Date of Submission
Spring 5-12-2026
Degree Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Christopher Welty
Abstract
College students across the United States are experiencing high levels of stress, sensory fatigue, and burnout, yet most academic environments are not designed to support mental well-being. Research in biophilic design and environmental psychology shows that warm materials, natural light, and intentionally organized sensory zones can reduce academic stress and create conditions for calm and focus. This thesis explores how neuro-inclusive and biophilic design principles can reshape learning spaces into environments that actively support student wellness. The framework development and virtual reality testing documented here represent the completed phase of this research; formal data collection with human participants constitutes the next phase, pending Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.
Precedents including Maggie's Oldham, Ørestad College, and the Kendeda Building demonstrate how circulation, structure, and atmosphere shape emotional experience and guide users toward clarity and regulation. Drawing on these lessons, this thesis develops a spatial framework tested through virtual reality, where layers of lighting, color, materiality, texture, and acoustic tone are introduced incrementally to observe how changes in atmosphere affect emotional response. The goal is not to design one specific building but to create a replicable method for environments that support mental health across many different contexts. One that can be applied wherever sensory-inclusive, restorative learning space is needed.
Comments
This thesis research was selected as a finalist in the Kennesaw State University 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.