Exploring the Impact of WELL Building and Biophilic Design Strategies on Users Within an Undergraduate Student-Athlete Wellness, Mental Health & Training Centre

This research paper explores how designers can use and implement the WELL Building Standard, Biophilic design elements and the ERG Motivation Theory to enhance interiors to positively impact the built environment of a student-athletic wellness centre. The research paper will investigate how educational institutes and healthcare spaces can be designed to suit the demographic while still implementing the proper functional standards and features. This study used both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to explore sustainable structures using biophilic design techniques and the WELL building standard. Interviews with design professionals were conducted, as well as a survey was provided to current and former undergraduate student-athletes. Student-athletes continue to express more mental health issues than usual, with future planning, academic concerns, and money worries being the main stressors that negatively impact their mental health (NCAA, 2021). Interviews were important in gathering information on the topic, identifying connections, and reinforcing themes. While there was a lack of administration support to add to the interview findings, the survey results strongly illustrated that students favoured biophilic design elements. The survey results guided the incorporation of essential interior spaces to enhance the mental health, wellness and athletic performance of undergraduate student-athletes. Based on the research findings, the report recommends incorporating biophilic design, proper lighting solutions, WELL Building components, flexibility and customization, and proper acoustic solutions. Keywords: Athletic Wellness Centres, Biophilic Design, Elite Athlete Stress, ERG Motivation Theory, Mental Health, WELL Building Standard, Varsity Athlete Mental Health