The Freedom to Choose
Providing students with the ability to make their own decisions regarding how they interact with their environment provides an increased sense of freedom. This even has the potential to improve engagement in their education! Flexible design and furniture selections help create this sense of freedom and control. There are many types of spaces where students can be both social and productive by interacting in groups, while still providing easily accessible spaces for alone time. Providing options to best support personal well-being should be a priority.
Finding Inspiration in Nature
On average, 90% of our time is spent indoors. This separation from the natural world can have a long list of mental and physical effects. Bringing the "outdoors in" can reduce stress, increase cognitive performance, and positively affect emotion and mood. This concept is called biophilia and has been shown to correlate with improved learning. One specific element of biophilia, exposure to natural light, has been shown to enhance learning rates by as much as 26%, according to a study by Heschong Mahone Group. Another study, completed at Green Street Academy in Baltimore said that test scores were 3.3x higher in classrooms that featured a connection to nature. These are some serious numbers!
Choosing Materials Wisely
Materials used in a space, as well as the art throughout, also have a significant impact on the sense of place for students. Visual art has been shown to help reduce anxiety and agitation. Art is even used in healthcare settings to support the physical, mental, and emotional health of patients. Choosing patterns, textures, photos, and artwork that students can relate to or make them comfortable helps create a sense of belonging and ownership in the space.