Prioritising Wellbeing, Sustainability, and Inclusivity in Campus Design
As the education sector gains a deeper understanding of how different environments impact student success and health, educational spaces are increasingly focusing on designs that prioritise cognitive, sensory, and emotional wellbeing. By designing with those principles in mind, educational spaces are being transformed into havens of comfort, functionality, and mental health support.
From sensory-sensitive areas tailored to individual needs, to nature-inspired biophilic elements that reduce stress, and sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact, educational institutions are creating dynamic spaces that foster both student success and a commitment to the planet.
Learning to Thrive: Designing for Cognitive and Sensory Wellbeing
People process only a fraction of the 11 million sensory inputs they receive each second, which means the way a person experiences their environment can have a profound impact on comfort and productivity. Whilst often overlooked, flooring is essential in shaping this experience, as it can influence sensory perception through texture, acoustics, and visual appeal.
As such, interior design must take into account neurodiversity and sensory processing differences by crafting spaces that accommodate various sensory needs, from quiet, low-stimulus environments to energising, high-sensory areas.
Three sensory palettes help guide these designs:
- Low sensory: Neutral tones and subtle textures create calm, quiet study areas.
- Medium sensory: Warm colours and comfortable seating support collaborative work.
- High sensory: Bold colours and dynamic patterns help energise busy areas like cafeterias and entrances.
Using a mix of versatile flooring solutions like carpet tiles, LVT, and nora® rubber flooring, you can create curated palettes that help support diverse student needs while creating natural separation between different zones.
Enhancing Education Through Emotional Wellbeing
Educational spaces that prioritise emotional wellbeing can significantly enhance learning outcomes, happiness, and overall quality of life. One of the most effective strategies for promoting emotional wellbeing is biophilic design, which incorporates nature into our built environment by designing inspirational and restorative places that connect humans to their surroundings.
Research shows that biophilic environments reduce stress, improve focus, and foster a sense of safety and comfort, helping students feel more engaged and connected to their surroundings. Collections like Etched & Threaded™ and Earthen Forms™ offer organic designs with natural hues and textures that are inspired by nature.
However, the benefits of biophilic design extend beyond emotional wellbeing. By integrating natural elements, designs can not only nurture mental health but also align with sustainability goals. All Interface products have low carbon footprints, providing designers with sustainable options without compromising on aesthetics.
Integrating Sustainability into Campus Design
The refurbishment of University College London’s One Pool Street site in East London serves as a prime example of how sustainable, robust flooring solutions can support the creation of a harmonious and functional learning environment. For both One Pool Street and the wider UCL East campus, efforts had been made to reduce carbon emissions throughout the design and construction journey.
Throughout the site, Interface’s nora® rubber flooring was specified in a variety of areas for its unmatched durability and ease of cleaning – including spaces dedicated to learning, studying, socialising and living.
Longevity is a crucial aspect of the circular economy and is one of the aspects organisations and institutions consider when looking to reduce waste. Essentially, by opting for flooring with a longer life cycle like our nora® collections, institutions can rest assured that costly and wasteful replacements or repairs won’t be required.
What’s more, the launch of our newly refreshed norament 926 satura range combines a versatile colour palette with the durability and functionality required for high-traffic areas.
Fostering Inclusive, Sustainable, and Supportive Learning Environments
The integration of products to support sensory and cognitive wellbeing, biophilic design, and sustainability is shaping the future of educational spaces. By addressing diverse student needs and prioritising both mental health and environmental responsibility, educational institutions are paving the way for more inclusive, sustainable, and supportive learning environments that promote success on all levels.
Contact us today and discover how our innovative flooring solutions can transform your educational spaces: https://www.interface.com/GB/en-GB/more-from-interface/contact-us