Supporting the Mental Well-Being of Post-Secondary Students Through Interior Design of a Student Wellness Centre

This research paper will analyse the need for a wellness centre for college and university students in Etobicoke, Ontario Canada. The goal of this study is to recognize the factors that are causing post-secondary students the most anxiety within the typical classroom setting. Narrowing down to design elements, colour palettes and teaching styles, methods and approaches. Through research and discovery an approach will be able to be devised in order to accommodate the students with the best possible outcome of the wellness centre design. Through influential calming aspects incorporated and holistic teaching and learning methods, this will be aimed specifically to improve the overall mental well-being, as well as targeted anxiety inflicted from the classroom setting. Through examining theoretical and conceptual frameworks, this will assist in uncovering a deeper understanding as to why and how these research concepts were explored. This study will be explored through a multitude of evidence which will consist of literature reviews, case studies, student surveys, interviews with interior designers, administrative staff and therapists, all of which have experience in the health and wellness industry. Being able to hear multiple perspectives on the topic will enhance the perspective on proposed concept incorporation and design solutions. Through the implementation of the discovered design and learning techniques, the collected information retrieved from all chapters assisted in coming to the conclusion of the importance of creating a wellness centre for postsecondary students. This centre will be utilized as an alternative space to receive individualized help, tutoring, and collaboration with others will improve their mental health, specifically anxiety. This thesis will conclude with conceptual planning and ideas as well as pre-design ideation to help the audience navigate the design intension. Key Words: Anxiety, Stress, Mental Well-Being, Learning Centred Paradigm, Post-Secondary Students, Holistic Learning, Alternative Learning, Nature, Design, Classroom, Self-Guided Learning, Collaborate.