Student Well-Being and Biophilic Design at Grand Valley State University: A Pilot Photovoice Study
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: College students face escalating stress from increasing academic and personal demands, however the impact of the physical environment on their well-being is often overlooked. Biophilic design, incorporating natural elements like plants and lighting indoors, offers a promising solution to enhance student well-being and productivity. This study explores the benefits of applying biophilic design principles in educational settings. SUBJECTS: Through an initial random sample of 1,000 students and a secondary recruitment in two different Grand Valley State University departments of nearly 200 students, three participants contributed to the study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Utilizing the photovoice methodology, students were given two weeks to capture images and provide captions of study environments on campus that promote and hinder mental and emotional well-being. The photos provided insights into students' perceptions of their study spaces, addressing the two research questions: (1) Do students feel mentally and emotionally well in study environments that exhibit biophilic design? (2) How can study environments better promote student well-being? ANALYSES: Analysis of the photos and captions through coding and theming revealed common patterns among conducive and non-conducive study environments. RESULTS: Spaces with windows, movable furniture, and plants were considered relaxing and beneficial to well-being. In contrast, cramped and outdated spaces were detrimental. Students proposed improvements, stressing the importance of natural lighting, flexible furniture, and student-centered designs. CONCLUSIONS: Students observed that environments integrating biophilic elements positively influence mental and emotional well-being, highlighting the potential of biophilic design to enhance the educational experience.
Student Well-Being and Biophilic Design at Grand Valley State University: A Pilot Photovoice Study
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: College students face escalating stress from increasing academic and personal demands, however the impact of the physical environment on their well-being is often overlooked. Biophilic design, incorporating natural elements like plants and lighting indoors, offers a promising solution to enhance student well-being and productivity. This study explores the benefits of applying biophilic design principles in educational settings. SUBJECTS: Through an initial random sample of 1,000 students and a secondary recruitment in two different Grand Valley State University departments of nearly 200 students, three participants contributed to the study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Utilizing the photovoice methodology, students were given two weeks to capture images and provide captions of study environments on campus that promote and hinder mental and emotional well-being. The photos provided insights into students' perceptions of their study spaces, addressing the two research questions: (1) Do students feel mentally and emotionally well in study environments that exhibit biophilic design? (2) How can study environments better promote student well-being? ANALYSES: Analysis of the photos and captions through coding and theming revealed common patterns among conducive and non-conducive study environments. RESULTS: Spaces with windows, movable furniture, and plants were considered relaxing and beneficial to well-being. In contrast, cramped and outdated spaces were detrimental. Students proposed improvements, stressing the importance of natural lighting, flexible furniture, and student-centered designs. CONCLUSIONS: Students observed that environments integrating biophilic elements positively influence mental and emotional well-being, highlighting the potential of biophilic design to enhance the educational experience.