Designing for well-being – creating educational spaces that nurture and inspire

Here are the factors that Taryn considers when she approaches educational spaces that need to be functional while also supporting well-being.

1. The power of natural light

Natural light is more than an aesthetic choice, it’s a critical component of health and cognitive function. Studies have repeatedly shown that exposure to daylight improves mood, sleep, and productivity. A 2013 study by the University of Illinois found that students in classrooms with more daylight scored up to 25% higher on standardised tests than those in artificially lit rooms.

In the UK, a report by the Department for Education on Building Bulletins 90 and 93 supports this, stating that access to daylight is essential for concentration and comfort in learning environments.

Taryn says:  “Whenever possible, we maximise window space, particularly in communal areas like libraries and lounges so that students can access natural views. It’s about regulating the nervous system and promoting relaxation. Even older buildings can benefit from careful light studies and smart space planning to ensure screens aren’t battling glare and students aren’t squinting in the sun.”

2. Biophilic design –  bringing nature indoors

Biophilia, the concept that humans thrive when connected with nature, has emerged as a core principle in wellness-focused design. From living walls to natural textures and even high-quality faux plants, biophilic elements improve mental clarity, lower stress, and enhance creativity.

A UK study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that the presence of indoor plants significantly reduced physiological stress in students, even after just a few minutes of exposure.

“We try to include natural materials like timber, earthy colour palettes, and curves in our designs,” says Taryn. “Even if the building’s windows don’t offer leafy views, we can integrate large-scale nature graphics or moss walls that require little to no maintenance. They’ve become incredibly sophisticated in recent years.”

At Bridgend College, for instance, expansive nature-themed wall graphics give students the sense of being surrounded by green space, even if they’re not.

3. Acoustics – the often overlooked component

In educational spaces, excessive noise isn’t just annoying, it can be detrimental. Poor acoustics are linked to increased stress levels and decreased attention spans, particularly for neurodiverse students.

The UK’s Building Bulletin 93 (Acoustic Design of Schools) mandates maximum decibel levels and reverberation times for various types of learning spaces. But Taryn argues that good design should go beyond compliance.

“Acoustic panels, carpeting, and isolated noisy zones like cafeterias or gyms, are critical. Even introducing calming, ambient sounds like water features can promote a sense of peace without feeling contrived,” she explains.

4. Designing for autonomy and flexibility

One of the most exciting shifts in school design is the move toward flexible, student-led learning environments. Rather than forcing every student into a rigid setup, modern classrooms offer choices, like bean bags, quiet zones, standing desks, or group collaboration pods.

“There’s a huge sense of empowerment when students can choose where and how to work,” says Taryn. “It mirrors the shift we’ve seen in office design. Why not apply the same respect for autonomy to children?”

Scandinavian and Japanese schools, often cited as global leaders in educational design, exemplify this approach with open-plan classrooms, modular furniture, and a focus on student agency.

5. Colour psychology and texture –  bigger than aesthetics

Colour schemes have a profound psychological impact. Blues and greens tend to promote calm, while warmer hues like yellows and oranges stimulate energy and conversation. Even texture plays a role, soft furnishings signal comfort and care, while harsh, institutional materials can feel alienating.

“I came from a hospitality background,” Taryn explains. “So I think about the user journey, just like I would if I were designing a hotel. What should a student feel when they enter a dormitory for the first time? What will make this space feel safe, homely, and inviting?”

In many Pinnacle projects, this means swapping fluorescent lights for warm wall sconces, replacing plastic chairs with upholstered options, and ensuring every space has a sense of visual warmth.

6. Clean air and healthy materials

Modern schools must also contend with the invisible: air quality and material toxicity. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), often found in paints and synthetic furnishings, have been linked to headaches, fatigue, and long-term health risks.

The UK’s Healthy Schools initiative promotes the use of low-VOC materials and robust HVAC systems that ensure proper ventilation. “We’re big on clean air,” says Taryn. “Where possible, we include openable windows for natural ventilation and make conscious choices around materials. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about health.”

7. Wayfinding, sight lines, and spatial safety

Navigating a school building should be intuitive, particularly for young children or those with additional needs. Taryn highlights that clear signage, logical layouts, and open-sight lines aren’t just practical; they’re essential for emotional safety.

“Imagine sending someone to an airport with no signs. That’s how some older schools feel. Wayfinding should be as thoughtfully designed as the spaces themselves,” she says. “Plus, good sight lines enhance safeguarding. Glass partitions and open group areas allow supervision without intrusion.”

8. Emotional resonance –  how spaces feel matters

Ultimately, design is about emotion. We’ve all entered a room that felt off whether it be due to poor lighting, institutional decor or poor air quality.

Spaces like East Calder Primary or Nord Anglia Sixth Form, both successful Pinnacle projects,  feel like the polar opposite, filled with light, warmth, and zones for socialisation, solitude, and everything in between. “You want kids to feel proud of their school,” Taryn insists. “It changes how they behave. One bursar told us that after a common room redesign, the graffiti stopped and the students became much calmer.”

9. Preparing for the real world

Many well-designed sixth-form areas mimic professional environments complete with study booths, kitchenettes, and lounge zones. “It’s about preparing students for university and the workplace,” says Taryn. “These environments signal, ‘You’re capable. You’re trusted.’ And they rise to that.”

This shift reflects a broader cultural movement. We no longer accept that children must suffer cold, angular, punitive spaces to build character.  Instead, we see them as humans worthy of good design and trust that the environments we create help shape who they become.

Final thoughts

Designing for well-being isn’t a trend, it’s a transformation. It’s about moving from control to care, from conformity to creativity. With leaders like Taryn at the helm, the future of educational spaces looks not only more beautiful but far more humane.