Schools That Heal: Design with Mental Health in Mind

Schools should be designed with mental health in mind to create nurturing environments that reduce stress, anxiety, and disorderly conduct and improve academic performance. Schools That Heal provides practical advice for school administrators, public health experts, teachers, and parents to envision and implement nurturing and inspiring school environments.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2021
Publisher: Island Press

Schools that prioritize mental health have the potential to transform the educational experience for students. By designing schools with a focus on nurturing environments, we can create a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes academic success and well-being.

One key aspect of a school that promotes mental health is access to nature. Studies have shown that exposure to natural environments, such as parks and green spaces, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Schools can incorporate natural elements into their design, such as outdoor classrooms, gardens, and green roofs, to provide students with a sense of calm and relaxation.

Another important design feature is the use of large classroom windows. Windows that allow natural light to enter the classroom can improve mood, reduce eye strain, and increase energy levels. Additionally, windows can provide a sense of connection to the outside world, which can be particularly beneficial for students who may feel isolated or disconnected from their peers.

Open campuses are also a key component of schools that prioritize mental health. Open campuses allow students to move freely between buildings and spaces, which can promote socialization and collaboration. Additionally, open campuses can provide a sense of security and safety, which can be particularly important for students who may feel anxious or unsafe in traditional classroom settings.

In addition to these design features, schools can also implement policies and practices that support mental health. For example, schools can provide mental health support services, such as counseling and therapy, to students who may be struggling with mental health issues. Schools can also promote healthy eating habits and physical activity, which are known to improve mental health and well-being.

Overall, schools that prioritize mental health have the potential to create a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes academic success and well-being. By designing schools with a focus on nurturing environments, providing access to nature, using large classroom windows, and implementing policies and practices that support mental health, we can help students thrive and achieve their full potential.

In conclusion, schools that prioritize mental health have the potential to transform the educational experience for students. By designing schools with a focus on nurturing environments, providing access to nature, using large classroom windows, and implementing policies and practices that support mental health, we can help students thrive and achieve their full potential. It is important for school designers and decision-makers to consider the mental health of students when designing schools, and to apply research-based design principles to create healthy and supportive learning environments.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642830781