Student Health and Wellness

At VMDO, designing for health and wellness means not only focusing on reducing negative outcomes, like absenteeism, social isolation, and stress; it also means promoting positive outcomes, like improved academic performance and sleep and teaching students about healthy lifestyles. Our desired result is more connected, better performing, healthier, and more resilient students both within and beyond our buildings.

A Whole Student Model of Health

Specific strategies for promoting proactive and reactive health outcomes vary by building type, location and occupancy, and include:

• Provide Fresh, Clean Air
• Select Healthy Materials
• Provide Daylighting and Views
• Select Supportive Lighting
• Control Glare
• Support Healthy Eating
• Design for Acoustics
• Design for Movement
• Provide Restorative Spaces/Access to Nature
• Reinforce Community
• Design for Inclusion
• Create Safe Spaces