Mental Health in School Design

mental health in school design

mental health in school design

macey whitt

topic introduction from a young age, schools are a fundamental part of one’s life. teaching methodology and the actual curriculum both are constantly evolving. schools are like little cities, with “neighborhoods” of curriculum, with streets and intersections to get to each neighborhood. it is populated with students, faculty, and staff; all working together to provide a working environment. in today’s society, mental health is becoming more discussed and diagnosed. studies show every one in four people have a diagnosed mental illness. mental illness comes from a variety of things: genetics, trauma, medical conditions, or life experiences (Shepley & Pasha, 2017). studies have found that half of mental illness issues are established by the age of 14. by that age, the majority of their lives revolve around school. it is also shown that 10% of 5 to 16 year olds suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder. 1 in 4 will suffer mental illness in their life (Insight: Designing for Wellbeing in Education - ADP Architecture, n.d.). the wellbeing of students needs to be a priority for designers and staff at schools. according to the oxford english dictionary, the definition of wellbeing is “the state of being or doing well in life; happy, healthy, or prosperous condition; moral or physical welfare (of a person or community).” space can directly impact the way people feel whether they know it or not. our brains aren’t fully developed until the age of 25, and until then, the majority of life is spent around and in a school building. from the exterior architecture to the interior architecture layout, how do schools contribute to the development of these mental illnesses or help with one’s wellbeing? this research aims to discover how the architectural design of a primary school building can affect one’s well being and help those who suffer from mental illness.

2021

march april may june july august september october november december

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 assignment 4 - diagramming your research

start booklet // work on grant writing // reach out assignment 6 - design projection II

study case final booklet

draft presentation

visit first precedent

updat

visit third precedent study // research

meet with thesis advisor

plan update booklet

meet with thesis advisor review comments final booklet

2022

january february march

new semester starts plan update design methodology draft presentation

final booklet

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 assignment 5 - grant writing

midreview - rough draft of booklet

book layout // compile research

t to jenny roe

assignment 6 design projection

continue booklet // design projection

peer review

peer review finish booklet

e studies // design proposal review comments

plan precedents to visit in US visit second precedent study // research

te booklet study // research new semester starts

update diagrams study // research

new research direction

present book rough draft continue booklet // design projection update design methodology study // research

finish booklet

meet with thesis advisor new research direction

study // research peer review

update diagrams study // research

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contents 1 - school design 2- wellbeing in school 3 - spaces 4 - case studies 5 - design proposal 6 - works cited

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1

school design

“schools are so often the receptacles of all society’s hopes and disappointments” tim brighouse

learning can happen anywhere, but institutional learning typically happens indoors. a traditional network might include classrooms, labs, lecture halls, conference centers, museums, and galleries. as instruction techniques keep changing, these spaces and their uses change as well. designers have the responsibility to create flexible and adaptable spaces to fit the ever evolving needs of institutional education.

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school design has been around for decades, however implementing wellness and mental health into the design has not. research shows there are seven main elements to consider when designing school buildings; classroom design, classroom layout, daylight, thermal comfort, acoustics, building form, and organization (Tse, n.d.). for wellbeing, a study by adp architecture, they concluded five steps to taking care of one’s well being. the five steps are connect, be aware, take notice, keep learning, and give (Insight: Designing for Wellbeing in Education - ADP Architecture, n.d.). ratcliff architects, an architecture firm located in the bay area, researched planning and design for wellness and mental health in high schools. they met with different students, parents, and faculty from high schools in the area to figure out what the needs were and how architects can help provide support. how can the steps from adp be integrated within the design elements to create a successful school that designs with the thought and care of the wellbeing of students?

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design elements classroom design

thermal comfort

acoustics

classroom layout

daylight

building form

organization

design elements

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classroom design the environment needs to be comfortable. careful thought about lighting, thermal comfort, acoustics, air quality, and noise level needs to be considered

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classroom layout studies show successful schools have a separate structure from the interior partitions. this allows for flexibility and adaptability as the school grows and changes

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daylight perhaps the greatest influence, daylighting can completely shape a room. it helps lower energy costs for artificial lights, while allowing for direct views to the exterior which helps one’s wellbeing

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thermal comfort fresh air and thermal comfort can be developed through the use of operable windows. this allows for the occupants to adjust and meet the needs of their thermal comfort

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acoustics by using carpet and acoustic panels, sound can be absorbed as it is generated within a space. it will help minimize echoing. by strategic placement of acoustic absorbers, it can allow for different perceived spaces

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building form a school doesn’t start at the classroom door, it starts from the time you step on the grounds. the design needs to be thought through from the very beginning

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organization successful schools maximize the usefulness of the hallways and intersections. this can make social spaces within these spaces rather than alienating hallways or unused spaces

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2

wellbeing in schools

‘there is no health without mental health’

studies have found that half of mental illness issues are established by the age of 14. by that age, majority of their lives revolve around school. it is also shown that 10% of 5 to 16 year olds suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder.

1/4

will suffer mental illness in their life

taking care of one’s wellbeing

take notice take notice by practicing mindfulness, be in the moment, and observe your surrounding things to take notice of

connect connect to other people and to the places we live and work

be active be active by keep moving and stay fit with sport and incident movement

places to connect encouraging activity

keep learning keep learning throughout your lifetime in many different forms including creative arts

give research suggests that giving provides a sense of self worth and purpose environment for giving

spaces to learn

taking care of one’s wellbeing

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places to connect by successfully having a relationship between the landscape and architecture, there can be a variety of places to connect such as outdoor garden spaces, points of connection between buildings, or playgrounds.

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encouraging activity create spaces that encourage activity. whether a fun running track, or obstacle course, these spaces encourage a fun, active way to play outdoors. incorporate stairs when possible or areas to walk.

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things to take notice by creating places for quiet mindfulness, and the ability for people to take notice of their surroundings and feelings will improve wellbeing.

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spaces to learn by creating a variety of spaces to learn that are aesthetically pleasing will help improve productivity and the happiness of the users.

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environment for giving within the space, create an area for giving. whether it is a place to accept donations to take to the needy, or create a community garden for the surrounding area to use.

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3

spaces

“the music is not in the notes, but in the silence between” miles davis

happiness in space

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spaces designing schools for children to learn and fundamentally grow is so important. learning to incorporate design elements that promote happiness and wellbeing within these spaces is crucial. whether people know it or not, the design of a space will universally affect how people feel. fundamental design elements such as light, comfort, aesthetics, etc., can greatly impact happiness. by applying these designs intentionally and in specific ways can increase the happiness of its users. incorporating even a few of these elements can help a building be more successful in increasing the happiness of the people within.

lighting

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a fundamental human needs is natural daylight. it impacts one’s mood, productivity, and overall wellbeing. it is important to design with the thought of the quantity and quality of daylight.

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orientation -windows should be orientated within 15° to maximize solar gains -southern face facade receive most sunlight -north facade will receive least sunlight

window sizes -larger windows bring in more daylight -can cause solar gains or thermal losses -use high-level windows in private spaces

rooflights -can bring in up to twice as much daylight as vertical windows -shouldn’t be viewed as a direct substitute for traditional windows

consider shadows -aim for angle greater than 25° for good daylighting -shadows can dramatically reduce amount of daylight and sunlight -watch for shadows from nearby elements of design

avoid deep plans -maximum room depth should be between 2-2.5 times the height of the window -deep plans will create dark areas that rely on artificial light

artificial lights -indirect light helps improve productivity and alertness -give users control of lights with dimmers -create pockets of calm

comfort

being comfortable plays a vital role in helping people relax and feel calm and safe. tactile materials: touch is our most fundamental sense comfort and aesthetics: furniture must be ‘fit for purpose’, being able to relax and be aesthetically pleasing temperature: should be considered very early in design process. good cooling and heating systems are key fresh air: breeze against our skin is psychologically calming. the smell of nature is shown to be stressreducing noise: background noise can make people be aggravated or unsafe, it can trigger panic attacks or anxiety

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control

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perception of control is linked closely to happiness. if the belief of control is there, then the more content is felt. mental illness such as eating disorders or obsessive compulsive disorder are linked to the want of control. simpler is better, people should feel comfortable and confident with making changes within their immediate environment.

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adaptable spaces

environment

-create elements that can be used in variety of ways -allows users to adapt the space -using building in ways they want, people are happier within the space

-having control over temperature allows for more comfortability -technology gives more control over environment -perceiving to have control improves happiness

varied spaces

personalization

-have spaces of quiet that are not over-stimulating -provide spaces for activity and calm -in schools, it could be study spaces or reading nooks

privacy -privacy supports sense of autonomy and individuality -if using an open floor plan, allow for privacy spaces nearby

-studies show personalization of their work space are more productive -create spaces that allow for personalization -get feedback of design choices from building inhabitants

diets -eating has big impact on mood and happiness -motivation to eat healthy -give employees kitchens to allow for them to bring their own food

nature

with most of people’s time spent indoors, direct interaction with nature is crucial. views: simply looking at nature can improve mood roof gardens: for higher buildings, roof gardens give those users a green space to look at rather than unused space gardens and parks: by shielding views of the surrounding built environment, gardens and parks can act as a safe escape water: water is calming and stressrelieving engage: use nature spaces to educate, engage, and involve the users

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aesthetics

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the quality of design influences mood in a positive way. the way people see things and places that are attractive make them happier. even though there are varying opinions on what is attractive, certain rules can be followed to create a visually pleasing space.

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use color wisely -colors can be used to evoke specific feelings or moods -can encourage socializing, calmness, or improve focus -too much color can be overwhelming -research the meaning of colors

monotony -avoid monotony -lack of visual variety can lead to boredom and unhappiness -physically and visually create spaces that bring people back to the present

simplicity -allow for people to celebrate the simplicity in things -creates the sense of mindfulness -allows for focus on actions that improve mental wellbeing

moments of joy -encourage moments of positivity and joy -make buildings a pleasurable experience -look for places to create special moments

easy to understand -buildings need to be straightforward -badly designed buildings can be frustrating and confusing -legibility is important at all scales: from a distance, approach, and during use

proportions -proportions should be considered at an early stage -common or easily recognized proportions are more satisfying -can be a sense of comfort

activity

exercise creates significant changes within people’s brains and has an impact of mental wellbeing. it reduces endorphins which improve mood and reduce pain. encourage: encourage activity by using enticing areas like stairs that create a pleasant experience spaces: twenty minutes of exercise can benefit the mood for twelve hours wider streets: create wider streets to increase personal space to make people more comfortable to walk bicycle: safe bicycle lanes encourage more bicycling that increases happiness and self-esteem connect: have well connected facilities to encourage activity inactivity: have spaces of rest

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4

case studies

“one place understood helps us understood all places better” eudora welty

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finland schools are going through refurbishment and construction after a new curriculum was introduced in the country in 2016. they are all incorporating open-plan learning spaces. most schools have the traditional layout still, however all the refurbished and new schools incorporate these spaces for flexible learning.

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the new zealand school property strategy set goals for school buildings for future development. their points are: -smaller learning communities -continuing needs for flexible, open, and adaptable teaching styles and spaces -reliance on technology -environmentally driven decisions -schools will have less involvement in property procurement processes

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WeGrow is a montessori school in new york city. it is a interactive learning classroom that was designed with a conscious approach to education, growth, and the spirit and mind. the open floor plan allows for students to move freely throughout the space for learning. it emphasizes transparent and communal spaces for learning.

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5

proposal

“design is not just what it looks like and feels like. design is how it works” steve jobs

sjoviksskolan school

design proposal using the sjoviksskolan school by max architects in sweden, i will highlight key areas in which their design promotes the future of school while incorporating elements that support healthy wellbeing and mental health

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organization / activity

aesthetics / connect

the floor plan of sjoviksskolan school uses the elements of organization and activity. by creating these shared spaces in the intersections that are highlighted, they are promoting activity and social interactions.

by creating an aesthically pleasing area to connect, students can come hang out, relax, or play with each other. the color pallet is calm and inviting, yet keeps attention with variety.

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layout / design the classrooms host a variety of different ways to learn. from traditional classrooms to more interactive classrooms. by using the same natural wood to similar color schemes, it creates unity within the school while keeping attention

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light / control / nature each classroom has large windows to let in natural light and views of nature. some windows open to allow for more air flow and allow for users to control their climate. there are also pinup boards for students and teachers to personalize the room

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activity / connect stairways are used to connect the different levels while also providing enough space for connections between students. in some places the stairs are big enough to allow for inactivity, or places for students to relax

light / notice / color by putting windows in the stairways, natural light is brought in and adds interest by connecting the outside. in some stairways, there are windows into adjacent rooms for users to take notice on what is going on in there. color is used intentionally to add interest in each area

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6

works cited

“the works or a list of the works referred to in a text” merriam - webster

Alexandria Area High School / Cuningham Group Architecture. (2015, April 5). ArchDaily. https://www. archdaily.com/615957/alexandria-area-high-school-cuningham-group-architecture Back of the Yards High School / STL Architects. (2015, October 8). ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily. com/777301/back-of-the-yards-high-school-stl-architects BAUX 3D Pixel, a visual sound experience. (2015, December 11). Archiproducts. https://www. archiproducts.com/en/news/baux-3d-pixel-a-visual-sound-experience_49359 Casa Fundamental Kindergarten / Gabriel Castro + Marcos Franchini + Pedro Haruf. (2020, September 3). ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/946887/casa-fundamental-kindergarten-gabriel-castroplus-marcos-franchini-plus-pedro-haruf Channon, B., & O’Reilly Online Learning: Academic/Public Library Edition (2019). Happy by Design. S.l.: RIBA Publishing.

Discovery High School / DLR Group | ArchDaily. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2021, from https://www. archdaily.com/954709/discovery-high-school-dlr-group?ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_ result_projects Escola Ivanja Reka / Submap + J.K.A. Arhitekti. (2021, March 4). ArchDaily Brasil. https://www. archdaily.com.br/br/957836/escola-ivanja-reka-submap-plus-jka-arhitekti Freemans Bay School / RTA Studio. (2019, August 10). ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/922566/ freemans-bay-school-rta-studio Hamilton Primary School & Kindergarten / Fusion Architects. (2021, May 1). ArchDaily. https://www. archdaily.com/960473/hamilton-primary-school-and-kindergarten-fusion-architects Huazhan Campus of Shanghai Gaoan Road No. 1 Primary School / Scenic Architecture Office. (2021, January 17). ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/954780/huazhan-campus-of-shanghai-gaoanroad-no-1-primary-school-scenic-architecture-office “Insight: Designing for Wellbeing in Education - ADP Architecture.” Accessed April 11, 2021. https:// www.adp-architecture.com/insight-designing-for-wellbeing-in-education/.

Interior Design of the Children Educational Center “Sparrow Hills” | Archistart. (2017, May 18). https:// www.archistart.net/portfolio-item/interior-design-of-the-children-educational-center-sparrow-hills/

works cited Jean Rostand School / SAM architecture. (2021, March 5). ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily. com/958023/jean-rostand-school-sam-architecture Kids Who Spend More Time Outside Are Happier Adults, Science Says | Parents. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2021, from https://www.parents.com/news/new-study-shows-spending-time-in-nature-improveskids-long-term-mental-health/ Ningbo Hangzhou Bay Binhai Primary School / UAD. (2020, March 24). ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily. com/936116/ningbo-hangzhou-bay-binhai-primary-school-uad Plymouth School of Creative Arts | FCB Studios (Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios). (n.d.). Archello.

Retrieved May 2, 2021, from https://archello.com/project/plymouth-school-of-creative-arts “Ratcliff - Architecture, Planning, Design in San Francisco Bay Area | Planning and Design for Wellness and Mental Health in High Schools – Dan Wetherell.” Accessed April 11, 2021. https://ratcliffarch.com/ planning-and-design-for-wellness-and-mental-health-in-high-schools-dan-wetherell/.

Ratchut School / Design in Motion. (2021, February 2). ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/896045/ ratchut-school-design-in-motion Reconsidering School Design: Indoor and Outdoor Learning as a Solution for a Healthy Future. (2020, August 18). ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/945839/reconsidering-school-design-indoor-andoutdoor-learning-as-a-solution-for-a-healthy-future Sangam Elementary School / SferaBlu Architects. (2020, April 24). ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily. com/938228/sangam-elementary-school-sferablu-architects School by a School / Studio Nauta + De Zwarte Hond. (2020, December 20). ArchDaily. https://www. archdaily.com/953465/school-by-a-school-studio-nauta-plus-de-zwarte-hond Shepley, Mardelle McCuskey, and Samira Pasha. Design for Mental and Behavioral Health. Routledge, 2017.

Sipoonlahti School Extension / Architects Rudanko + Kankkunen + AFKS. (2020, December 5).

ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/951701/sipoonlahti-school-extension-architects-rudankoplus-kankkunen Sjöviksskolan School / Max Arkitekter. (2021, February 21). ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily. com/956851/sjoviksskolan-school-max-arkitekter Steelcase. “Centering Wellbeing in Education,” March 18, 2021. https://www.steelcase.com/research/ articles/topics/wellbeing/centering-wellbeing-education/.

Tse, Hau Ming, editor. Designing Buildings for the Future of Schooling: Contemporary Visions for Education. Routledge, 2019.

WeGrow / Bjarke Ingels Group. (2018, October 30). ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/904957/ wegrow-big 27903446. (n.d.). M.Arch Thesis: Architecture of Urban Happiness. Issuu. Retrieved February 7, 2021, from https://issuu.com/irislimwanrong/docs/lim_wan_rong_iris__thesis_book_part

1- Plymouth School of Creative Arts, Plymouth, United Kiingdom 2- Ivanja Reka School, Zagreb, Croatia 3-Jean Rostand School, Lille France 4- Alexandria Area High School, Alexandria, United States 5- Discovery High School, Camas, United States 6- Back of the Yards High School, Chicago, United States 7- Sparrow Hills, Moscow, Russia 8- Ratchut School, Tambon Hua Nong, Thailand 9-Jean Rostand School, Lille France 10- School by a School, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands 11- Baux 3D Pixel, A Visual Sound Experience 12- Huazhan Campups of Shanghai Gaoan Road, Shanghai, China 13-Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 14- Ponds Memories, Shutterstock 15- Hamilton Primary School and Kindergarten, Chengdu, China 16- Sangam Elementary School, Bhilwara, India 17- Casa Fundamental Kindergarten, Castelo, Brazil 18-Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 19- The Edible Academy, New York, United States 20-Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden

figures 21- School by a School, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands 22- Happy by Design 23- Happy by Design 24-WeGrow, New York, United States 25- Happy by Design 26- Happy by Design 27- Ningbo Hangzhou Bay Binhai Primary School, Ningbo, China 28- Ningbo Hangzhou Bay Binhai Primary School, Ningbo, China 29- Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 30- Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 31- WeGrow, New York, United States 32- Sipoonlahti School Extension, Sibbo, Finland 33- Sipoonlahti School Extension, Sibbo, Finland 34- Sipoonlahti School Extension, Sibbo, Finland 35- Freemans Bay School, Auckland, New Zealand 36- Freemans Bay School, Auckland, New Zealand 37-WeGrow, New York, United States 38- WeGrow, New York, United States 39- WeGrow, New York, United States 40 -Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 41 - Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 42 - Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 43 - Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 44 - Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 45 - Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 46 - Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 47 - Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 48 - Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 49 - Sjoviksskolan School, Hagersten-Liljeholmen, Sweden 50 -Hamilton Primary School and Kindergarten, Chengdu, China