In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the critical role that physical environments play in supporting student health and wellness. Higher education institutions increasingly embrace the idea that spaces designed with intention can significantly improve well-being, boost academic performance, and create a sense of belonging.
VMDO Architects has been at the forefront of this movement, with projects that prioritize holistic wellness and foster a connection between students and their physical surroundings. Drawing from insights shared in VMDO’s publication, Designing for Health + Wellness, we explore the emerging trends shaping student health centers and how they are brought to life through three exemplary projects: The University of Richmond Basketball Practice Facility and Well-Being Center, The University of Virginia Student Health and Wellness Center, and Old Dominion University’s Student Health and Wellness Center.
Trends in Wellness-Centered Design
1. Integrated Health and Wellness Services
Wellness is not the absence of sickness: it is physical, social, emotional, financial, occupational, intellectual, environmental, and spiritual health. As part of the paradigm shift toward a whole-student model of healthcare, institutions are exploring how their buildings can best support student + staff wellness. Students no longer seek isolated services for physical health, mental health, or fitness—they want a seamless experience that combines all aspects of wellness in one accessible, welcoming space. The merging of clinical, counseling, and wellness services within a single facility offers an opportunity to break down barriers to care and reduce the stigma often associated with mental health services.
2. Biophilic and Nature-Inspired Design
Biophilic design plays an important (if not obvious) role in fostering wellness. Incorporating natural light, organic materials, and greenery into health and wellness facilities can help reduce stress, promote healing, and increase student engagement.
3. Inclusive, Accessible Spaces
Designing for inclusivity and accessibility is essential. Going beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, design should meet the diverse needs of all students, including those from underrepresented groups and those with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. This includes creating welcoming environments with gender-neutral spaces, culturally sensitive design elements, and facilities that offer privacy and dignity for every student.
Case Study 1: University of Richmond Basketball Practice Facility and Well-Being Center
The University of Richmond Basketball Practice Facility and Well-Being Center embraces a proactive approach to health promotion, integrating wellness into every aspect of campus life. Rigorous planning and programming investigations led to an "upstream" strategy that leverages the facility’s proximity to athletics, academics, student health, and Counseling and Psychological Services. This design ensures that the entire university community benefits from a foundation of well-being, extending far beyond just athletic performance.
In addition to its cutting-edge practice areas, the center provides spaces that encourage healthy habits, including healthy dining options, a demonstration kitchen, meditation and mindfulness areas, a halotherapy salt room, and quiet zones for social connection. These amenities address the holistic needs of students, blending physical health, mental wellness, and social support in one cohesive environment.
Biophilic design elements, like natural materials and abundant daylight, enhance the facility’s calming atmosphere, promoting a sense of tranquility throughout. By embedding wellness into its design, the University of Richmond has created a space that fosters both athletic success and overall student well-being, benefiting the broader campus community.
Case Study 2: University of Virginia Student Health and Wellness Center
The University of Virginia Student Health and Wellness Center is a groundbreaking project that epitomizes the integration of health services. By offering a comprehensive range of services—medical care, mental health counseling, and fitness programs—the center creates a supportive environment where students can address all aspects of their well-being under one roof.
Biophilic elements, such as the use of natural wood, expansive windows, and indoor plantings, enhance the calming and restorative atmosphere. These design choices are rooted in evidence-based research showing the positive impact of nature on stress reduction and mental health. The building’s openness and transparency help foster trust and reduce the stigma of seeking care, while private consultation rooms and calming spaces ensure that students can access services in a confidential and comfortable manner.
This project aligns closely with the trend of designing inclusive, accessible spaces. Gender-neutral bathrooms, quiet reflection spaces, and wellness rooms designed for various cultural needs create an environment that is welcoming to all students, regardless of their background or identity.
Case Study 3: Old Dominion University Student Health and Wellness Center
The Old Dominion University Student Health and Wellness Center is a model of how integrated design can support a holistic approach to student well-being. By bringing together health services, counseling, wellness programming, and fitness under one roof, the center helps students manage their well-being in a cohesive and accessible way.
The center’s design emphasizes flexibility, with spaces that can be adapted for different uses, from group counseling sessions to wellness workshops. Open and light-filled areas create a sense of welcome, while biophilic design elements—such as green spaces and the use of natural materials—promote a calming environment.
As sustainability becomes a growing priority in wellness design, the ODU center also embraces environmentally friendly practices, with energy-efficient systems and green building strategies that reflect the university’s commitment to health, well-being, and environmental stewardship. This project showcases how sustainability and wellness are intertwined, creating a facility that is good for both students and the planet.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wellness-Centered Design
As we continue to explore the intersection of architecture and well-being, the future of student health centers lies in thoughtful, evidence-based design that embraces integration, biophilia, inclusivity, and sustainability. The trends highlighted in Designing for Health + Wellness will continue to shape how we approach the design of campus environments, ensuring that future spaces not only meet the physical needs of students but also nourish their mental, emotional, and social health.
VMDO’s projects, including the University of Richmond, University of Virginia, and Old Dominion University wellness centers, exemplify this new era of student-centered design—where architecture becomes a tool for creating environments that foster holistic wellness, enhance student success, and build stronger campus communities.
Learn more about Designing for Health + Wellness here.
