offering different lifestyle preferences)
Emotional Wellness
Emotional Wellness encourages self-care and stress reduction. How can we use programming in design to boost self-care?
• Mindfulness programs
• Use of lighting and natural light to positively affect mood
• Spaces for stress reducing activities
• Music
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Reading
• Therapy
• Exercise
• Spa
• Green/Outdoor Space
Intellectual Wellness
Intellectual Wellness refers to active participation in scholastic, cultural, and community activities. How can we provide spaces to actively expand students knowledge and skills?
• Advanced technology
• Online accessibility
• Cashless transactions
• Smart technology in units and amenities
• Maker space
• Performance space
• Gallery space
• Conference space
• Community events/programs
Physical Wellness
Physical Wellness focuses on the care of our physical bodies. Student housing should help support physical activity, nutrition, and mental health.
• Ensure health and safety
• Upgraded sanitation measures/illness prevention
• Social distancing measures
• Substance free
• Athletics/recreation
• Advanced and innovative fitness centers
• Fitness programs and classes
• Mental health
• Mindfulness programs
• Sleep health
• Nutrition and cooking resources
• Healthy vending
• Mini pantry and retail
• Food delivery services
