Putting Student Well being at the Forefront

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Student mental health is a topic receiving increasing publicity in recent times and with good reason, with 1 in 4 students suffering from mental health issues at some point in their academic lives. Research and investigation into the topic as well as into Strathclyde University’s mental health services guided me to a vision of using the heart of the campus, Rottenrow Gardens, as a student retreat, primarily aimed at those students that are living in close proximity to the campus.

By integrating the 5 aspects of well-being (to connect, keep learning, be active, give and take notice) into the different zones on the site, the aim is that this would improve the general well-being of students on campus and provide a student hub. By preserving free space that is currently used and encouraging activity and use of the neglected areas of the site, I aim to intensify the use of this key green space lying at the heart of the campus. Nature is key to well-being and by increasing the use of the garden and integrating relevant functions whilst retaining the amount of green footprint would help to improve the student experience and create a much needed sanctuary from the daily stresses of education.