Conducive Student Accommodation Hall-The Basic Needs
1.
Introduction
The accommodation hall is an integral part of the university and has significant
implications in ensuring the whole-round development of the student. Knowing
the importance of the accommodation hall, the design needs to fulfill every
need of the students. This report will address how building designs can address
students’ cerebral, mental, health, and emotional needs for whole-round
development.
2.
Room
The interior design
of the room has a greater impact on the student’s mental health and well-being.
For that reason, designers must ensure adequate ICT facilities, proper
ventilation, effective acoustical conditions, and proper lighting facilities
inclusive of natural and artificial light.
2.1 Information and communication technologies and Wi-Fi connection
Information and communication technology (ICT) is the academic hub in the
contemporary world and the introduction of artificial intelligence has become
learning easy. The modern design needs adequate Wi-Fi connectivity since
students can do online exploration for research, assignment, and presentation.
As per the study done by Apuke and Iyendo (2018), about 89.6 percent of
students use the Internet for learning purposes. Additionally, Vega-Hernandez
et al., (2018) further support that ICT helps to watch academic-related videos
and read online journals which will enhance academic learning besides getting
prepared for work. Besides boosting academic knowledge, it fosters collaborative
work, virtual socialization, and ease to share content (Duţa &
Martínez-Rivera, 2015). Digital learning has become convenient and
available with adequate online and offline resources for academic progression.
It is wise to make Information Communication Technology facilities accessible
with a strong Wi-Fi connection in student rooms.
2.2 Room acoustics
A design needs to
incorporate effective acoustical conditions to block external and internal
noises to avoid any health-related issues. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (2022) claims that “Loud noise above 120 decibels (dB) can cause immediate harm
to your ears”. Moreover, the research done by Leung and Fund (as cited AI-Taee &
Sulaiman, 2021) supports that extreme noise leads to health issues such as a
rise in blood pressure and loss of hearing besides affecting psychological
well-being. The World Health Organization (2010), “Recommends less
than 30 A-weighted decibels (dB(A)) in bedrooms during the night for sound
sleep and less than 40 dB(A) outside bedrooms to prevent adverse health effects
from night noise”. Architects must have provisions for acoustic insulation
batts to provide a home-like environment to study, sleep, rest, and prevent
hearing impediments and health issues.
2.3 Ventilation
Proper ventilation
ensures quality air for breathing and healthy life by balancing the inflow and
outflow of the air either through natural or hybrid ventilation. The United
States Environmental Protection Agency (n. d) states that proper ventilation
with outdoor air reduces air pollutants and removes viruses in the rooms before
falling out of the air. Moreover, proper ventilation enhances lung functions
and reduces the risk of getting asthma and allergies (Wargocki, 2013). An
expert on building in the Danish Council on Climate Change Heidelberg (2002),
supports that hybrid ventilation-a combination of natural and mechanical
systems is effective to ventilate rooms since it functions depending on
different seasons and times creating an enabling indoor environment. The
designer needs to ensure possible natural ventilation wherever necessary and ensure
provisions for hybrid ventilation for students’ well-being.
2.3 Room Lighting
The interior room has to receive adequate daylight with proper artificial
lighting in all dimensions to enhance mental well-being. According to Gilavand
et al. (2016), daylight has a considerable influence on persons’ remembrances
and regulates room temperature. Additionally, Edwards and Torcellini (2002)
further support that, “Daylighting is associated with improved mood, enhanced
morale, lower fatigue, and reduced eye strain”. Apart from natural light, the
rooms need adequate artificial lighting. The study done by Sholanke and Elendu
(2021) states that artificial lighting not only navigates, beautifies,
and delineates the room but also boosts psychological. However, inadequate
lighting has negative implications on health. The study done by Boyce (as cited
in Al-Taee,
& Sulaiman, 2021), found that there are certain health issues caused
by inadequate or extreme lighting such as dry eye, eye irritation, allergic
reaction, and headaches. Having known for the considerable health benefits of
the students, the architect must ensure that the room receives adequate
sunlight with the proper artificial lighting system.
3. Indoor games
There should be provision for common indoor leisure physical activity
owing to invaluable health and mental well-being. The study done by Patterson
et al. (2017) claims that after eight weeks of badminton training the heart
rate reduces to fifteen beats per minute(bpm) both at rest and on average running
indicating improved cardiac fitness. In the study done by Zhao et al. (as
cited in Cabello-Manrique
et al., 2022) claim that there is a reduction in depression and anxiety level
besides improving self-esteem in teenagers after twenty weeks of playing
badminton.
4. Landscaping
Apart from concrete
designs, landscaping the surrounding area is another important element of
design. The grassland and flower gardens have both psychological and emotional
impacts. Liprini and Coetzee (2017) claim that green areas help to refresh from
mental fatigue, stress and ensure a healthy life. Hami and Abdi, (2O21)
further support that the pleasant green space ensures a suitable area for
leisure and academic purposes besides enhancing mental well-being by reducing
stress, anger, and mental fatigue. In addition, the Attention Restoration
Theory of Stephen Kaplan and Rachel and, the Stress Reduction Theory of Roger
Ulrich support the significant benefit of nature on humans where both theories
state that exposure to a green environment improves concentration and reduces
stress and mental fatigue (Sullivan, 2014). The designers need to include green
areas within the school campus to enhance students’ spiritual and emotional
well-being.
5.
Conclusion
The accommodation
hall has a significant positive impact on the overall well-being of the
students since most of their time is spent there. Ensuring inclusive design not
only enhances cerebral development but also fosters the mental, emotional, and mental
well-being of the students. Designers need to adhere to the aforementioned
elements while designing accommodation halls for the overall well-being of the
students.
Reference
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